We believe that Architecture is a means of expressing thought through the language of space, light, tectonics and phenomenon. In our work we strive to use a language of Architecture to express ideas and concepts that are relevant to our clients, their needs and programs.

We are firm believers in process as the means for achieving successful Architecture. Our architects work closely with clients and end-users to ensure a design process that is disciplined and relevant to program and budget. We believe that buildings are not static structures but living creations that adapt over time and are required to cooperate within their context and ecosystem.

The concepts of dualism and the dialectic process are frequently found in the work created by our studio. We find the dialectic to be a frequent if not universal component in Western Thought and the practice of Architecture. Where others see irreconcilable differences in managing this dialectic and attempt to eliminate it at the onset through prioritizing or subtractive-abstraction, we at Studio27 Architecture believe that there are opportunities available in maintaining a dialectic, or exchange of logical arguments, throughout the process and the work. Opportunities to evaluate competing ideas are fundamental as a rigor to discipline the process. The energy generated from these competing ideas can be used to fuel the work and propel it forward. This type of process can advance Architecture beyond apparent boundaries to a final state that is far richer than any original conception. Besides a connection in time, the common integer amongst the projects illustrated in this website should be the competition of ideas within the work, a dialectic of architecture.
 
As mentioned above, we believe establishing the concept of dualism and engaging in the dialectic process is fundamental to Western Thought. Drawing examples from classical Greek Philosophy (Plato’s ideals vs. Aristotle’s classifications) to Twentieth-Century Economics (Government Regulation vs. Free Markets), Western Culture and Thought have manifested themselves in an on-going debate of often-tense passion between competing ideas. It has led to the widespread use of the “Scientific-method” and rapid technological advances. It has led also to the growth of a pragmatic culture that adapts readily to a changed and changing environment.

On the negative side, the acceptance of dualism has at times allowed Western Culture to develop a disconnect between self and ecosystem and between process and product. We are aware of this potential divergence and work to keep our method and concepts hinged and relevant to our clients’ needs and programs

The term “Sustainable Design” has emerged in the later quarter of the twentieth century to define a process that recognizes the finite nature of natural resources and the need to conserve expenditure. But sustainable design has always been a component of the artistic process. Some groups now quantify it as a means to connect with an economic model, but as an expression of logic and efficiency, we believe sustainable design has always been essential to purposeful Architecture.
 
Perhaps because we work a block from the White House in Washington DC, we are always keenly aware of what it means to live in America. The historical context of being an American is visible in the work of the studio. While there is truth to the accepted narrative that America has always been more pragmatically driven than intellectually inspired, it is also true that no nation has more readily and completely adopted the process of the dialectic in Western Thought than the United States. In no other country in time has technology advanced more rapidly, economic cycles spun as quickly, and population demographics shifted as easily as they have in modern America.

It has been said that to become an American is a process which resembles a conversion. It is not so much a new country that one adopts as a new creed. In all Americans can be discerned some of the traits of those who have, at one time or another, abandoned an ancient faith for a new one.

At Studio27Architecture we believe that is essential for architects to bring this same abandonment of tired preconceptions and adoption of new pragmatic ideals to their work. We strive to develop a broad understanding of our place in time and to use process to create meaningful work in the language of architecture.