Cydney Means AIA, NCARB, Principle Architect

I think of architecture not as a single practice, but as several interlocking ones. Landscapes are inseparable from structures, ecology is inseparable from building requirements, and improving human experience is the ultimate goal of any project. Aesthetic movements come and go, but I have found these principles to be timeless.

As a partner, I strive for honesty and clarity. My first job is to understand the client’s vision and needs, not to present my own. I value timeliness, direct communication and prototypes over presentations, as well as the occasional face-to-face meeting over a drink or a meal.

Over the years, I have been fortunate to collaborate with some excellent clients on some wonderful projects, but we believe it is still too early to weigh in on the success of the work. A building exists in time and its usefulness is directly related to how well it continues to perform.

I am proud of my Western roots and heritage, but do not consider myself an exponent of Western design. Regional style has no place in architecture, where a building must first and foremost be suited to local needs.

- Cydney Means