"We believe in being practical dreamers, balancing the visionary with the realistic."

ASG’s design philosophy begins with a question: "For whom do we design?”

Certainly not for architecture critics, other architects, or ourselves. We build for the broader community of our society, which ranges from rich to poor, young to old. In acknowledging this, our fundamental goal is to make meaningful places for human habitation that are inspirational, understandable, and meaningful, for unlike painting and sculpture, which one looks at and walks around, architecture and landscapes must be inhabited.

In making places, whether they are buildings, rooms, corridors, courtyards, or streets, we strive to do so in a way that builds on recollection and invention. That is, designing places that grow from the roots of their context while re-inventing the forms that might reflect that context. In doing so, we strive to create designs that are of their place and time. To do this, we begin with an analysis of the place itself – its history, topography, regional vernacular, etc. Concurrently, we analyze the programs to be accommodated, with the goal of defining reciprocity between built form and the missions of our clients. Lastly, we look at other models in history that might guide us in the creation of places to house clients’ needs.

This analytical approach to place, programs, and precedents creates a foundation - a set of conventions or a language of sorts - that grows from our clients’ culture and the sites they intend to occupy. With a defined set of conventions, we can be creative within a shared context, like using the English language to write a novel or musical notes to develop a symphony. This musical analogy is one we use quite a bit, believing the making of buildings, campuses, and cities relies on being part of an overall composition rather than being an architectural soloist.

We can then be practical dreamers, balancing the visionary with the realistic. We can manipulate light and shadow, materials and building forms, circulation and space, to best reflect the spirit our clients and the sites they will occupy. In doing this, we still believe in the timeless triumvirate of firmness, commodity, and delight. Firmness through designs of substance to withstand the rigors of stylistic changes and the wear and tear of daily use. Commodity through designs that are beautifully functional, ecologically responsible, and environmentally sustainable. Delight through designs that are inspirational, uplifting, and meaningful.

Making places that give joy is, then, our fundamental philosophy, and we greatly appreciate the varied settings in which we work to achieve this goal.