About
Overview
Josh Allison Architecture is a firm that seeks to create good architecture. Good architecture improves our built environment responsibly and has the ability to touch and inspire us. This belief serves as the firm’s inspiration to create work that seeks to embody the principles of good architecture while serving the client’s goals and vision.
Josh Allison Architecture takes pride in working on projects of many different scales and profiles and believes that there is opportunity in each project, no matter the size or budget. Likewise, Josh Allison Architecture seeks to provide an exceptional level of design that is supported by technical expertise, attention to detail and a commitment to exceptional client service.
Good Architecture is
Process
Creating good architecture should be fun for client and architect alike. Josh Allison Architecture’s philosophy stems from a belief that the key to a successful project begins with thoroughly listening to and understanding each client’s goals and objectives. The firm’s commitment to listening is matched by the design responses it provides and the focus on effective communication throughout the project.
Josh Allison Architecture approaches each project as a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Design responses that are thoughtful and appropriate are explored while working to achieve each client’s vision.
Schematic Design
Based on the program goals and client’s vision, multiple schematic plan options are developed and presented for review. Design work during the Schematic phase is presented in the form of free hand sketches and/or preliminary 2D computer drawings as well as preliminary 3D modeling. The typical Schematic Design phase involves 1-2 meetings to review, discuss and revise design options. When Schematic Design is complete, the following items have been studied: Site and Building analysis and related due diligence, schematic site plan, schematic floor plan options, preliminary exterior massing studies.
Design Development
During this phase the approved Schematic Design evolves into a more detailed set of drawings that provides the client with an opportunity to understand the development of the overall project as well as to provide a format for constructive and focused dialogue about specific design elements. At the conclusion of Design Development, the client will have a clear vision of the project. The Deliverables that complete the Design Development Phase typically include: computer drawn floor plans with furniture, Identification of built in cabinetry and millwork, exterior elevations, 3-D perspectives, preliminary building sections, and the preliminary pricing package.
Construction Documents
This phase begins when the client is satisfied that the Design Development work represents the goals and vision for the project and the client is comfortable with the project budget. The Construction Documents are a comprehensive set of documents that communicate the design intent and are suited for final pricing, building permit, and construction by a qualified contractor. Josh Allison Architecture’s Construction Documents for any project support thoughtful design with technical expertise and practical detailing. Josh Allison Architecture takes great pride in the content and graphic quality of the final technical drawings. The Construction Documents will thoroughly represent the design intent and include the following technical drawings as appropriate: Floor plans; Roof Plan; Exterior elevations; Building Sections; Wall Sections; 3 Dimensional Renderings and technical details as required ; Interior Elevations; Door, Window and Finish Schedules; Electrical layout plan.
Construction Administration
Acknowledging that no set of drawings can anticipate every field condition, it is Josh Allison Architecture’s role to observe construction and determine that the work is being executed as intended and in accordance with the Construction Documents. Dialogue between owner, architect, and contractor throughout construction plays an important role in the success and execution of any project. During the construction phase some of the architect’s responsibilities include: Owner advocate; Interaction with contractor as required; Respond to questions and provide clarifications/ bulletin drawings; Regular site observation visits throughout construction; Review of appropriate shop drawings, submittals or project data; review of 3rd party certifications, if required.
Sustainability
In addition to the formal approaches that are used to measure a building’s sustainability, Josh Allison Architecture believes that the most sustainable architecture is that which is timeless and will endure for many years to come. Good architecture that respects its context, is durable, and is cherished by its occupants and community is the architecture that endures rather than being destined for the landfill. Permanence is among the most sustainable qualities a building can achieve. Creating homes that are truly sustainable—those which are designed to last, those which are loved, and those which are sought, is the ultimate goal for each project that Josh Allison Architecture designs.
Good Architecture is sustainable.Classic design strategies have always included daylighting, solar orientation, air quality, energy efficiency, appropriate use of materials, recycled content, resilience, and many others we learned in architecture school, are considered in the design of each Josh Allison Architecture project. Metrics and 3rd party rating systems now offer various ways to measure the sustainability of these design strategies, but sustainability is a long-standing principle of good architecture.
While not every project offers the opportunity to formally measure sustainability with the most current metrics, every project offers the opportunity to make design decisions that are informed by sustainability. Josh Allison Architecture always seeks opportunities for practical sustainable design decisions in each phase of design, regardless of metrics or a project’s formal goals.
While not every project offers the opportunity to formally measure sustainability with the most current metrics, every project offers the opportunity to make design decisions that are informed by sustainability. Josh Allison Architecture always seeks opportunities for practical sustainable design decisions in each phase of design, regardless of metrics or a project’s formal goals.
Biography
Josh's Bookmarks/ Stuff I Like
Josh Allison, AIA, LEED AP
That's me to the left- I am an architect and a pretty normal guy. As a one-man shop, writing a 3rd person bio didn’t seem like a fit, so I figured I would take a different approach- the abbreviated life story! Hopefully, this bio will give you a glimpse of my background, my practice and what I am about; all while realizing that I am an approachable, easy to work with guy who speaks your language- after all, the process of selecting an architect shouldn’t be intimidating.
I always liked drawing when I was young. Yes, I was good at math too, but drawing and making things with my hands is what I see as the true foundation for my professional self. I grew up in Wilmington, Delaware and I'll never forget when we had an architect visit our school to work with our art class for a week when I was in 8th grade. We were given a mock project and at the end of the week, the architect (whose name I have forgotten) had given me enough encouragement that I had my sights set on something big. I guess you could say I was one of the lucky ones (or not) who knew what I wanted to do early in life.
