firm feature: mackay-lyons sweetapple architects

Based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects is a firm that manages to be both local and international. After years of schooling and traveling, Brian MacKay-Lyons returned to Nova Scotia "to challenge the historic maritime trend 'brain drain' trend". For over 30 years, he has created an international reputation for his distinctly local architecture. In 2005, MacKay-Lyons partnered with Talbot Sweetapple expanding his practice to include more international public commissions. Both MacKay-Lyons and Sweetapple are highly regarded educators in the field and run a summer internship program (currently on hiatus) called Ghost on MacKay-Lyons' farm. Below are a few of my favorite of their most recent projects. Check out their website for a full viewing of their beautiful work.

Lancaster by MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects

 Sunset Rock by MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects

 Leahey #2 by MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects

firm feature: el dorado

Founded in 1996, El Dorado Inc. is an award winning architectural firm in Kansas City. Getting their start as a small group of architects who enjoyed welding, their firm has evolved from an office known for their fabrication capabilities to a complete design build practice. From their website you get the sense that El Dorado is made up of a fun and innovative group of designers who don't take themselves too seriously and yet are constantly striving to do and be better. Below are a few of my favorite projects. However, I highly recommend checking out their website to see their large body of work (and to read their rather humorous history).  

Willoughby Design Barn by El Dorado

Aron/Levin Pool by El Dorado

Barker Pod by El Dorado

firm feature: WORKSTEAD

Workstead was founded in 2009 by Stefanie Brechbuehler and Robert Andrew Highsmith - both graduates of the Rhode Island School of Design architecture program. The firm focuses on architectural and interior design, furniture, lighting, and exhibitions. With a studio aim to design "responsible works that create a sense of place for both the objects they contain and the people who experience them" , their work is impactful yet beautifully simplified. 

I had seen several images of the studio's work before knowing anything about the firm or realizing that some of my favorite design details had originated from the same people. Below are some examples of their work. 

This cabinet handle is perfection for me.

47 Plaza design by WORKSTEAD

I love the bold yet refined quality of this kitchen which was featured in Dwell magazine. 

Prospect Park design by WORKSTEAD

Prospect Park design by WORKSTEAD

I would really like to stay in the Wythe Hotel, Brooklyn's first boutique hotel, and WORKSTEAD's most well known commercial project.  

The Wythe Hotel design by WORKSTEAD

The Wythe Hotel design by WORKSTEAD

Finally, I would really like to own some of their lighting which is available for sale on their website.  

Bent wall lamp design by WORKSTEAD

Floor lamp design by WORKSTEAD