The site

Sites will tell us everything. How big, small, or how tall the building should be. What materials will look nice and if they get along with other buildings. Where the building wants to sit. When the building is built, it will develop its own characters. Each wall and surface reflects light differently creating its own shade. No surface is the same. They will age differently collecting trace of time and creating millions of stories.

Program/Requirements

A program is a set of requirements provided by the client, outlining what should be explored during the design phase and the expected final outcome. Initially, it includes the intended use, dimensions, constraints, and other critical factors. However, the program is rarely complete at the outset. Through a collaborative process of discussions, sketches, models, and research, the program is refined and polished into clear project goals. This iterative back-and-forth is essential to ensuring the project aligns with needs and aspirations.

Perspectives

Some renderings are carefully crafted for presentations, but most are part of the planning process, as we now work with plans built in three dimensions. These renderings don’t just show how the structure will look—they also help us spot potential issues early. While they complement physical models, digital models enable further exploration, incorporating details like fixtures and fine textures. As the project progresses, these renderings naturally evolve into drawings used for construction and fabrication.

Mock-Ups

Making mock-ups in-house is how we learn about materials and how things come together. These models help us figure out the best ways to build and become the foundation for accurate documentation. They’re also great tools for communication during construction, helping everyone understand the design and how it all fits together.

Building Science

Building designs evolve through a series of thoughtful decisions tailored to the unique needs and requirements of each project. How a building stands, why it moves, when moisture in the air becomes an issue, why making a building airtight matters, what the risks are, how to design a structure that integrates seamlessly with its mechanical system, and how to calculate its carbon footprint are all critical considerations. Architects collaborate closely with engineers to ask the right questions and develop solutions that work best for the project.

Construction

The entire process is about building and making. It is the most revealing moment of the project because this is when spaces emerge, casting their first shadows. The drawings are brought to life by carpenters and tradespeople, whose hands translate concepts into reality. Architects and engineers remain an integral part of this process, serving as translators between vision and craftsmanship.