ArchitectureWorks’ new logo is derived from a mathematical formula known as the golden ratio.  The golden ratio has been used in architecture for thousands of years (pyramids of Egypt & the Parthenon) and is also found in nature (nautilus shells & sunflowers), financial strategies, the arts (da Vinci, Dali & Mondrian) and in many other areas.  In other words, it’s pretty special.  Interested in learning more?  Google “Golden Ratio in Architecture” or better yet, just click here.

On to the signage:

We needed a new job sign (with our new logo) in a hurry.  We decided to have a quick charrette (archiWHAT?) to determine budget, materials, construction techniques, and how we could get it built in the next 24 to 48 hours.  We came up with a relatively simple design that utilized layers of birch plywood, paint, and a urethane coating typically used for boat construction to withstand the elements.  Check out how it was done in the images below.

Ten years ago, our world was a bit more private and reaction times were much slower.  The last decade, however, witnessed leaps in technology and shifts in the way we all communicate.  This communication shift has developed into an opportunity to better engage with our clients, neighbors, peers, and community through mediums like blogging, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.  There has also been a shift in the way people access the web, so you will find that our new website is built to be easily accessed on most any mobile device.  We’ve made it easy for you to share us with your friends, family, and colleagues via the Facebook and Twitter links found in every post.

You can expect to find :

Thoughts :  Project updates, research articles authored by ArchitectureWorks’ staff, tips on how to speak “Architecture” archiWHAT?, and the occasional update about life in and outside our office

Articles :  Published news items about our projects, office, and community

Awards :  Learn about our projects that have been recognized for design, sustainability and community contribution

Events :  If it’s happening next door at SawWorks or it’s something we’re involved in, we’ll let you know all about it.

Our doors are open; we are excited for the opportunity to show you what ArchitectureWorks is all about.

Click here to read more about IPC in our WORKS section.

After four years of college and multiple internships in a down economy I was fairly certain that I had the skill set for any job that someone was willing to give me – that was until ArchitectureWorks. Not only was I still adjusting to living in Alabama for the first time, but I was also getting used to the idea of working in the field of architecture rather than journalism.

Excited for new opportunities and learning, on my first day of work I eagerly sat in on the first of many staff meetings. One by one each person reviewed his or her schedule for the week – and one by one I saw my journalism degree slowly diminishing. I read the news; I went to an accredited state school, but AIA? NCARB? Parti? Punch list? I’m sorry . . . ArchiWHAT?! Did I miss out on the basics of English 101 somewhere in the past 23 years?

I quickly came to find out (a full legal pad and a worn out Google search later) that they were talking the foreign language I now know as architecture. I am far from fluent, but there is something to be said for surrounding yourself with native speakers while you only have the basic ‘Hi, my name is’ down.  Needless to say, I still spend part of every staff meeting thinking ArchiWHAT?! I hope that my translation of architecture into layman’s terms helps you gain a better perspective and understanding of the impressive work that goes on in our office.

The Nolen Barn was recently featured in B-Metro magazine.  To download a pdf of the full article, click on the image below.

United States Green Building Council
Project: Birmingham-Southern College Lakeview Residence Halls

Brick Institute
Project: Auburn University President’s House – South Garden Events Center

Alabama Council of the AIA
Project: Intermark Group

Alabama Council of the AIA
Project: Residence at Sterling Road

Birmingham AIA
Project: Magnolia Lane