We believe buildings are a reflection of who we are. We seek an architecture that reflects our most noble ideals and aspirations.
We embrace the tension between purity and complexity.
We seek an Architecture of enduring quality with a contemporary attitude.
Process
We listen
Our process varies from project to project, but every architectural undertaking begins with listening. Our clients are central to shaping the design objectives, and they are our partner on what should become one of the most rewarding adventures in their life. Through conversation, inquiry, and listening, we can begin to define the parameters for a successful project.
We research, analyze, and ideate
We gather information about the site, the existing conditions and the regulatory context. Through analysis of these parameters, we begin to define what is possible. Opportunities emerge as information is synthesized and cultural ideas become formal ones. We determine what the project needs to say, and what it needs to evoke.
We collaborate
Our body of work is the result of close coordination with technical consultants and builders locally, domestically, and internationally. We assemble a consultant team for the specific project scope to bring the appropriate expertise required. We coordinate work across disciplines for consistency with the design intent.
We design, iterate, and document
We balance the practical with intuition and a charge to innovate. We design with the acknowledgement that anything is possible, tempered by a sense of appropriateness. We leverage technology to support our intuition and test ideas iteratively. We produce technical documentation with the professional standard of care required to transform ideas into a set of buildable instructions.
We oversee
During construction we oversee construction for consistency with the design intent and contract documents. We answer questions and provide supplemental information to contractors as needed to faciliate proper completion of the work. Invariably the project is not executed with a cohesive vision unless without architectural oversite.
Services
PROGRAMMING
We engage with our clients to develop a project scope- what to build and how much. We analyze the existing conditions of the site, and local regulations. For community projects we have developed participatory workshops that enable the users to articulate goals and objectives, as well as identify issues and solutions. These workshops and visioning group meetings result in a solid facilities program, as well as user consensus.
MASTER PLANNING
The process of sizing and siting buildings is followed by an implementation plan that addresses the necessity of project phasing, economic parameters, and design flexibility. Building location and form is designed with careful consideration negative spaces between them and the sunpath. Gardens, walks, and courts seamlessly integrate into one inhabitable whole.
BUILDING DESIGN
Zecchetto Architects provides full architectural services for a variety of building types:
Single Family Homes, Theaters, Museums, Art Galleries, Libraries, College Buildings, Schools, Religious Buildings and Support Facilities.
INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
A dedication to the quality of interior life is central to our approach to building design. Attention to detail and careful material selection have fostered a design approach that values conception and execution equally. Zecchetto Architects manages all aspects of interior design – from space planning, to selection of finish materials and products, to custom designed and fabricated furniture and lighting fixtures.
LIGHTING DESIGN
Our preoccupation with lighting design, technology and energy conservation has developed as an inseparable part of our services. In every project that we undertake we provide lighting in three stages of service: lighting concept, complete lighting design scheme, and custom light fixture design. Zecchetto Architects has undertaken a wide range of lighting projects, some of which have been recognized with national lighting awards.
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
We conceive buildings that are irrevocably connected to their land where the spatial experiences flow from interior to exterior spaces. We treat gardens to give coherence to and breathe life into buildings. We work with distinguished professionals, landscape architects, arborists and gardeners, bringing technical and practical expertise to our garden designs.
OBJECT DESIGN
As a complement to our interior design services, we are periodically requested to design miscellaneous objects, some of which are part of manufacturer collections: custom furniture, lighting fixtures, museum exhibits, stage sets, manufactured product design, graphics and signage, devotional art pieces, movable acoustics devices, textiles and rugs.
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
With LEED Certified Professionals on staff, Zecchetto Architects is committed to the ideals of sustainable design. Whether the client seeks LEED Certification or not, all our designs are mindful of sustainable issues, such as orientation and material selection. Our general approach to design, which strives to gain maximum benefit with minimal means, contains the essence of sustainability.
THREE-DIMENSIONAL VISUALIZATION
As an integral part of our design process, Zecchetto Architects uses both physical models and computer generated three-dimensional images (both renderings and animations) as design tools. These tools are often invaluable in communicating and presenting designs and ideas to clients, consultants and public agencies.
FIRM PROFILE
Zecchetto Architects was established by Renzo Zecchetto in Santa Monica CA in 1990 with winning competition entries for the Santa Clarita Civic Center Masterplan. Business City (Ciudad Empresarial) Masterplan in Santiago, Chile, and the Thurnlstrasse Housing Masterplan in Vienna.
All projects are designed and overseen by Renzo Zecchetto and Sebastiano Zecchetto.