Working with Artists & Craftspeople
Working with artists and craftspeople is integral to what we do. In some cases, the architecture becomes the vessel that supports specific art installations. In others, the architecture and art are formed together to create a seamless spatial experience. In nearly all our projects, we work with craftspeople to fabricate specific architectural elements so that the detail of the work relates directly to the larger expression. Examples of this work include cast or slumped glass elements, metal fabrications, custom furniture and textile arts.
Thursday Night Crits
Every Thursday at 5:00pm, we get together for an all-office “crit.” The intent of these discussions is to make every project in our office the best it can be—to put the collective genius of the office to work. Over food and drink, a project is presented and discussed. The free flow of ideas consistently makes our projects better, and opens up lively discussions about design and how we see the world. This forum is also a great way to connect with each other on a regular basis, and to celebrate peoples’ achievements.
Community Involvement
Our commitment to community extends to a wide range of activities. We have an employer match program that helps support several non-profit organizations. We donate many hours every year in service to our community. Each of the principals is active in our community through service on boards and through the donation of expertise. In 2003, we completed a ten-house development for Habitat for Humanity, which included contributions of our time in the design phase as well as during construction, with hammers and saws.
Sustainable Design
Our approach to sustainable design is rooted in the considerations that have always guided good design: the essential nature of the site itself, the arrangement and location of buildings relative to topography and solar orientation, and the choices of building systems and material palette. This common-sense approach has resulted in several sustainable design awards. Members of our firm have also participated in international sustainability design tours to keep us up to date with advancements made worldwide. We are working on several LEED projects, ranging from a 40-story downtown mixed-use tower to a regional art & children’s museum. We also have several residential projects which will be completely off-the-grid.
Visiting Lecture Series
Every week starts with an all-office meeting and our visiting speaker series—a program inspired by the power of cross-fertilization. Individuals who excel in disciplines other than architecture come and share with us what they do. Over the years, we have had presentations by local and internationally recognized artists, craftspeople, filmmakers, environmentalists and one exotic dancer.
Out & About
Partners, principals and staff alike are actively engaged in our community as well as the broader architectural community. Lecturing, serving as visiting critics, and touring the world are just a few of the things we do to inform ourselves about our world and to share what we have learned.
