Designing places that Belong
Vision Through Master Planning
Our designs capture the essence of each setting where we work. As a collective of architects and interior designers, we create designs that are intrinsically rooted in place and responsive to local conditions and traditions. This place-based approach guides us in our quest to build responsibly, design artfully, and harness that which is eternal: climate, context, and nature’s patterns and rhythms. Equal parts pragmatic and poetic, our work intentionally complements the diversity of our landscapes and the richness of our daily lives. Through this process, we foster a deep sense of community, creating spaces where people feel connected to their surroundings and to each other.
We see master planning as an opportunity to create a cohesive ecosystem, not just a collection of buildings. Our team of architects, landscape architects, and interior designers takes a holistic approach from day one, whether we're planning a 1,000-acre development or a single waterfront garden.
Curiosity, technology, and ingenuity are at the heart of our work.
Our master planning is a three-act process:
Curiosity: We start by asking what a site wants to be. We go beyond blueprints, investigating a place's ecology, history, and community to find its unique essence.
Technology: Next, we use advanced tools to model and analyze the site. We run simulations to make smart, data-driven decisions about everything from energy efficiency to stormwater management.
Ingenuity: The final step is where we synthesize our findings into an innovative and beautiful plan. This is where we create multi-functional solutions, finding unexpected ways to connect a community garden to a storm drain or a facade that provides both shade and power. Our goal is a seamless, integrated environment that is both resilient and a story of the place itself.
Our Process
It all starts with listening. We sit down with our clients, not just to hear their words, but to truly understand their vision. We want to know their goals, their dreams, and the unique story of their site. Is it a sprawling campus, a new community hub, or a place where people will come to live and thrive? This is where the foundation is laid.
Next, our architects and landscape architects get to work, but not in separate offices. They collaborate from the very first sketch, ensuring that the buildings and the green spaces are designed as one. We believe that a structure is only as strong as its connection to the land around it. A building’s windows shouldn’t just look out; they should invite the outside in. We craft a comprehensive master plan that seamlessly weaves together structures, gardens, and community areas. Our design studios, each led by Devin Kimmel, work in unison to bring this vision to life.
At the same time, our interior designers are hard at work, making sure that the flow from inside to outside is effortless. They select materials and design spaces that reflect the natural beauty of the surroundings, ensuring that whether you are inside or out, you feel a deep connection to the place. This isn't about simply decorating a room; it's about creating an experience that is both beautiful and functional.
This collaborative approach allows us to transform a site into something more than just a place with buildings. It becomes a lasting legacy, a vibrant destination that is both sustainable and deeply connected to its environment. We don't just build structures; we create a sense of place that endures.
Clarity, Craft, Context
Clarity in master planning ensures a building is easy to understand, both in its purpose and its physical form. This means the design has a logical layout and a transparent relationship between its function and its physical structure, creating a sense of order for those who experience the space.
Craft is the skill and care put into a building's construction. It involves a deep appreciation for materials and how they are put together, from large structural systems to fine details. This focus on craft results in a durable, high-quality, and timeless building.
Context means a building is designed with a deep understanding of its surroundings. This goes beyond visual harmony and involves analyzing the site's climate, history, and culture. A contextual building responds to its environment and community, becoming a valuable and harmonious part of its surroundings.
