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DESIGNING FOR EXCELLENCE
GJ Olson Architects 2 Creativity reigns for G.J. Olson, where inspiration for a project can come from a client or a work of art. This year marks the 20th anniversary of this unique Philadelphia-based firm.
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architecture
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for by Rebecca Rodriguez
G.J. Olson Architects Inc. looks for the unique angle in every project. The company’s architects have no formula or signature style, but let creativity and the desires of the clients guide them. A client and art connoisseur approached principal architect Greg Olson years ago and asked how Olson would design him a house. His answer? Olson simply pointed to one of the paintings the client was admiring at the time. The result was a home in North Truro, Mass., with 10-foot ceilings on the first floor where the client can display his large and impressive art collection. The home also features a balcony at the rear of the house that overlooks
Provincetown Harbor and also views the Provincetown lighthouse. “With custom homes, we want what the client is looking for, not a monument to the firm,” Olson said. “It should be a reflection of what the client envisions in their head and what they want to live in.” The Philadelphia-based company celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. It works with homeowners and developers to design custom single family homes and home renovations, single family and multi-family residential communities, and residential and corporate interiors. Its largest project was Barclay Square, just outside Princeton, N.J. with a construction cost of $6 million. The rental community, which featured
270 units each with a direct access garage, had its share of challenges. The bordering streets complicated the site’s design, creating a confusing intersection at the entrance. The completed project is a success and features impressive layouts. The high-end units are multi-level and range from 1200 to 3000 sq. ft. The project also features a club house that anchors the community, providing many services found in a high-end hotel. The company has completed over 15 developments, both multi- and singlefamily. Some of the developments include an affordable housing element, often required by the state or local municipality. Summer 2010 3
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3 ARTISTIC HARDWARE Established in 1999, Artistic Hardware has had the opportunity to work with some of the finest builders, architects, designers and kitchen & bath professionals. Working alongside professionals, Artistic Hardware has been involved with the most impressive custom home projects along the Jersey shores. Although often working closely with the trade associates, Artistic Hardware is open to the retail public and do-it-yourself customers as well. Artistic Hardware also works extensively to service the film and TV industry. Artistic Hardware will also supply projects as far as the shippers can carry. We have furnished jobs in the Caribbean, North America, Europe, and Northern Africa. We have yet to find a destination that cannot be reached when it comes to delivering your kitchen and bath
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“There’s no reason why affordable housing shouldn’t be livable and nice,” Olson said, adding that the company puts as much pride and hard work into affordable housing as with any other project. “I’ve never designed something I wouldn’t want to live in myself, even if it’s a little apartment.” The firm put this principle into action with a historic brownstone project in Philadelphia. Olson said in the case of the brownstone it was important to respect the work done by his predecessors and not strip it bare. “We kept that historical significance so it looked like it was part of the original architecture,” Olson said, adding that the original doors, moldings, staircase, as well as the 10-foot, 4-inch massive double hung windows were retained. Interior design is also offered by the company. Some clients request the addition of wallpaper, paint, counter tops, and carpeting, and even furniture. “It depends on how much the client wants us involved,” Olson said. Olson has developed long lasting relationships with a steady list of developers. “One builder said that every time they do a project with us, it’s a winner,” he said. The company recently attended the Atlantic Builders Convention where G.J. Olson clients sent people to their booth. It was a signal that the company’s clients are looking out for them during these tough economic times. “Architects are a developers hidden secret. They very seldom acknowledge their architect,” Olson said. “They [clients] know the architecture we design for them sells.” The type of work Olson’s company does is “intense and very detail oriented.” But Olson has his eyes wide open when it comes to the bottom line. “When we work for developers and builders, we don’t design stuff that will cost them an arm and a leg,” he said. Olson works with three other architects and they develop projects in 1. Halstead Place, Clinton , N.J. A three story office building laden with original Victorian architecture. Photo courtesy of G.J. Olson Architects Inc. 2-3. Peterson – Deininger: a full renovation and addition to a 1920s Georgian residence on the southern New Jersey shore. The front façade and footprint were extended 18 ft. towards the Atlantic Ocean, increasing the living area to just shy of 10,000 sq. ft. Photo courtesy of G.J. Olson Architects Inc. Summer 2010 5
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7 LANGHORNE CARPET, INC. Langhorne Carpet Company is the oldest woven carpet mill in continuous operation in the United States. Using tim e-honored weaving m ethod s, they produce the finest in Jacquard woven Wilton and Brussels carpeting available anywhere. They presently stock over two hundred products in twenty running lines. In addition to carrying a fine line of in-stock products, Langhorne Carpet also offers
Pennsylvania., New Jersey, Delaware, New York, Massachusetts, and Maryland. The company doesn’t need to advertise. He has contacts in all of these states, and relies on referrals for jobs. Olson said the company has its strongest presence in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, but he plans on trying to branch out more into Delaware and Maryland. The company is currently working on six projects. Olson’s company has seen the focus of the company change during the past few years. The building of single family homes dominated the company’s project base at the height of the market around 200708. Now the focus is on multi-family rental developments, like one being completed in Toms River, N.J. The economy has affected G.J. Olson as it has most companies, but Olson remains optimistic. “It’s lean and competitive, but I think it will be more positive by the end of the year,” he said, adding that at the builders convention conversations were more upbeat. Olson graduated in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Miami. Before forming the company, Olson worked for some small New Jersey firms, a Philadelphia firm and later as a vice president of a Texas-based firm in Princeton, N.J. Now he is head of a company that sets itself apart from the rest. By listening to customers and tuning into their interests, he and his partners are able to create architectural beauty. CLT 4. The Breyer Court high-end townhomes situated on the last parcel of ground originally part of the Breyer Ice Cream property, is located in a suburb of Philadelphia, Pa. 5. Douglas Avenue is a 4,000+ sq. ft. custom single family residence on the southern New Jersey coast. 6. Montgomery Village are detached single family condominiums near New Haven, Ct. Three designs were developed for the community. 7. Heritage Creek Club House is a facility for an active adult community including an indoor and an outdoor pool. Summer 2010 7
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