In recent years, design practice has undergone a radical expansion in scope, and therefore in possibilities. Expectations for design performance are no longer confined to a powerful aesthetic experience. Today, architecture operates within a layered context of cultural, economic, historic, social, ecological, and political systems. Our projects are no longer independent entities but elements performing within a complex system of variables. It is within these complex systems that we measure the performance of our design strategies. Understanding the position of a particular site within ecological systems requires more than simple modeling of resource consumption; local social and cultural context can influence how a design is used and perceived, and impacts the design’s economic performance as well. Resolving these complex structural relationships demand cohesive integration of variables based on thorough research, a breadth of team expertise and a balanced approach to design objectives.

Our studio investigates architecture’s capacity to transform experience. Using restraint and minimal means, we pursue the inspired moments architecture can bring to everyday use. Our design process begins with thorough research to support both the pragmatic and the intangible aspirations of our clients, leading to architecture that presents our clients’ ethos and mission. Our work has always performed within a demanding economic context; working within stated cost parameters but also creating new economic possibilities. Grounded within the specifics of each site’s historic, urban, cultural and landscape contexts, architecture has a unique power to intensify our connection to a place. Through creative collaboration with our engineering and construction partners, we provide integrated building systems that achieve greater effectiveness, efficiency and durability. Synergies are achieved among building systems that advance architecture’s sustainable performance as well as addressing creative systems that reduce energy dependence.