Business Details
11 Years
experience
Innovative Architecture & Sustainable Design Solutions
Ultramoderne is an internationally recognized, award-winning architecture and design firm founded in Providence, RI, in 2015, with a San Francisco office established in 2023. Our practice challenges conventional architectural norms by integrating experimental building systems, sustainable materials like cross-laminated timber (CLT), and digital fabrication techniques. We specialize in creating modern, functional spaces across residential, cultural, commercial, and urban design sectors while prioritizing environmental responsibility. Our collaborative approach involves clients, consultants, and craftspeople to deliver tailored solutions that address unique project needs.With a portfolio spanning public installations, housing, and institutional buildings, we emphasize design's role in shaping social and ecological futures. Our work has earned recognition from prestigious organizations including the American Institute of Architects and the Architectural League. Principals Aaron Forrest and Yasmin Vobis lead the firm, combining academic expertise with hands-on design innovation. We maintain dual offices to serve clients across North America while fostering global architectural discourse through research and publications.
Services
Sustainable Architecture
Urban Design
Residential Projects
Commercial Design
Public Installations
Material Research
Community Engagement
Digital Fabrication
Historic Renovation
International Competitions
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- We pioneer sustainable mass timber construction techniques
- Our collaborative process involves award-winning consultants
- We maintain dual offices in Providence and San Francisco
- Our principals combine academic leadership with design practice
- We integrate digital fabrication with traditional craftsmanship
Services
Sustainable Architecture
We specialize in creating environmentally responsible buildings using cross-laminated timber and other sustainable materials. Our approach reduces carbon footprints while maintaining structural integrity. Projects include energy-efficient housing and LEED-certified commercial spaces that balance aesthetics with ecological performance.
Urban Design
Our urban interventions transform public spaces through innovative layouts and community-focused amenities. We design walkable environments that integrate green infrastructure and adaptive reuse of existing structures. Recent projects include revitalized plazas and mixed-use developments that enhance urban connectivity.
Residential Projects
We create modern, functional living spaces ranging from single-family homes to multifamily housing. Our designs maximize natural light and spatial efficiency while incorporating sustainable materials. Recent work includes affordable housing solutions and custom residences with unique site-specific features.
Public Installations
Our temporary and permanent installations explore material experimentation and spatial concepts. These projects often serve as urban catalysts, combining artistic expression with functional public spaces. Examples include interactive pavilions and sculptural elements in civic areas.
Digital Fabrication
We employ advanced digital modeling and fabrication techniques to optimize construction processes. This approach enables precise material usage and innovative forms through 3D modeling, CNC machining, and parametric design tools that enhance both efficiency and creative possibilities.
People
Yasmin Vobis
Co-Principal
Registered architect and co-founder with expertise in material expression and organization. Teaches at UC Berkeley after earning her M.Arch from Princeton. Recipient of the Rome Prize and multiple teaching awards. Leads design innovation and material research.
Aaron Forrest
Co-Principal
Registered architect and educator with experience in structural relationships and tectonics. Teaches at UC Berkeley following appointments at Harvard and Penn. Focuses on integrating structural systems with architectural form. Holds degrees from Princeton's School of Architecture.
Questions
What architectural styles does Ultramoderne specialize in?
We focus on modern, sustainable designs that emphasize material innovation and functional spaces tailored to each project's unique requirements.
Do you work on residential and commercial projects?
Yes, we handle both residential (single/multi-family) and commercial projects across cultural, educational, and urban development sectors.
What sustainable building materials do you use?
We specialize in cross-laminated timber (CLT) and other low-carbon materials that reduce environmental impact while maintaining structural performance.
Are your designs award-winning?
Our work has received recognition from the American Institute of Architects, Architectural League, and Chicago Architecture Biennial among others.
Do you offer international design services?
While based in the US, we participate in global competitions and collaborate on international projects through our network of consultants.
How do you approach community engagement?
We involve stakeholders through collaborative design processes and create public spaces that reflect community needs and cultural contexts.
