Bigger Projects

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You might have noticed that we are posting design projects that are, how to say it delicately, a bit “fatter”. Yes bigger buildings, we are entering competitions and establishing relationships with other outfits and new types of clients. We are emphasizing more and more the importance and weight that the opportunity to contribute, not only with good design and sustainable practices, but also social purpose, bear with us.

I think I speak for each of us when I say that contributing to our communities is important and a part of our collective vision as professionals and artists. 

We never, ever, want to let go of the little projects (MJ keeps drilling me on how important it is to make thoughtful design available to EVERYONE. You can really see him enamored of every single project at the office, like the little Wimberly cabin that will soon go into construction, 750 sq ft!) But, that said, we are putting a lot of effort lately into landing bigger projects.

They really challenge MJ as a designer, they give us the opportunity to engage the whole of the team, and we feel that we can do service to a greater amount of people at once.

An example of this line of thinking is a project we did a while ago in collaboration with Land Design Studio and Foda Studio, who else:-), for a new school building for American Youth Works. I think it exemplifies the type of work and service I am talking about. Designing places where youth can develop and play, experiment, shine… We do think that built environment affects personal development, potential. Can we help someone soar?

 

The Estonian Academy of Arts Competition

So we didn’t place. All of us were really hoping for at least a placement (like the Honorable Mention at the Memphis River Front) after all the hard work… but no dice.

During the two months of work preparing this entry (with all nine boards and two physical models) we were lucky to have the much appreciated collaboration and support of DJ Perkison, Jett Butler and his team at FÖDA Studio (see his post on the entries) and Armando Araiza.

The other usual suspects, Reese Schroeder and Chris Hill couldn’t be a part of this one, but they are a part of this incredible team that support us and that we are so grateful for.

Slow Home Posts Slow Ramp

The Slow Home editor, John Brown, has posted a third project of ours, the Ramp House

I really like seeing the Ramp House on the screen, makes me feel nostalgic, though… I just remembered that I have some footage on HD of our last days at the Ramp House, I need to dig it out and make a small video… in all my spare time, right… but it really would be nice, if a bit painful.

 

From Ramp House

Stockholm Sketches

Another entry about competitions. These were some of MJ’s sketches for the Stockholm Library CompetitionWe couldn’t get this one in on time, but working with DJ is always fun!

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Slow… Home

We’re featured on the slow home. blog/site. A wonderful site dedicated to real architecture. The idea was inspired by the slow food movement. Another worthy and timely cause to check into.

Check out their principles. we subscribe to everysingle one of them. Let’s make a difference!

FODA Wins Addy!

FODA STUDIO has put up a segment on the stunning design they did for the Moon Units ad for Tribeza.

Their BIG NEWS, though, is that they WON TWO ADDY AWARDS last night! A gold medal and a Best of Show for direct Marketing and Printing Excellence. Well, we’ve know for years they are the best talent in town and beyond but our little secret is really out now that they are running with the big dogs… They SO deserve it, we’ve been telling ya… Just hoping they don’t get too big for us, now!!!

FODA STUDIO FOREVER CONGRATS JETT!!!!!

Becoming

“Human beings can be divided into two tendencies. The large majority remain locked in the past. They produce nothing but imitation and degradation of what they imitate. The others, a minority, are fully involved in an effort to understand the present-to prepare for tomorrow and reveal it.”

Andre’ Wogenscky
from Le Corbusier’s Hands

Goofy Looks

The masterminds and muscle behind the Moon Units hard at thinking. MJ, Paul Autrey (obviously quite the longhorn fan) with Rick, his brother, in the cap and Charlie, one of the superintendents, in the cowboy hat. Dentrey Builders are in charge of this project construction. You guys go!!!