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 or a single efficient functional operation. Today architecture is expected to work with a layered context of cultural, economic, historic, social, ecological and political systems. Architecture projects are no longer independent self-sufficient entities but as 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 with in ecological systems requires modeling the resources consumption, while understanding local social and cultural context can influence how a design is used and perceived. Economic consequences on the cost side, are not limited to construction costs, but also forecast operational cost models, energy consumption, and staffing requirements. Further public projects are expected to contribute to economic development as well as the quality of civic life. Resolving these complex structural relationships demands cohesive integration of variables based on thorough research, a breadth of team expertise and a balanced approach to design objectives. Our studio work 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 context, architecture has a unique power to intensify our connection to a place. Through creative collaboration with our engineering and construction teams, we provide integrated building systems that achieve greater effectiveness, efficiency and durability. Synergies are achieved among building systems that advance our architecture’s sustainable performance as well as addressing creative systems that reduce energy consumption.

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