Seattle-based goCstudio has received the 2018 Emerging Architect Award from the Northwest and Pacific Region Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The award recognizes emerging firms that are less than ten years old and that are challenging traditional perceptions and methods of architecture.
"goCstudio's submittal was phenomenal. Their projects have a sophisticated yet thoughtful and restrained material palette," the jury noted. "The studio has completed a wide range of very imaginative projects in a relatively short firm life."
Since co-founding goCstudio in 2012, Jon Gentry, AIA, and Aimée O'Carroll, ARB, have been deeply involved in the design and management of every project at the firm. "We are honored to receive this recognition from the AIA," stated Gentry. "We've packed a lot of work into a short amount of time. Reflecting on the early years of our studio, it seems that some of the greatest rewards in our work have come from taking the greatest risk. Our self initiated projects-whether formal conceptual competition entries or weekend design/build projects like the floating sauna-have expanded the depth of our work and the connectedness of our studio with our community in ways far beyond what we could have expected. This recognition from the AIA is incentive for us to continue seeking out risk taking projects and clients, and to follow through on those wild, unlikely ideas that require the most heart and dedication."
The firm works simultaneously on conceptual and client-driven projects, mixing art-inspired collaborations with real-world problem solving. "We strive to produce conceptually rich projects that act as partner to their community and site, where architecture and creativity are combined with philosophy and craftsmanship to create lasting human environments and experiences. It is our intent that the projects use our limited natural resources responsibly and that each design enriches its site and cultural landscape," O'Carroll added.
Photo: Juan Benavides