AlwaysbyDesign was formed to provide personalized, single-point accountability design services for clients. We have found that the best work results from a close collaboration of individuals, committed to the success of a project throughout the course of its realization. As a small studio-centered practice, we offer the experience and flexibility to structure relationships with clients and contractors to best suit each project's unique circumstances.
Clientele
Our primary clientele includes cultural and educational institutions. We are presently working with the American Philosophical Society, Bard College and the Pennsylvania Superior Court. We recently completed design-build renovation of a storefront and former liquor warehouse to house an art gallery and studio spaces for our firm. Additionally we undertake unique residential commissions; currently a multi-structure family "camp" compound in rural Maine, a large estate in Westchester, New York and several Philadelphia area additions.
Philosophy
Buildings succeed as architecture only to the extent they simultaneously do well what they are asked to do (program) and say something interesting and satisfying about the human condition. Anything built inevitably says something about what it is doing, about those involved in it, and about their view of the world. The resulting expressions therefore both provide personal utility and offer public meaning beyond shear pleasure; they serve as one of our most important social opportunities to learn about ourselves.
Services
It was not entirely by coincidence that our first project was a small gatehouse at a vacation residence – designed and built with our own hands. All of our architectural design, detailing, specifications and construction supervision are done in-house. Our primary services include feasibility studies, architectural design and documentation, and construction administration for new buildings, additions, renovations and interior fit-outs. We offer both conventional and design-build delivery of projects.
Leadership
Principal-in-charge, Edward A. Barnhart, AIA, has practiced architecture for over twenty years, working for major design firms, and serving as a co-principal for six of those years at a corporate practice. He graduated with concurrent Building Science and Bachelor of Architecture degrees in 1982 from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and was recipient of the Harriet R. Peck prize for best final project. The year prior to graduation was spent overseas at architectural studies programs in both Copenhagen, Denmark and Rome, Italy with the summer between used to tour architecture throughout Europe.
His professional practice experience includes (reverse chronologically):
-- Always by Design (AxD); Principal, 2005-present
-- Purdy O'Gwynn Barnhart Architects (POBA); Principal, 1999-2005
-- Marianna Thomas Architects (MTA); Senior Associate, 1995-1999
-- Venturi Scott Brown and Associates (VSBA); Associate, 1987-1995
-- Michael Lustig and Associates (MLA); Associate, 1987
-- Bohlin Cywinski Jackson (BCJ); Project Manager/ Architect, 1983-1986
-- Crozier Phillipi Architects (CPA); Intern, 1982-1983
-- Self-employed carpenter; Summers of 1977 and 1980
-- Center for Architectural Research at R.P.I. (CAR); Intern, 1979
-- Graham Williams Architect (GWA), Intern, 1978
-- Stewart Teele Mitchell Builders (STM), Draftsman, 1975-1977
Recognition
A measure of our success is an ability to forge sustainable working relationships with project participants that have resulted in virtually all of our initial clients retaining and/or referring us for additional projects. Most recently, our AxD Gallery/Studio received an Honor Award by the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Architects. It was also published as a Design Profile feature in the 2007 Summer/Fall issue of CONTEXT, the Journal of AIA Philadelphia. Previously, the East Building of the Chemical Heritage Foundation, for which Ed served as Principal-in-charge, received both an Award of Merit from the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the Best Institutional Project construction excellence award from the General Building Contractors Association.
Affliliations
Ed Barnhart serves as Design Committee co-chair of Philadelphia Chapter of American Institute of Architects and is on the Executive Board of Wyck, an historic house museum and garden in Philadelphia. He and/or the firm are members of the American Association of Museums, U.S. Green Building Council, Sustainable Business Network, Clean Air Council, National Council of Architectural Registration Board, and Washington Square West Civic Association.