Business Details
19 Years
experience
Expert Architectural Design Services in Philadelphia
Founded in 2007 by long-time collaborators Stephan and Petra, we are a compact, hands-on architectural studio certified as a woman-owned business. Our principals remain deeply involved in every project, delivering aesthetically fresh and functional designs tailored to clients' unique needs. Sustainability is central to our practicewe prioritize healthy, environmentally responsible buildings throughout their lifecycle, supported by our membership in the USGBC and LEED- and WELL-certified professionals. Our collaborative process enhances design decisions for projects in hospitality, commercial, institutional, multi-family, and high-end residential sectors.Recognized with multiple design awards, including the Philadelphia AIA PEA prize, we cultivate long-term relationships with repeat clients. We offer full architectural services from pre-design to construction administration, complemented by pre-acquisition consulting, permitting expertise, and custom design elements like lighting and furniture. Our rigorous approach balances aesthetics, pragmatism, and financial considerations while embracing innovation through independent research and cross-disciplinary partnerships.
Services
Hospitality Architecture
Commercial Design
Institutional Projects
Multi-family Residential
High-end Single Family Homes
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- Nationally-certified woman-owned studio with hands-on principals
- LEED- and WELL-certified professionals for sustainable design expertise
- Collaborative process addressing large and small-scale design decisions
- Award-winning work recognized by Philadelphia AIA PEA prize
- Experience in complex permitting and custom fabrication projects
Associations and certifications
- USGBC
- LEED
- WELL Building Standard
What people say
Award-winning designs
Client-centric process
Sustainability expertise
Innovative solutions
Strong local knowledge
Services
Hospitality Architecture
We create innovative hospitality spaces that balance aesthetic appeal with functional efficiency. Our designs enhance guest experiences while meeting operational needs for hotels, restaurants, and mixed-use developments. With deep expertise in Philadelphia's urban context, we deliver contextually responsive solutions that maximize ROI through thoughtful spatial planning and material selection.
Commercial Design
Our commercial architecture focuses on creating productive, inspiring workplaces tailored to modern business needs. We specialize in adaptive reuse projects and ground-up developments, integrating sustainable practices and cutting-edge technology. Our LEED-certified team ensures compliance with environmental standards while optimizing spatial layouts for tenant satisfaction and marketability.
Institutional Projects
We design civic and cultural institutions that serve communities for generations. Our process emphasizes stakeholder engagement and accessibility, combining durability with architectural innovation. From schools to public facilities, we navigate complex regulatory requirements to deliver spaces that enhance public life while maintaining fiscal responsibility through efficient lifecycle management.
Multi-family Residential
Our multi-family housing solutions prioritize livability and urban integration. We create vibrant communities through smart density planning and material choices that withstand Philadelphia's climate. By balancing private amenities with communal spaces, we increase property value while addressing market demands for sustainable, code-compliant residential developments.
High-end Single Family Homes
We craft bespoke residences reflecting homeowners' lifestyles and aesthetic preferences. Our attention to detail extends to custom lighting, furniture, and material selections that create cohesive living environments. Through rigorous site analysis and programming, we optimize spatial relationships and natural light while maintaining strict adherence to budgetary constraints.
People
Petra Stanev
Principal Architect
Co-founder with over 20 years of architectural experience, Petra leads design initiatives while mentoring junior staff. Her expertise in sustainable materials and urban infill projects drives innovative solutions for complex sites across Philadelphia's historic neighborhoods.
Stephan Potts
Principal Architect
Co-founder specializing in project management and client relations, Stephan ensures seamless execution from concept to completion. His background in construction administration and permitting streamlines regulatory processes for institutional and commercial clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.
Ray Lai
Senior Designer
With a decade at the firm, Ray bridges technical precision and creative vision. He specializes in parametric modeling and custom fabrication, contributing to award-winning projects like the Streetery at A.Kitchen while advancing the studio's research into material innovation.
Taylor Parchinski
Project Architect
Licensed architect managing mid-sized projects, Taylor combines technical expertise with community engagement. Their work on small-scale residential renovations demonstrates sensitivity to Philadelphia's architectural heritage while implementing modern sustainability standards.
Chun Zhou
Design Associate
Recent addition with a focus on digital visualization and sustainability analysis, Chun supports both conceptual design and construction documentation. Their grant-funded research on light manipulation informs innovative faade solutions for the firm's commercial projects.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
We prioritize contextually appropriate design over specific styles, creating modern solutions that respect Philadelphia's historic fabric through material innovation and spatial sensitivity.
Can you handle complex permitting processes?
Yes, our team has extensive experience navigating Philadelphia's regulatory landscape, including historic preservation guidelines and zoning variances for both public and private projects.
Do you work outside Philadelphia?
While based in Philadelphia, we've completed projects in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Our deep local knowledge benefits regional clients seeking urban design expertise.
How do you incorporate sustainability?
We integrate LEED and WELL standards through material selection, energy modeling, and lifecycle analysis. Our in-house research on daylighting and passive systems informs every project's environmental strategy.
What project sizes do you handle?
We work across scales from small residential renovations to large commercial developments, maintaining the same rigorous design process and principal involvement regardless of project size.
How are custom elements handled?
Our in-house fabrication expertise allows custom lighting, furniture, and architectural details to be developed alongside main projects, ensuring cohesive design language and quality control.
