Architecture exists all around us, and depending on
how it is executed, it has the potential
to influence the way we interact with the
environment, the community, and the world at large.
Now more than ever before, buildings are being
designed to engage with Earth and its inhabitants
in a holistic and symbiotic way. Listed in
no particular order, the following are some forward-thinking
firms that create structures and spaces that are
useful not only for our generation, but for
those to come.
Frederick Fisher and Partners starts the list off
at # 1 This firm is passionate about
creating spaces that contribute to the arts education
living, and working sectors. Founded in Los Angeles,
and also practicing in New York, its professional
team brings an enthusiasm for light space, and
art integration to commercial cultural, and residential projects
around the globe.
This group's practice and philosophy are focused on
four pillars process context function, and aesthetics. Its
work is influenced by historical and cultural references,
local context, projected use, and integrated technology, with
an aim of incorporating a sense of environmental
stewardship into every project.
The # 2 spot goes to PWP Landscape
Architecture. Under the leadership of Peter Walker, this
firm has developed a design practice that responds
to, as well as influences, its environment. For
over 30 years, its partners associates, and staff
have brought a range of interests and expertise
together around their shared ambition to create legible
beautiful, and enduring places.
PWP's mission is to construct landscapes that refine
engage, and sustain both nature and culture. The
company's design process combines historical context with contemporary
innovations in technology. To address the challenges of
each project, and to push boundaries, the team
interchanges with clients architects, and a diverse group
of consultants to produce unique landscape architecture solutions.
Moving on, Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects is #
3 on the list. Located in San Francisco,
it is the 2017 National AIA Architecture Firm
Award recipient. The professionals at this firm are
devoted to the creation of innovative mission-driven, and
sustainable architecture that leads the way to a
just healthy, and regenerative future for all.
LMSA works on a variety of social and
environmental projects that include but are not limited
to affordable and special needs housing, educational institutions,
adaptive re-use spaces, and historic rehabilitation. Through the
application of appropriate materials, building technologies, and renewable
energy resources, this firm provides its clients with
spaces that promote eco-literacy and foster environmental stewardship
on a daily basis.
Next, at # 4 Architectural Resources Group was
founded in 19 80 and since then, has
developed into a community of architects planners, and
conservators who believe in the value that history
adds to modern life. The company's work goes
beyond the design of iconic buildings, as it
was the first firm of its kind to
have an in-house laboratory, and to integrate architectural
conservation into the practice of historic preservation.
Headquartered in San Francisco, ARG has additional offices
in Los Angeles, California and Portland Oregon. In
2006, the American Institute of Architects California Council
awarded ARG Firm of the Year, the highest
honor AIACC bestows on an architecture firm.
Feldman Architecture, which is # 5 on the
list, is a residential and commercial design practice
recognized for creating warm, light-filled spaces that are
site-sensitive and carefully detailed. Dedicated to crafting buildings
that sit gracefully and lightly on the earth,
the firm seeks to design areas that enhance
the lives of clients, the community, and the
environment.
This group takes seriously its obligations and opportunities
as architects to respect, and even restore, the
natural environment. Drawing upon past wisdom as well
as contemporary building science, the team aspires to
create structures that conserve resources, and that move
architecture to be more ecologically and ethically responsible.
Ending the list at # 6 CMG works
to increase social and ecological well-being through artful
design. This firm partners with neighborhood councils, local
governments, park conservancies institutions, and developers to create
landscapes that improve the community and the environment.
For example, to address the effects of climate
change, the group implemented sea-level rise strategies on
waterfront parks and drought-tolerant landscapes throughout California.
From libraries, corporate spaces, and outdoor parks to
plazas and community centers, CMG has worked on
a wide range of initiatives, project scales, and
design types. With utility and aesthetics as drivers,
the overarching goal of each design is to
promote ecological function and the democracy of public
space.