FIRM CULTURE
HISTORY
The legacy of architects that have gone before is a strong force in this field, and like most architecture firms, this one has grown and changed over the years. In 1993, colleagues Edward Waterbury and De Unthank started their own firm, Unthank Waterbury Architects. When De decided he was ready to retire in 1998, Ed continued to work as a sole practitioner for a few years, until he and Richard Shugar formed Waterbury Shugar Architecture in 2004. With Ed’s untimely death in the summer of 2006, the firm goes on with the same commitment to design quality that Ed and Richard brought to every project together.
In 2006, Richard Shugar took the firm, Waterbury Shugar Architects, and re-visioned it into 2fORM Architecture. Building on his years of experience, Shugar has brought the firm into the new century, with a bold vision of collaborative design. The firm’s design process is responsive, insightful and collaborative. Throughout each project, the expectations, creativity and performance of the design in relation to the goals are evaluated and discussed with our clients. The firm provides a full spectrum of architectural services to health care, public facilities, commercial and residential sectors, from site planning to interior design.
2fORM Architecture’s work is sensitive to the Pacific Northwest. Richard is a longtime Oregon resident and an alumni of the UO School of Architecture and Allied Arts. Environmental considerations specific to the region are given critical focus.
PHILOSOPHY
2fORM recognizes that architecture captures the relationship formed when people interface with their environment. We strive for 2fORM places, for people to connect with their community and with the built and natural environments. We work without preconceived ideas about the solution; instead, we treat every project as an opportunity to learn and explore.
The primary factor which motivates 2fORM Architecture is the desire to create spaces which support each client’s unique needs. Our primary benchmark for success is the delighted response of our clients to the spaces we have created for them—not the acclaim of our design peers. Over the years, we have found that the best client relationships are formed on a firm foundation of understanding about how the practice of architecture works, in general, as well as how we manage our practice. Realistic expectations about what should occur during each step in the process enhance collaboration, and produce better results.
PROCESS
2fORM promotes a design process that explores innovative solutions to realize the vision of our clients. We are committed to a design process that is responsive, insightful and collaborative. We continually ask our clients and ourselves to evaluate design expectations, creativity and the project’s performance.
SUSTAINABILITY
Green building practices are integrated into all of our projects at 2fORM. Whether or not LEED certification is set as a goal, many of the energy conservation principles can be brought to bear on projects of any scope or magnitude.
Designs which minimally use non-renewable energy, lower energy costs and produce less pollution. Additionally, these techniques provide increased comfort, health and safety for families today and in the future.