Vision,
Details Guide Architecturaby Virginia Butler
Published Dec 09, 2006
You've seen the work of this local architecture firm. You might even work or play in a building they designed or redesigned. In today's business profile, a look at the people at Architectura who help bring ideas to life.
In the Rochester area, Architectura has had a hand in the designs and redesigns of several familiar buildings, from the American Red Cross facility in Henrietta to historic structures. It's all about creativity and vision.
"We take what a client says, and through interpretation we can actually design a building for them that they wouldn't have even thought of and when they see it they realize that's really what they like that's know of what suits them well," said Scott Powell, Architura vice president.
About half of their projects involve renovations or additions to existing buildings. "One of the most notable locally would be the Geva Theatre," said Powell. "We worked on the original theatre as well as the Nextstage."
In Fairport, Architectura designed new retail and apartment space to replace several old canal-side structures. At Monroe Community Hospital, they renovated the interior.
They work hard with clients to develop trust. "We see things in 3-D; many of our clients don't, so we can see what something looks like and it is really exciting to see in 3-D," Jennifer (Houck)Takatch, AIA, Architectura president said. "Doing models, doing computer modeling, that helps our client to see it, but some of them really have to step out in faith and say, 'I still don't really understand what this will look like but I know that you're representing me and you're going to do a great job.' "
Architects no longer do much hand drawing. Most of the work is done on computer. Each job is unique. The process of meeting a client's needs is personal.
"There
is creativity, there's problem-solving, we get to meet all kinds of people,
each person comes with a different desire, need, requirement - so each
project is actually very different," said Takatch.Architectura opened its doors in 1988, and its future in this area is bright.
"We are talking about growing," Takatch said. "We want to stay in this general area, but we would like to own our own building, and do some creative things with new technology in it, and give ourselves an opportunity to grow. There are so many things that are out in the world that need architects."
Plenty of business for this firm, for years to come.