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Built in the 1950’s, the original Museum’s size doubled when gallery and studio additions designed by Walter Gropius with The Architect’s Collaborative were added in 1968. In 2008, a private endowment provided funding specifically for an addition to display the Museum’s collection of works on paper and to provide an expansion of the vault.

Completed in 2011, the new gallery addition wraps around the base of a Gropius-designed clerestory light monitor form.  To take advantage of the view of the courtyard and Gropius Studios beyond, a skewed window breaks from the rigid form and focuses the view. Because of strict light exposure restrictions for works on paper, an anteroom is formed around the window to help block direct daylight into the gallery space.

“You were so easy to work with and totally responsive. I never felt I had to make a decision without having the benefit of your expertise when I needed it. None of that even touches on the splendid design…”
–Margaret Mary Layne, Director, Huntington Museum of Art

In our search for space in which to relocate our growing architectural practice, we discovered a vacant, Mid-Century Modern structure in a central location. Constructed in 1955, the masonry and steel structure was structurally sound but lacking in energy-efficient features. The design focused on insulation of the building envelope and highly efficient system design.  Thanks to the building’s corner site and long, relatively narrow footprint, interior spaces are filled with daylight. Exterior sunshades were added to the second floor windows, along with interior light shelves, to help control sunlight and glare.

Exposed structure and systems contribute to the sense of openness and texture within the main studio space.  The project represents our commitment to our profession, the city in which we practice and the practice of sustainable design. We occupied the building in 2014 and are pursuing LEED Gold certification for the project.

This six-story, one hundred and thirteen year-old structure sat vacant for nearly 20 years before Marshall University purchased it to transform into a new home for the School of Art & Design, their first significant expansion into the downtown.  Presented with a complex program that required more space than was available in the building, we worked closely with faculty to identify critical adjacencies and opportunities for shared space.  The solution creates consistent floor-to-floor patterns, yet elegantly resolves the complex and varied departmental needs.

The design concept was to create an open, modern feeling within the historic structure. Lighting and acoustics were carefully addressed in the design.  Conduit, piping and lighting were organized to minimize visual clutter, and a warm gray color unifies the ceiling plane.  A unique color scheme on each level, reflected in signage and furniture selections, serves as an orienting feature from floor to floor. The result is a hip, sophisticated space with just the right mix of historic elements and modern design.

“You spent many hours listening to what the faculty needed to deliver quality experiences to our students, and you took that information and developed a very comprehensive program.  Your design that came from the program is beautiful and functional, and the Visual Arts Center is a masterpiece.  Our partnership with your firm was a rewarding experience for all of us at Marshall University.  Thank you!”
— Don Van Horn, Dean, Marshall University Visual Arts Center

“From the initial meeting, it was clear you were committed to providing a personalized approach to the design process. Your team took the time to listen to our needs and understand the unique vision we had for the project. You showed a genuine interest in our goals and worked tirelessly to ensure that our needs were met throughout the entire design process.

Your attention to detail was impressive, and you were able to incorporate all of our ideas and requirements into the final design while still maintaining a high level of functionality and aesthetic appeal. Your innovative approach to design created a space that was not only beautiful but also functional and practical. Throughout the project, you remained in close communication with us, providing regular updates and seeking feedback to ensure the design met our expectations. Your commitment to client satisfaction was evident in the final design, which exceeded our expectations in every way.”
— Daniel Kaufman, Program Director, Associate Professor, Photography, Marshall University College of Arts & Media, School of Art & Design

Marshall University’s new School of Pharmacy opened in August 2012. The challenge was to create a state-of-the-art pharmacy program within an existing 1980’s era classroom building. Our firm was the lead architect on the project and we partnered with S/L/A/M Collaborative in Connecticut for programming and schematic design.  The design team provided facility assessment, programming and full design services including interior design & furnishings. The result is an extensive transformation of the first two floors of the four-floor, 69,000 sf building. The lack of access to daylight demanded a new interior environment with a sense of openness in large, flowing spaces that are warm and welcoming. Floors are organized with the primary social/community areas at the heart of the plan.  Glass interior walls provide transparency from the public spaces into classrooms, labs, and skills areas to enhance the sense of community. Strategic use of technology throughout the building creates connectivity and community for students and faculty.  Team-teaching areas, classrooms and common areas all have technology-embedded walls to support the School of Pharmacy’s active learning educational model.

“…speaking for the faculty, staff and students we are very proud of the dynamic educational and research environment… At the end of our first semester with the inaugural class, all of us are enthusiastic about the positive outcomes that are being realized in these new spaces.”
–Dr. Kevin Yingling, Dean, School of Pharmacy, Marshall University