73 Design and Build 2020 BUILD Dec19033 11 Q2 2020 BUILD Dec19033 Simplicity Speaks For Itself All designers are made unique by their approaches, and how these approaches affect the final product. For Leslie Elkins of Leslie Elkins Architecture, her approach is defined by a sensitivity to place and purpose that calls on every aspect to perform a function with a delicate elegance. We take a closer look to find out more about the way she works. ased out of Houston, Texas, Leslie Elkins has nurtured a career from the design of intimate buildings and spaces that are able to celebrate precise gestures and quiet statements. This contrasts with the large and bold designs that make up much of the city’s landscape. Working subtly to draw elements together into a cohesive whole, most of her work has been in the realm of the residential or institutional and has drawn great acclaim from clients upon completion. Elkins’ work starts with collaboration in every respect, with conversations between owner, architect, consultants and contractors from the outset. Once this is done, a creative team and group of consultants are brought together to test ideas, try alternatives and realize the vision of a project. Often engaged in a project from an early stage, Elkins is usually able to incorporate the site into her plans as well. The design ethos of Elkins’ work draws several elements. While aiming towards sustainable construction and energy efficiency, the design process is focused on capturing elements of light and simplicity. While the shaping, shading and reflecting of light is a central focus, subtle mixing between natural and artificial light brings spaces to life. A dialogue between interior and exterior B allows the team to finetune the art of bringing daylight inside. By creating work that is rich in light, texture, surface and space, it is possible allow the controlled palette of materials to present themselves with directness and authenticity. This attitude pervades every aspect of the design process, from the geometry to the plans and sections of buildings. No gesture is wasted, yet always expressed with a light touch. A strong attention to detail is crucial when taking this approach to design and means that everyone must be attended to both on paper and in the field. For Elkins, the design-and-solution process only ends when the project has been completed as there are often many changes and alterations to be made during the lifetime of a project. Often this requires communicating during the construction process with a contractor or builder on site about the potential resolutions. While many of Elkins’ clients are residential, with some in Houston and others in Colorado, other clients are drawn from non-profits backgrounds such as a Quaker Meeting or local Arboretum. If a member of the team is asked to take part in one of these projects, such as the Live Oak Friends Meetinghouse, it is because a member of the team is already involved or interested in the work of the non-profit. The impressive reputation of Elkins precedes her, however. Word-of-mouth has a great role to play in any business venture and with a series of satisfied clients to share their experiences, a great deal of work comes through invitation. For Elkins, consideration of every aspect of design is key. She is aware, however, that for all the effort some designers put into selecting the perfect light fixtures and the ideal ceiling finishes, they often overlook important health and safety utilities. Motion detectors, exit signs or even smoke alarms that can ruin the effect of these carefully curated features. Finding a solution to this is not top of Elkins’ list, but demonstrates how carefully she considers her projects. Actions speak louder than words, and every one of Leslie Elkins’ actions are carefully considered to make the most statement with the least movement. This not only gives a clear direction for design but ensures that the design does not overshadow the function. It is an approach that is incredibly well suited to a wide range of projects, including worship spaces and artists’ retreats, but could be applied to so many more as her inevitable success increases. Company: Leslie Elkins Architecture Contact: Leslie Elkins Website: www.lelkinsarch.com
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