Statement of Intent

Plural was founded on the idea of subverting the top-down structure of traditional architecture firms. Rather than waving the banner of a single, flagship architect, we believe a diversity of talents and voices can contribute to and shape our vision. Our current personnel is composed of an architect, a designer, a construction expert, and a writer. We each have different proclivities, realms of expertise, and perspectives, but we’ve all come together to improve the built environment, to lessen its negative impacts on the natural environment, and to raise the quality of life for all who live within it. 

In other words, we each approach our company’s mission from different angles, sometimes with different vocabularies––though there is overlap, and our goal is the same. As we take on new projects and consider their implications to the wider world, we strive to remember that we’re not just talking to each other, or even to other architects and members of the building industry. We also want to communicate our ideas and values to those who are not involved in the architectural process, but are affected by it. After all, our position is a unique one: in many ways, we are the bridge, the liaison between those who build structures, and the people who inhabit them. We have the opportunity to help lay audiences understand the environmental and social implications of the choices they make during the design process, and the barriers we face in implementing them. 

That’s why our goal with this journal is to investigate with a level of rigor that speaks to the design and building industry communities we’re embedded in, but also explain ourselves to those who may be less versed in architectural jargon. We will discuss the problems we’re working through day-to-day, articulating our aspirations with regard to equity and environmentalism in the process. We won’t shy away from confronting the realities of Austin’s zoning code where it, for instance, refuses to accommodate more sustainable exterior wall assemblies. But we will also be sure to define our terms along the way for any newcomers hoping to educate themselves on how they can, say, improve the energy efficiency of their homes, or the equitability of their communities.

In short, whether you’re an architect, sustainability advocate, or just a curious onlooker, welcome. We’re happy you’re here, and we’re writing these posts with you in mind. With this journal, we’re entering into a conversation, and we want you to be part of it, too. If you have thoughts, comments, or suggestions for topics you’d like to read about, email us at office@pluraloffice.com. If you'd like to sign up for occasional email updates from Plural, email us at the same, with the subject line subscribe.