Elements of Design
Building Models is Serious Business
The Timeless Value of Physical Models in Architectural Design Our industry is constantly evolving. From AI-assisted software to advanced BIM modeling, today’s architects and designers spend more time in front of computer screens than at drafting tables or in workshops. However, no matter how advanced technology becomes, it will never replace the beauty, clarity, and…
Read MorePerch & Hollow Residence Progress
This month we are excited to see the progress of the Perch & Hollow residence, a modern house designed to capture the views to the natural wooded surrounding landscape through a cantilevered living space, wrapped entirely in glazing. The opened motorized windows will enhance this experience by allowing the occupants to have unencumbered access to…
Read MoreWhat a Transit Oriented Community Means for New Haven
Summarizing Recent Developments at Union Station In collaboration with the New Haven Parking Authority, Patriquin Architects has assisted in rezoning Union Station and its surrounding lots into a Transit Oriented Community or TOC, marking a significant shift towards car-free living in New Haven. At a recent meeting, Alders voted unanimously to create this new…
Read More2030 Commitment: Prioritizing the Environment in Our Practice
The built environment is responsible for approximately 40% of the world’s carbon emissions. That’s a sobering statistic—especially for those of us in the AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) community. Needless to say, we can’t simply halt all design and construction activities. But we certainly aren’t powerless when it comes to the climate crisis. In fact,…
Read MoreClassic Forms, Modern Functions. How to Find the Right Balance in Design
Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the United States of America—better known simply as the Girl Scouts—is an organization steeped in tradition. Whether you were a scout, know someone who was or is now, or simply are familiar with the organization, you have to admire their long history of helping girls grow, thrive, and improve…
Read MoreHow Unusual Design Collaborations Can Deliver Great Results
Every architectural design project we take on involves collaboration to some degree. At a minimum, we work with the property owner to develop the design, and in many cases, either the owner or our team brings in one or more additional experts. This most typically includes structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineers – often shortened…
Read MoreThe General’s Residences – A New Model for Multi-Family Living
A local builder and developer approached us to develop a conceptual design for a 9-unit, market-rate multi-family housing project in nearby Madison, CT. His vision was to preserve and restore an existing historic home (the “General’s Residence“) on the property, while building 6 new detached single-family units, and two 4-car garages with apartment units above.…
Read MoreHow Your Architecture Firm Can Help with Community Engagement
In many cases, it takes more than an excellent design and quality construction for a new-build or renovation project to succeed. Sometimes success hinges on the owner’s ability to obtain funds or secure support from people who will benefit from or be affected by the project. In those instances, a project may require a community…
Read MoreRoìa Renovation: How We Highlighted Beautiful Hidden Features
One of our areas of expertise is the careful handling of historic structure rehabilitation projects. Designing spaces that have modern functionality and accessibility but also retain key features that help tell their story is no easy task. It requires research into the building’s history, exploratory demolition in many cases, and a knack for the best way…
Read MoreExploratory Demolition: What Is It and What Does It Uncover?
When you’re talking about a building renovation and you hear the word “demolition,” you probably picture crews wielding crowbars and jackhammers with reckless abandon. Sometimes, however, the initial stage of a renovation project calls for a lighter touch. Exploratory demolition, or partial demolition, is used when there are elements in an existing building that need…
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