Creating Connections

Mission: Using informed design and community engagement to foster meaningful connections.

PURPOSE It is our belief that connections shape who we are and give life purpose.  We are committed to exploring how the built environment can foster these connections, whether it is to one another, to our environment, to history or to community. There is opportunity in every project to enhance quality of life through thoughtful architecture.

ACCESS We are a mission-driven, minority owned, full service architectural firm founded with the purpose of enriching people’s lives through both architectural design and a strong commitment to community engagement.  We believe access to quality design that enhances our sense of humanity can transcend project type and is a basic principle of successful architecture.  Placemaking and community-building are integral components of our design ethos.

OUTCOME-BASED Access Architecture is an outcome-based design firm. We listen to the desired outcomes for each project, and then identify the measures needed to support their success. This often requires research for supportive evidence, which becomes integrated into the design process. This approach allows us to meet our client’s needs, addressing them in a way that is objective and purposeful.

SOLUTION ORIENTED We are creative problem solvers at heart.  Our breadth of experience in project types allows us to draw on cross-disciplinary ideas, often resulting in innovative solutions.  We focus on a balance between aesthetics and pragmatism, and we have a passion for delivering beautiful projects that are on time and on budget.

SUSTAINABILITY Sustainable design and healthy environments are at the forefront of our design process.  We have extensive experience with green rating programs including LEED, Fitwel, Earth Advantage, Green Communities, and the Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard.  We pride ourselves on finding high-value, low-cost environmentally responsible solutions.

EQUITY & EMPATHY Access Architecture was designed to provide more than professional services.  The 5+ Project is an integral part of the firm’s identity and encourages employees to spend 5% of work hours, paid for by the firm, dedicated to community-based initiatives serving those who are less fortunate. Additionally, Access Architecture continuously strives for 100% MWESB project participation. Through both business operations and the design process, we actively support the underserved, believing that doing so makes our communities stronger and more resilient.

Outcome-Based Design Process

Outcome Based Design.jpg

OUR APPLIED OUTCOME-BASED DESIGN RESEARCH HAS INCLUDED:

  • Dignity & Independence

  • Empowerment

  • Environmental Control

  • Families & The Built Environment

  • Healing Environments

  • Home & Sense of Place

  • Order & Arrangement

  • Privacy

  • Safety & Security

  • Trauma-Informed Design

  • Wayfinding