LUX - July 2017 49 The Principles of Architecture Clawson Architects LLC, headquartered in Maplewood, New Jersey, currently provides professional architectural services in New York, New Jersey, Vermont and Florida. Clawson Architects has been approved and certified by the New Jersey Department of the Treasury as a small business enterprise and women-owned business enterprise. As experts in historical detailing - Clawson Architects designs additions and renovations that look as if they are original to the buildings architectural intent - or they create something totally original that speaks to the clients’ favourite period in architectural history as well as the contextual surroundings. Principal and founder, Mary René Clawson begins by explaining what the firms does and what they set out to achieve. “Clawson Architects is an award winning and nationally recognised architectural design firm for those who value design and believe that everyday life can be enriched through extraordinary design. Clawson Architects is an award winning and nationally recognised architectural design firm for those who value design and believe that everyday life can be enriched through extraordinary design. “We strive to meet your contemporary living and working style with straightforward, thoughtful, sustainable design solutions. When working with historic properties, we respect the existing details and style. As a full-service architectural and interior design firm with expertise in both residential, retail and institutional facilities, Clawson Architects provides services such as programming, forensic architectural services, restoration, professional testimony and construction administration, as-built documentation, interior design services, model building and 3-D rendering.” Mary then outlines the firm’s approach to architecture and design, revealing the geographical scope of their services, plus the unique challenges they face when tackling each project assigned to them. “We preserve and enhance the original architecture, while including modern amenities, making a seamless transition between what is new and what is original to the structure. When designing from the ground up, we take our cues from the surrounding landscape and the client’s personal style, making each project individual and original. Keeping abreast of the latest innovations in ‘green’ architecture, technology, practice and materials that are smarter and yield a more sustainable future is at the core of meeting our professional commitment to you as well as the environment. “Clawson Architects provides services across the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area, as well as in Vermont and Florida. We have provided both residential and commercial architecture and design services in locations like Chatham, Colts Neck, Maplewood, Mountainside, Ridgewood, Short Hills and South Orange in New Jersey, Gramercy Park, Greenwich Village, NoHo, the Upper East and Upper West Sides of Manhattan in New York City, Katonah, Rhinebeck, West Point in New York State, Sharon CT, South Hero VT and Boca Grande FL. “Every project we work on, whether new construction, an addition or a renovation, has its own unique challenges and opportunities for both innovation as well as creativity. Though the scope and style of our clients’ projects vary, we dedicate the same principles to every job we do: attention to detail, respect for historical context and aesthetics. We do this with designs that are always human-centric, site- appropriate and environmentally responsible. “Clawson Architects’ commitment to these principles is illustrated on several projects, that range from New York City loft apartments to new houses in the rural woods, from gut-renovated home kitchens to a not-for-profit institutional respite centre that serves thousands of people weekly. The range in style, size and scope keeps us energised and excited about each new project.” Green - an Old Idea with New Public Awareness The LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark in the USA for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. Mary René Clawson is overseeing Clawson Architects’ commitment to their clients and the environment, as just part of what they have always been called to do as architects. Mary then reveals more about this aspect of the firm’s work, in her own words. As the exclusive winner of the LUX Leading Designers 2017 – USA award, we spoke to Mary René Clawson principal and founder, to learn more about the firm’s work in the design sector. The Principles of Architecture Company: Clawson Architects LLC Name: Mary René Clawson Email:
[email protected] Web Address: www.clawsonarchitects.com Address: 511 Valley Street Maplewood, NJ 07040 USA Telephone: +1 973 313 2724