ARCHITECTURE LEADERS TODAY
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Pimsler Hoss Architects Buildings & People Interacting Balance, creativity and diversity have carried the Atlantabased firm of PHA towards being one of the most successful firms in the southeastern United States.
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THE PHA EXPERIENCE
encouraging interaction between buildings and their people by Joel Cornell Porterdale Mill, Porterdale, Ga. Porterdale Mill sits on the Yellow River, and actually has a portion of the river diverted through a flume through the mill building. Water proofing and shoring up the old masonry flume was one of the many design challenges that helped earn the project the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation’s Marguerite Williams Award, the Trust’s most prestigious award given to the project that has the greatest impact on preservation in Georgia for that year. To bring natural light into the circulation spaces of the old cavernous mill building a central atrium was created. The atrium also acts as a way-finding device, helping orient occupants in what could otherwise be a confusing space. The metal wainscoting on the walls provides a rustic feel and is composed of reclaimed metal from surrounding buildings. Photos by Fred Gerlich Photography.
After an incredibly successful joint venture in 1990, “Atlanta has been undergoing a very consistent architects Randy Pimsler and Allen Hoss found that evolution,” said Hoss. “Not too many years ago, they shared three basic foundational principles for Atlanta might have been the poster child for subdesign: staying well balanced on any variety of projects, urban sprawl, and in some ways it still is. There are representing the creative vision shared by them and no natural boundaries and no reason physically for their clients, and maintaining an interest in inspired the city not to grow outward. However, over the last diversity. These core ideals have carried Atlanta-based decade, the congestion and challenges we’ve seen Pimsler Hoss Architects towards being one of the most in transportation have had a big impact on the city. successful firms in the Southeastern U.S. “We’ve been fortunate enough to have been able “We have always shared an enjoyment in the chal- to help Atlanta become a model for re-urbanizing; lenge of different projects, both large and small,” said taking that original sprawl and finding ways to Hoss. “We didn’t want to become typecast into a niche encourage redevelopment of in downtown Atlanta of specialty architecture.” PHA has continued in their and limit the need for long commutes. Our work is diversity, maintaining a portfolio that ranges from very community based and we find ways to support automotive dealerships and residential complexes to that process for a more livable Atlanta.” metropolitan restaurants, historic renovations, and Pimsler noted that, “Atlanta is a growing city that adaptive re-use projects. has that unique feel of a small city and large town. “Our diversity has allowed us to learn to specialize in working with any kind of client, no matter what their size or image may be,” said Pimsler. “With a staff of eight, we can offer Horizon Engineering, Inc. is a civil engineering firm specializing in site design professional services to those who might not and engineering. Since September 1999, Horizon has provided professional have been able to work directly with design consulting services for a broad range of clients including architects, developers, professionals along every step of the process.” and municipalities. Horizon is located in Marietta, Ga. and licensed in Georgia, Though PHA has worked mainly in the Alabama, and North Carolina. Horizon has worked with Pimsler Hoss on projects the Ben Hill Recreactional Center, Peachtree Hope Charter School, Atlanta area, they have completed projects in including Parkview Plaza, 1450 Hills Place, and Murphy Avenue Assisted Living, all based 24 different states across the country thus far. in the metropolitan Atlanta area. For more information, call (866) 382-1193.
Horizon Engineering
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It’s been relatively easy for us to become engaged and connected with the work in the metro area.” PHA has maintained a time focused design process, the key to which is above all good listening. “We rarely bring any preconceived notions. We don’t have that set style of architecture to impose on our clients,” said Hoss. “We want to draw out the vision of our clients by keeping one or both principals fully engaged and accessible throughout the entire process.” Hoss continued, “We have always found the key to success to be communication. It’s much easier to accomplish that with a small and more agile staff. We first form a team of our staff and consultants to maintain that dialogue in an attempt to understand and develop a clear design program for what the client wants to accomplish.” The principals have always shared a commitment to sustainable design. Pimsler and Hoss were early members of the Southface Energy Institute that promotes sustainable and efficient design throughout all aspects of building and architecture. PHA designed the first demonstration facility for Solar Energy International in Atlanta just prior to the 1996 Olympic Games. They are both LEED Accredited Professionals and, as Hoss puts it, “keep in mind that sustainability is not a separate entity, but is just important as quality structural design or electrical engineering.” “We started with a niche in retail design, but we’ve built our practice up by taking on a wide variety of project types and clients, including a special interest in working with non-profit organizations. We’re continuing to build a strong foundation through mentoring and educating our staff, and providing them with numerous opportunities for professional growth” Pimsler noted. PHA has received numerous awards, including two of the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation awards in 2007 and most recently the Building Georgia Award in 2009 for their work in renovation. ALT 4 Architecture Leaders Today
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Project Spotlight: Howard Circle 2066 Howard Circle, Private Residence, Atlanta, Ga. The new residence is sited on a hill, its dramatic angular overhangs, patchwork of widows and materials reflect on the owners’ desire for a dynamic and modern design. The materials and colors chosen are meant to somewhat soften the dynamic-ism of the design as it is located in an urban Atlanta neighborhood developed during the early part of the 20th century. The owners wanted the living room of the house to be an open flowing space. The space was designed to have an array of windows that bring in natural light and provide the illusion of being in the trees. The double height space is adjacent to the 3storey open staircase and double height kitchen. A bridge and walkway above the kitchen provide access to the living spaces on the second floor. The owners of the house wanted natural finishes in the bathroom, as well as a light airy and open feel. The floor is a natural stone tile with white porcelain tile arranged in a stacked pattern to evoke a clean modern feel. The shower stands open in the room and clerestory windows above head height bring in natural light into the space without compromising privacy. Photos by Maggie McBride. Fall 2010 5
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