We believe every project is unique and calls for its own problem solving. But while we avoid subscribing to any specific architectural doctrine, there are three tenets to our approach that help guide our thinking and our creativity.
FIRST, TRY TO
USE WHAT’S
ALREADY THERE.
Adaptive reuse of
existing buildings.
Mark grew up renovating an old 1890 historic home with his family on the outskirts of St. Louis, Missouri. The historic buildings of St. Louis, and particularly the messy renovation problems of older structures, captured his imagination and ultimately led him to architecture.
Often, the greenest building is the one that’s already there — which is why so much of our work focuses on adaptive reuse of existing structures.
ACTIVE DESIGN.
Make buidings and
cities that discourage
sedentary lifestyles.
In the 21st Century, physical inactivity and unhealthy diet are second only to tobacco as the main causes of premature death in the United States. Most people spend as much as 90 percent of their days indoors, often engaged in sedentary occupations.
Active design encourages stair climbing, walking, bicycling, transit use, active recreation and healthy eating. Designers have an essential role in addressing the rapidly growing epidemics of obesity and related chronic diseases, especially in light of mounting scientific evidence demonstrating the impact of environmental design on physical activity and healthy lifestyles.
QUIET ARCHITECTURE.
Great design should
never say look at me.
It should say look at this.
Rather than shouting about its own self-importance, we think that compelling architectural spaces should receive a person and enable them to experience it, but should not constantly demand their attention.
We aim to create thoughtfully-considered buildings and spaces that have inherent dignity, integrity and humility. Our best projects tell enriching stories of the client’s vision and the project’s unique time and place.