Woodshed | Stillwater, New Jersey 2010

I believe architecture is the deliberate act of giving form to purpose—shaped by place, material, and use. Appearance matters, but a building’s true value is fully measured over time through the experience of those who inhabit it.

My approach to architecture is grounded in three closely related principles: clarity of intent, honesty of material, and respect for context.

Clarity of intent begins with understanding. It requires listening carefully, defining what matters, and carrying these ideas consistently throughout the design process—from initial conversations through construction. When architecture is clear in its intent, it avoids contradiction and excess.

Honesty of material acknowledges how buildings are constructed. It respects the inherent qualities of materials and the craft required to assemble them. When architecture is honest, the realities of construction are not concealed; they inform and strengthen the design.

Respect for context recognizes that buildings do not exist in isolation. Each project responds directly to its site and circumstance. When architecture is rooted in place, it is neither generic nor imposed—it simply belongs.

Practiced this way, architecture transcends style and moves beyond basic functionality. It becomes the deliberate act of building something worthwhile—simple, resolved, and enduring; appropriate to its place, clear in its intent, and true to its materials.

This is how I strive to practice.

—Samuel