Frank E. Dittenhafer II reminds his staff they aren’t architectural technicians — rather, they’re design architects, where creativity and vision steer the ship.
Architecture is about inspiring people and designing spaces that people want to spend time in. That philosophy is the driving force behind Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects, and it’s a regular reminder to the firm’s staff that they aren’t just there to be technicians — they’re first and foremost designers.
That creative process is celebrated several times a year in what the firm calls Design. These forums have a loose agenda, with different design staff taking on a topic and sharing their projects, design questions, and inspirational anecdotes with their colleagues.
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In each session, the conversations are fluid, the team is rejuvenated, and the design aspect is at the forefront of it all.
Why it matters
Jonathan Taube, Architectural Designer and Associate AIA with the firm, recently presented at the latest Design forum. He wanted his colleagues to take away the appreciation for how contemporary architectural visualization is the result of an integrated process — one which allows collaboration from hand drawing to 3D computer renderings.
Taube presented on workflow that demonstrates how multiple software programs can be used to realize complex geometries and innovative concepts – using M&D’s Beth Tfiloh Sanctuary design competition entry as a case study.
“Sharing out ideas and concepts through Design is a great way to gain perspective and to learn from others’ experiences,” he says.
For Patrick Ness, Architectural Designer, Associate AIA, learning about others’ perspectives in the firm creates a platform for exchanging ideas and generating office-wide discussion of a project.
During his recent presentation of the Downtown Shenandoah CEBA design, he hoped to convey that even in towns with economic challenges and limited budgets, good design can be achieved with proper planning, understanding context, and attention to detail.
“The more eyes we can get on the overall work of the firm, the better the outcomes for everyone,” Ness says. “The collaborative spirit is something I always enjoy.”
Blake Gifford, Architectural Designer and Associate AIA, has missed casual encounters with his colleagues because of remote work during the pandemic. He sees the Design forums as a way to maintain dialogue about ongoing work.
His presentation on the Shrewsbury Township Municipal Campus Project focused on practical and cost-effective facility design that still incorporates simple, elegant, and site-appropriate design perspectives.
“I was able to share some of the surprises we encountered on the project, such as coordination required to design and construct a pre-engineered metal building,” Gifford says. “There was a great deal of quality control involved, and sometimes that part of the job is just as important as the other aspects.”
Kevin Stick, Architectural Construction Administrator/Associate AIA, led a trivia session at the latest Design forum, giving junior staff a chance to ask questions of their senior colleagues, which opened the door for some mentorship-based conversations.
“I have really enjoyed that mentorship aspect in my experience over the years,” he says. “There’s a lot we can do to strengthen someone’s knowledge when they are just getting into the industry, and this is an opportunity for that.”
Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects took on the Architecture, Interior Design, & Overall Project Management for the new Bedford Elementary School, and the outcome is impactful.