Philosophy

We believe IN...

COLLABORATION

The best designs come from client and user participation and  from the free exchange of ideas within the design team and an empowered office staff. We embrace the Charrette methodology -- group workshops -- as a design tool.  It is an exciting,  collaborative and dynamic approach that results in a design  based on a shared vision of everyone involved.

RESPONSIVENESS

Our office culture is rooted in the belief that the partners  are intimately involved in every project.  One of the firm’s  partners will be present at every significant meeting, always be  available by telephone and will participate in every design  decision.  We will demonstrate our ability to listen to our client,  respond in an appropriate manner, participate with enthusiasm  and professionalism, and do what it takes to meet the client’s  needs and expectations.

CONTEXT

Response to context is one of the most powerful drivers of  architectural design.  Our buildings strive to contribute to the  fabric of their surroundings.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

Good design is green design. It is an integral part of our work  with religious, educational, healthcare and community  outreach non-profits.  It is an important component of any  program that promotes social  awareness, and we are  dedicated to helping our clients achieve their missions through  the buildings that they occupy.

We have participated regularly in the Community Design Collaborative, a volunteer organization that offers preliminary design assistance to nonprofit groups and recruits design professionals. Our Lutheran Settlement House effort was awarded the AIA Community Design Award for Design Excellence and our work on the Sacred Places/Civic Spaces initiative won awards from the American Institute of Architects and the Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia.

GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

We are committed to participating in programs that promote  social and environmental responsibility.  We have been an  active participant in the ACE Mentor Program that serves  Philadelphia public high school students who are exploring  careers in Architecture, Construction or Engineering. Many of  our staff members have mentored budding architects on a wide  range of challenging projects.

We are active in our communities, our civic groups and our religious institutions, and we encourage our staff to do the same.