Andre Architecture

Space, light, and structure were the guiding principles in designing the Broadway loft, ultimately leading to a minimal intervention of contemporary architecture set within a historic, industrial loft. Open space was organized around the existing columns with only the minimal amount of walls necessary to be added. Fundamental to our design approach, we proposed new exposed piping and open ceilings to preserve the original concrete and plasterwork. The lines would wrap around the curvature of the original detailing, highlighting the authenticity of the space and becoming a new decorative element in reference to the historic style of the loft – the Art Deco. We even embraced the character of the old wood floors, a solid maple on its last limb and full of scars. The money saved would help pay for all new, energy-efficient windows.

Designer / Architect: Andre Architecture
Builder: CReate Renovations
Photography: Virginia Carey Photography

We are celebrating our 4th year of business and the results are finally starting to show. Our growing national practice currently has 9 projects under construction!

The Colorado House, pictured here, will be complete in October. This whole-house renovation made structural changes to how the house essentially functions with a complete reconfiguration of the main kitchen, foyer, and primary bathroom. The finish materials are especially exciting, with warm and colorful tones which give rich compliments to the breathtaking scenery of the high-alpine landscape of Breckenridge.

Please consider reaching out to us or referring our specialty design practice for your next project in need.

— Focus 5 of 5
NEW NEW YORK

The era of the car has reigned 100 years. It’s time for a metamorphosis of American cities and New York City is ripe for revolution. The city may understand that we are at a moment of critical juncture. Mayor Eric Adams has proposed plans to reimagine major avenues like 5th and Broadway. While this is a positive gesture, it’s scope is neither broad or ambitious enough. In fact, the areas for improvement will mostly serve tourists as the most common New Yorker does not live on a major commercial avenue.

The reality is — we need a total, radical redesign of ALL public streets and sidewalks: prioritizing clean infrastructure, environmental action, and the pedestrian experience. Manhattan requires a smaller vehicle standard, much like old European cities, with the complete elimination of common street parking to gain back lost efficiency of public space.

Image 1 illustrates a typical street plan of a minor avenue in Manhattan, that of which only about 15% is currently dedicated to pedestrians. Image 2 is a proposed sketch of that same minor avenue reimagined — automated trash infrastructure, elimination of street parking, expansion of indoor and outdoor commercial space, and major limitations for traffic control are proposed. Image 3 renders the mayor’s proposed plan for Broadway, the inadequate planting and asphalt paving will not counterbalance the negative effects of a 4-lane street with bike lanes appearing as an afterthought. Image 4 promotes the new “Rat Czar”, an impossible job until the fundamental equation is changed. Only when trash collection is automated will the rats disappear. Image 5 headlines a new test pilot program for expansion of outdoor dining, meager planters and paint has no meaningful impact nor addresses our climate crisis. In contrast, Image 6 and 7 headlines Paris’s proposal to eliminate vehicles from the city center and plant 170,000 trees to create “urban forests”. Image 8 is an expansion of a previous focus topic — the transformation of the ground plan may be supplemented with a new city-mandated, skyscape.

— Focus 2 of 5
PUBLIC TOOLS FOR ENERGY AND EDUCATION

Public art has the power to shift the paradigm towards a more empowered society. Investment in public art must increase enormously with development of large-scale environmental designs made to inspire and engage the public in a meaningful way. Public art may be made more useful by expanding the definition to include public infrastructure (i.e. transit, trash, manufacturing and food). We can change our urban environment in a cost-effective way by infusing art into already established capital improvement programs. Successful public art programs will encourage people to actively contribute to their society, thus creating a culture of productivity and self-sustaining life ecosystem.

Images 1-4 convey the award-winning design, deemed “The Collectors” for the organization at — an art pavilion providing water, power and shelter. Images 5-7 illustrate a vertical community garden in the Golden Hill neighborhood of San Diego. Image 8 is the new Living and Learning Neighborhood for UC San Diego, designed by Andre Gomez (principal at Andre Architecture) with Safdie Rabines Architects and many other talented people and companies including HKS, the Office of James Burnett, and Clark Construction . Image 9 is an anaerobic digester (also of the project previously mentioned), used to turn food waste into biofuel.

Photography is courtesy of

Construction has begun on the Sequoia House, a unique residence deep within the high mountain forest of a Giant Sequoia tree grove. The house cascades with the steep terrain, creating an expansive glass wall with adjoining outdoor terrace at nearly 7000' elevation for breathtaking views of the mountain valley. The house is finished in dark, natural materials to compliment the deep colors of the forest. Charred timber and stone cladding provide long-term façade durability with minimal maintenance required.