New practices: young turks in SF architecture

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Some of the best new architecture is often the work of young firms; if they’re lucky they can take risks and push the boundaries of design in ways that larger, more established firms may not be able to. These young architects and their firms have undertaken some excellent work and just may become the architectural leaders of tomorrow. That’s why the New Practices San Francisco is worth checking out.

 

 

 

The winning firms were:

 

CMG Landscape Architecture                           Edmonds + Lee Architects

Faulders Studio                                               Kennerly Architecture + Planning

Min | Day                                                        Public Architecture

 

Honorable mentions included:

 

Axelrod Design                                                Envelope A+D

 

Each of these firms has an impressive body of work which I encourage you to explore both online and in person. However, I am going to point out my two personal favorites—Kennerly Architects + Planning and Axelrod Design.

 

Before the New Practices competition, I reported that Axelrod Design was one of San Francisco’s up-and-coming design firms; I’m pleased that the New Practices jury agreed with my judgment. Axelrod’s Afeka House is simply a minimalist tour de force, beautifully executed in its details and workmanship.

 

Kennerly’s body of work is also impressive, but I would focus on a particularly fine urban residence, the Guerrero mixed-use residences. If you haven’t driven by 14^th and Guerrero in San Francisco, do so. This building successfully negotiates a corner lot with a fine sense of composition and deft placement of fenestration.

 

Each firm represented in the New Practices SF are well deserving of this award. I plan on keeping an eye on their future work and expect them to continue making positive contributions to Bay Area architecture.