Our studio

Having practiced Architecture in Germany, Sweden and the US, our vision is to combine Scandinavian simplicity and modesty with German efficiency and American playfulness. As a small practice with a broad network of collaborators, we can dedicate our full attention to your project. At our studio we believe in the benefits of a thorough and iterative design process that engages clients, users and other stakeholders. The goal is to create timeless designs, that are beautiful, practical and resourceful. We take budgets and schedules seriously – it’s a creative challenge, not a burden.

We specialize in small scale residential, hospitality and office projects.

Our values

We are a value-driven practice. In order to unfold the best potential of any project, we seek to collaborate with clients that share our values.

-Mindful: We are sensitive to the needs of our clients, users and other stakeholders. We acknowledge that all projects have impact on the environment they are located in, and beyond. We respect the urban, natural and social context of our projects, we strive for harmony and appropriateness. We seek to design spaces of calm simplicity that breathe a sense of belonging. Our work connects culture with nature.

-Modesty & Simplicity: We value functionalism and simple, but warm minimalist aesthetics. We prefer natural and authentic materials that nourish all senses. We integrate the basic elements of architecture, such as unity, balance, hierarchy, scale, dominance, contrast and similarity, rhythm and repetition. 

-Sustainability: Each project is unique, and so is the approach to sustainability. Sustainability can mean integrating the newest energy efficient technologies. It can also mean to reduce the square footage to what really is needed, to repair and reuse material, to source locally or using as many natural materials as possible. It can mean integrating passive design strategies, such as solar heating, natural ventilation or thermal mass. Or choosing better craftsmanship and simple, robust details that may contribute to our buildings lasting longer. Designing with flexibility in mind allows refinement or adaptation of the building over time instead of replacing it with a completely new structure. 

-Egalitarianism & Respect: We try to balance different needs of stakeholders of our projects.. Our communication with each other is fair, collaborative and constructive. We value different opinions and perspectives. We strive to do our part to contribute to a more diverse and equal society. We want to foster meaningful relationships. Last, but not least, we want to have fun with you as a client in the process!

The process

We value and ask for the input and vision of our clients. Our collaborative approach is to listen, extract and interpret to come to thoughtful solutions together as a team with our clients, consultants, contractors and the local community. We strive to create a smooth, enjoyable and engaging design process with our clients. We use traditional architectural design tools like sketching and model making, but also more experimental methods like design thinking workshops, field observations, interviews, surveys, mock-ups, study trips and virtual reality.

The design phases

There are typically 5 Design Phases: Schematic Design, Design Development, Contract Documents, Bidding, Contract Administration.

During the Schematic design we start with a thorough analysis, using different techniques. This can be observations in the field, documented by photos or video, interviews with stakeholders, workshops, market research or by “trying-it-out”. This is followed by first concepts based on the client goals and visions, the program and the context (features of the site, the neighborhood and local community, climate conditions, views, orientation, legal and code requirements). For the presentation, we will use sketches, collages, diagrams, massing models, images, videos or rough prototypes to discuss ideas and concepts. These will be refined further in an iterative process, finally resulting in basic floor plans, sections and elevations. A rough cost estimate will be provided.

After client approval the design will be refined further during design development. Mechanical and structural systems will be defined as well as interior finishes outlined. We will also provide a rough cost estimate.

Based on the approved design, permitting and construction documents will be prepared. This package will include specifications and will be used to go get bids from contractors. A cost estimate will be provided by us to check with budget requirements before it gets out for bidding. 

At the bidding and negotiation phase contractors will submit their bids, and the owner will select the general contractor for the project. We architects will give advice in this process.

After permits are acquired and a contractor is assigned, the project can go under construction. During construction administration we will ensure that the design intent and quality expressed in the contract documents is achieved. We will also be there if conflicts or unexpected conditions in the field arise. We can make adjustments to the design and/or refine details as requested by the client. Sometimes design decisions have been postponed until the construction phase to visualize and experience the actual space. This can be easily accommodated when we as architects are involved until the project is completed. 

Fees

We tailor our scope of services to your individual needs. Our architectural fees depend on project size, quality and scope, but are typically between 10-15% of construction costs. For very small projects we typically charge hourly. We are also open to unconventional fee arrangements.

License

We are licensed to practice Architecture in Germany and California.