Philadelphia / Pennsylvania / United States
About AlwaysbyDesign (AxD) is a venue for art + architecture. The Center City Philadelphia gallery/studio houses both AxD Gallery, showcasing contemporary visual and performing arts, and AlwaysbyDesign architects + designers, an award-winning architectural firm. Our gallery/studio received both Merit and Honor Awards from American Institute of Architects, Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Chapters respectively. It was also featured in the 2007 Summerissue of CONTEXT, the Journal of AIA Philadelphia. AxDs architectural commissions range from Maine to Maryland, encompassing cultural, educational, commercial and residential projects. New artists works are featured each month in the gallery and as well as periodic musical and theatrical performances. When we relocated in order to expand our architectural studio, we started AxD Gallery as an exhibition venue for contemporary visual arts. The most frequent question since its opening in January 2007 has been: Whats the connection between the architectural studio and the art gallery? The answer involves a constellation of reasons. Obviously we find a significant overlap between the visual arts and the aesthetic issues that architects and designers face daily. As such, the gallery represents and functions for us as an incubation laboratory for ideas and inspirations. Secondly, we see the gallery as a form of social activism, supporting the arts and bringing community together. And finally, its awfully fun to host a reception party once a month and catch up with friends! Our practice is committed to achieving the best design quality possible - regardless of the type of commission. We approach each architectural project with a "beginners mind"; listening to the needs of the client, assessing the qualities of the community and project site, and researching design options to achieve unique and enduring solutions. We have found that the best work results from a close collaboration of individuals committed to the success of a project throughout the course of its realization. As a small studio-centered practice, we offer the experience and flexibility to structure relationships with clients and contractors to best suit each projects unique circumstances. Experience and Service It was not entirely by coincidence that our first project was a small gatehouse at a vacation residence - designed and built with our own hands. All of our architectural design, detailing, specifications and construction supervision are done in-house. Our work is quite varied, encompassing educational and cultural buildings, restaurant and retail interiors, new residences, and a variety of projects for business and civic institutions. Services range from feasibility consultations and prospectus development through to construction documentation, construction period overview, and post-occupancy evaluations. Always by Design owner, Edward A. Barnhart, AIA, has practiced architecture for over twenty-five years, working for major design firms on projects ranging from the Harrisburg International Airport, an addition to the National Museum in London, renovations to the Barnes Foundation, a hotel in Japan, Bard College Library, and various residences. Serving as a principal for the past nine years, his work has included additions and/or renovations to the Chemical Heritage Foundation, Pennsylvania Superior Court, American Philosophical Societys Franklin Hall and Library Hall, as well as projects for Siemens Corporation, Bard College, and a variety of businesses and homeowners. A measure of the studios success has been an ability to forge long-term sustainable working relationships with the majority of our clients and receive subsequent commissions. Our work has also garnered significant design recognition. The East Building of the Chemical Heritage Foundation, for which Ed served as Principal-in-charge, received both an Award of Merit from the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Best
