Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Freeman.
Hi Mark, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Lucia and I met in college at Tulane University in New Orleans, where we were both attending the School of Architecture. We graduated in 2002, just after September 11th, and many areas weren’t building or hiring architects. We moved to Washington, DC versus heading back to our hometowns. We had many friends who had moved here and convinced us we’d find jobs. Many of those friends left to pursue graduate degrees and other jobs. Yet here we are 24 years later with a family and growing firm.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been easy, but it has been very fulfilling. As I noted previously, we graduated right after 9/11. We were able to find work here, and ended up working for architecture, interior design and construction firms over the next 6 years. Then the recession of 2008 hit, and we each were let go from jobs at different times while we were also starting a family. We felt in order to make our profession work for us, and to build our vision of a firm and family, we needed to branch out on our own. As we’ve grown, we’ve since dealt with COVID as well as other economic headwinds. Each of these have proved challenging. Ultimately, those challenges have taught us how to be nimble and adapt. Part of that adaptation has been to learn how to work on multiple project types from single family homes to multi-family developments, from commercial interiors to adaptive reuse of historic properties, and from consumer advocacy and litigation support. Throughout all of the challenges and changes, we continue to learn and value the learning process. We been honored to work on great projects of all types with wonderful people who believed in the collective vision, and allowed us to collaborate with them.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As I noted, Lucia worked for firms that specialized in Architecture and Interior Design, while I worked in firms that specialized in Architecture and Construction. Those experiences taught us how to assess each problem from multiple sides allowing us to bring a more holistic design approach to our clients. It also gave us a better understanding of the clients’ needs on both sides of the Architect-Contractor relationship. Communication is the most important aspect of a successful collaboration between the Architect and Client, and then again with the Contractor-Client-Architect during construction.
We strive to listen first to our Clients and work towards their individual visions of a building, from functionality to aesthetics, to seamlessly integrating them all into our designs. We also strive to incorporate natural light and materials to create healthy spaces where people thrive. We are most proud that our buildings reflect our Clients’ goals, are well constructed with an eye for detail.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Attention to detail and the necessary collaboration to accomplish them. These are what make a design and project special.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aggregatearchitecture.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aggregate_architecture/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Aggregate-Architecture/61555371367055/
- Other: https://www.houzz.com/pro/aggregatearchitecture/aggregate-architecture-design
