The Studio:
Politi Architecture caters to innovative and discerning clients who prioritize exceptional design to positively impact their lives. Our clients deeply value our unparalleled creativity, vision, and strategic insight.
As trusted partners, we offer more than just design; we deliver comprehensive, customized solutions. Our process starts with an in-depth analysis across various parameters—Site, Program, Feasibility, Technology—to meticulously define the project scope. This approach ensures we address current challenges and anticipate future requirements, delivering tangible, forward-thinking results that exceed our clients’ expectations.
“In life one plays many roles, and their theater or stage for life is the architecture around them. Architecture becomes the setting for the story by creating a time, a place, and a spirit in which the events of life occur.
When this becomes understood, one should realize that architecture creates this three-dimensional backdrop that should complement, and inspire its inhabitants to interact with each other, the landscape, as well as with one’s inner soul.
Architecture is humanely constructed, yet it should be as phenomenal and as graceful as nature. There is simplicity in form, structure, spatial composition in nature that should be realized and understood. It’s with this clear vision and understanding of the nature environment that should lead to an architecture that is a beautiful interpretation of both man and landscape.” - Thomas M. Politi, AIA, NCARB
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The Process:
This journey involves seven key phases, each contributing to the successful realization of a project. Here is a brief breakdown:
Interview and Initial Explorations:
The process begins with an interview where the architect and client discuss project goals, vision, and requirements. Preliminary explorations help set the stage for what is to come.
Pre-design and Discovery Process:
The architect collects essential information about the site, budget, and any existing structures. During this phase critical analysis, the design team will develop the goals within the design. It is crucial to understand the context and constraints before diving into design.
Schematic Design:
The architect collaborates with the client and will refine the project goals and requirements. The architectural program—a definition of the project’s required functions will be distributed to the design team for review. Study drawings and media illustrate design concepts, spatial relationships, and form. Zoning requirements and restrictions will be addressed.
Design Development and Permit Drawings:
Building upon the schematic design, this phase fleshes out mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural, and architectural details. Design development (DD) results in drawings that specify material types, window and door locations, and other critical elements. The level of detail depends on the owner’s request and project needs.
Construction Documents:
These comprehensive documents provide the necessary information for construction. They include detailed plans, sections, elevations, and specifications. Architects collaborate closely with engineers and other consultants to complete these documents.
Bidding and Negotiation with Contractors:
If required, the architect helps in the bidding process. Contractors give proposals, and the architect helps evaluate them. Negotiations follow, ensuring alignment with the project vision and budget.
Construction Administration:
During construction, the architect oversees the project, addressing any issues that arise. They collaborate with contractors, review progress, and ensure adherence to the design intent.
Remember, effective communication and collaboration between the architect and client are vital throughout this process. By understanding these phases, clients can actively take part and contribute to the successful outcome of their architectural project.
The Story:
Architecture and Design have always been a strong influence in my life. As a child, I loved looking at beautiful buildings in cities, as well as admiring the natural landscapes of upstate NY and other places we traveled to as a family. Born into a working-class family and raised in Amsterdam, New York made me resourceful, understanding the value of hard work—and more importantly, it made me appreciate the opportunity that the present moment provides us each day. I think this is where my understanding of design and building within the environment started.
I clearly remember walking as a child with my parents to Amsterdam’s downtown area, and the buzz of energy was exciting to me, even then. The local shops, restaurants, and movie theater are all next to each other, and I would take in—and eventually recognize—the buildings’ details, the local transportation, the people. We would walk into town, chatting with the local neighbors as we walked by their homes. What I didn’t realize at the time was that this was the embodiment of an urban experience.
Early in my architectural career, I had two parallel design tracks running simultaneously: I was both an architectural student and a landscape contractor. Both provided me with an outstanding educational experience and knowledge about how to design and construct places that people can enjoy and appreciate together. I quickly realized that many spaces were poorly designed, both inside and out. There was a lack of connection between the building itself, the interior space, and the landscape—to me, it is this interconnection that creates the magic of a space.
Today in my career, as an architect and urbanist, I am deeply focused on the impact that well-designed buildings, gardens, and urban spaces bring to our cities—and how these are all connected. I draw on my [two] decades of experience to develop design theories and concepts that precisely blend indoor and outdoor environments to spark creativity, dialogue, and an awareness of time and space.
I believe that when architecture is created with intention and meaning, it becomes the place a person identifies with, and becomes a full sensory experience. It’s about discovery, adventure, and imagination.
