FAMA okto studio LLC

Working on a rowhome kitchen renovation. Layers of history and enough charm to make you cry. Look at that wallpaper - why on earth would you ever cover that, I mean, look at it, it's crazy how I can hear the previous owner paging through the pattern books in a local hardware store, then said 'this one' - history is interesting because at some point they will be demolishing the new kitchen.

Working with this family has been very rewarding. The GC, Ruairi Kenefick, is a true craftsperson. I am lucky to be working in coordination with Brian Newswanger of Atlantes Architects.

On a warm spring morning,
while walking to work in Center City Philadelphia,
I met Isaiah Zagar.

I knew who he was, a well-known artist, and he was already in receiving mode.

We shook hands.
I mentioned how much I enjoyed his work, and Isiaih asked me what I was doing walking in Center City so early in the morning.
I said, "I am an architect."
And he said, " Well, good, we need architects."

He was more than generous to speak with me, a stranger up until that moment.

We spoke for a few minutes, then went our separate ways.
I met him a few other times, and he always mentioned our first meeting; he always remembered.

So, although I enjoyed his work, what I liked most about Isaiah was his genuine warmth and consideration of others.
We definitely need more of his compassion in the world.

Rest in peace. Our thoughts are with you, your family, and friends.

Look at this mortise in an old exterior wall beam from a 1920 farm house - modified in the 1990's for an addition. We are now going through another renovation, and the new owners have a real appreciation for the original craft of building a home. It's a young couple building their family - this is their forever home, and the decisions we make now will be scrutinized later. So much fun.

Hardly the height of technology, but tried-and-true, well-known building techniques make a solid, well-framed home. I am sure modern construction methods are caught in a mix of (reactionary) code and a limited understanding of how to make well.

The key here is to get a maker, a builder, who can elevate the existing and meld the new seamlessly.

Happy Holidays

Working with a very talented designer, Nataly Farah, an architect with a great future.

Here is to your Snowy Christmas . Happy Holidays to All.

4:30 AM . Snow makes a tic sound as it hits the ground. Lovely first snow in South Philadelphia. To whoever ordered the snow, thank you, it's what I needed.

Construction in late fall - never outstanding for temperature, but (for my money) certainly beautiful in the late-day sun.

New Construction.

I am super lucky to be working alongside some of the best people in the Industry. Practice can be great fun, just be sure to work with people who have sharp skills and a good sense of humor.

Accuracy with a laugh is the best.

Thank you, Ann, Justin, and Joe.

Love this old photo I found in the server archives. It is from an old home we worked on. See all the different materials and construction techniques combined into one place? Steel, encased in concrete with brick and wood, the only thing missing is glass.

You can tell there have been multiple years of renovation and re-use. My favorite part is the rough saw marks on the wood, possibly from before World War I.

I have the good fortune of working with a fantastic firm
Lexent Design.

Lexent allows me to focus on working with the client to provide architectural advocacy and excellent service, while Lexent delivers amazing designs and visuals.

The future of architecture is in good hands, as I'm on the clearly declining side of a design career, and Lexent is providing a clear path to continued excellence. My birthday twin.

lexentdesign.com