Fast forward to college and I found myself lucky enough to be enjoying life at Virginia Tech as a student in the school of Architecture. I admit, when I decided to attend Virginia Tech, I knew it had an architecture program, but what I knew a lot more about was all of the other reasons that I wanted to go there- you know, the things that go through every high school senior's head as they choose a college! Looking back, that decision to attend what turned out to be a highly regarded architecture school, the instruction I received and the experiences I was afforded while attending were the second key piece of my professional foundation.
After graduating from VT in 1997 I moved to Charlotte. At the time, the allure of a beautiful southern city and the fact that my girlfriend and (future wife) had moved to the area seemed like reason enough to give Charlotte a try. Other than occasionally wishing we were closer to salt water I haven't ever looked back. Within Charlotte, my wife Carrie, our 2 children and our dog Lila call our small Dilworth house home.
I always liked drawing when I was young. Yes, I was good at math too, but drawing and making things with my hands is what I see as the true foundation for my professional self. I grew up in Wilmington, Delaware and I'll never forget when we had an architect visit our school to work with our art class for a week when I was in 8th grade. We were given a mock project and at the end of the week, the architect (whose name I have forgotten) had given me enough encouragement that I had my sights set on something big. I guess you could say I was one of the lucky ones (or not) who knew what I wanted to do early in life.
Fast forward to college and I found myself lucky enough to be enjoying life at Virginia Tech as a student in the school of Architecture. I admit, when I decided to attend Virginia Tech, I knew it had an architecture program, but what I knew a lot more about was all of the other reasons that I wanted to go there- you know, the things that go through every high school senior's head as they choose a college! Looking back, that decision to attend what turned out to be a highly regarded architecture school, the instruction I received and the experiences I was afforded while attending were the second key piece of my professional foundation.
After graduating from VT in 1997 I moved to Charlotte. At the time, the allure of a beautiful southern city and the fact that my girlfriend and (future wife) had moved to the area seemed like reason enough to give Charlotte a try. Other than occasionally wishing we were closer to salt water I haven't ever looked back. Within Charlotte, my wife Carrie, our 2 children and our dog Lila call our small Dilworth house home.
Back to my professional foundation…Shortly after committing to Charlotte as my new home in 1997, I was fortunate enough to land my first job at an architecture firm. I immersed myself in my role with the goal to learn as much as I could. In 2001 I completed the architectural registration exams as my quest to gain experience continued. I was fortunate to gain exposure to institutional, commercial, mixed use, multifamily, and single-family projects while working at 3 different firms along the way. The wide range of project types that I was exposed to played an important roll in helping me figure out the types of projects that make me "tick" as an architect. I guess the easiest way to answer that "tick" question is by simply saying: "If people live there".
For whatever reason, those projects that involve a residential component are the ones I most enjoy - and also where most of my experience lies. "If people live there" can mean multifamily or single family projects; affordable or luxury projects; renovation or new construction projects; historic or contemporary projects; large projects or small projects; the list goes on… the bottom line is that if people live there, I want to work on it.
In addition to being passionate about architecture and the projects I work on; I believe that being well rounded is part of being a good architect. Balance in life is healthy and I find that work-life balance in a variety of interests and activities. Family/kids, Lila, salt water fishing, sailing, cooking, wine, carpentry, mountain biking, photography, cars, and volunteer work are a few of the things I enjoy in addition to practicing architecture.
2010 came along and despite a down economy, the timing was right for me to marry the idea of "if people live there" with that entrepreneurial spirit that had always lingered (since the days of my high school grass cutting business) and often made me dream about starting my own firm. So, after a deep breath, I established Josh Allison Architecture in 2010. You can read more about the goals and work of Josh Allison Architecture elsewhere on the website, but hopefully after reading this you will realize that not only am I an architect who is passionate about and committed to what I do, but that I am a personable guy who can relate to my clients and enjoys the challenge of listening, learning and seeing things from your perspective.
-Josh Allison, AIA
For whatever reason, those projects that involve a residential component are the ones I most enjoy - and also where most of my experience lies. "If people live there" can mean multifamily or single family projects; affordable or luxury projects; renovation or new construction projects; historic or contemporary projects; large projects or small projects; the list goes on… the bottom line is that if people live there, I want to work on it.
In addition to being passionate about architecture and the projects I work on; I believe that being well rounded is part of being a good architect. Balance in life is healthy and I find that work-life balance in a variety of interests and activities. Family/kids, Lila, salt water fishing, sailing, cooking, wine, carpentry, mountain biking, photography, cars, and volunteer work are a few of the things I enjoy in addition to practicing architecture.
2010 came along and despite a down economy, the timing was right for me to marry the idea of "if people live there" with that entrepreneurial spirit that had always lingered (since the days of my high school grass cutting business) and often made me dream about starting my own firm. So, after a deep breath, I established Josh Allison Architecture in 2010. You can read more about the goals and work of Josh Allison Architecture elsewhere on the website, but hopefully after reading this you will realize that not only am I an architect who is passionate about and committed to what I do, but that I am a personable guy who can relate to my clients and enjoys the challenge of listening, learning and seeing things from your perspective.
-Josh Allison, AIA
Josh's Bookmarks/ Stuff I Like
