We help artists to make their visions into reality, relying on an acute control and awareness of cost, schedule, and an engineering acument that starts by proposing solutions to the myriad what-if's that come with artistic creation. For public art projects we provide two different service packages, and most often work directly for an artist, though occasionally we work for a museum or commissioning agency. On the front end, we offer Design Optimization services, which include complete architectural and engineering documentation, development of critical path timeline and cost control documents, and identification / sourcing of any specialized components, fabricators, manufacturers, etc. On the back end, we provide Project Management services with a high level of control over all subcontractors and suppliers under the artist, from beginning of construction through completion. We also act as an artist's liaison to all other professional parties, such as architects, engineers, contractor, building owners, building code officials, etc. This allows our clients to stay focused on the artwork, and their next project. We take pride in protecting the artist's conceptual clarity and intention of the work, as well as their fee—which is set aside in the cost control document at the beginning and never touched. 

METALAB architecture pursues design-forward solutions to architectural commissions. Our work is focused on programmatic, cultural, and economic opportunities in the built environment, and our solutions are clever and unexpected. We believe that the uniqueness of our solutions translates directly into value and authenticity.

We often work on old buildings or in historic contexts, but we design and build in our own time, celebrating the common thread of quality and community as lasting achievements. We are well versed in advanced 3D modeling and digital fabrication, while recognizing that these are simply tools in an ever expanding toolbox. Our projects are elegant and sometimes whimsical, sensing their place in a long continuum.

We take great pride in understanding how buildings go together. If we don't know something, we want to learn. Listening and learning from those who make things is fundamental to our work. While our practice is focused on the following building types, we have always embraced the notion that the most creative work comes from an outliers perspective, one that we try to maintain even as we gather experience and momentum in these areas.

Our architecture work is focused on:
Pavilions & Park Buildings, Churches & Sacred Spaces, Renovation & Adaptive Re-use, Creative Commercial

Since our founding in 2007, we've recognized that we take the greatest pride in work that is in the public realm, accessible to all.  That we find joy in the discovery of new ways to solve problems that are technical, structural, and material in nature.  And that by solving these problems, we create moments of intrigue, whimsy, and spectacle.  Our time and experience in managing large scale public art projects has affected us as architects, and we have a very unique skill set as a result.

As we expand our architectural efforts for non-profit, institutional, and municipal clients, we recognize that it is our responsibility as designers to elevate the experience of public spaces even as we are tasked with providing the basics of infrastructure: functionality, safety, sustainability, and resilience.

We offer Creative Infrastructure as a new term for engagement of the public realm.  Our goal is to help non profits, parks, and public spaces do more, for more people.  To solve problems, tell stories, and spark curiosity.

Park Buildings   Pavilions   Bridges   Lookouts   Gateways   Green Technology   Memorials

We Are Creative Infrastructure Partners