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THE GREAT INDOORS: John Hubert Architects
We have our pick of design firms in Philadelphia, but with the stiff competition of New York City right around the corner, how can local design and architecture firms stand out from the crowd?
THE GREAT INDOORS: John Hubert Architects
Reporter Meg Augustin takes you inside some of Philly's most fab dwellings to showcase the city's unique grasp on design and architecture.
We have our pick of design firms in Philadelphia, but with the stiff competition of New York City right around the corner, how can local design and architecture firms stand out from the crowd? I recently found out when I met Jason Solinsky of John Hubert Architects. Solinsky was showing off their latest work in Washington Square West, a 1400-square-foot condo that received a complete redo. While beautiful, like many newly designed spaces in Philadelphia, there was something much more fluid and well-thought-out about it.
If you've ever built your own home or gutted an existing one, you already know that once your personal design goals meet a construction team’s “lintels” and “ledgers,” you may not wind up with the home you were hoping for. But JHA takes the guess work out of your vision by following through with the project construction. According to Solinsky and John Hubert, “our process and methodology have been structured to … make certain that the decision making process and responsibilities associated with them work together to maintain the integrity of the project.”
Jason Solinsky isn’t new to this in-sync ideology. He grew up the son of a residential builder. “He brought me to the jobsite with him since I was in a crib. I grew up watching him work and as soon as I was old enough, I began working with him.” Solinsky didn’t stop there, though. While in college he worked with a cabinet maker in Philadelphia and, after graduation, he honed his skills by getting a degree in architecture. In 2008, he joined the JH team which had been working on the conceptual and technical sides of projects for three years.
The Philadelphia-based group also sticks to their roots by incorporating Philadelphia-style into their work. When asked exactly what that consisted of, they noted, “I believe Philadelphia was and to a certain extent is a conservative market that takes great pride in its history.” However, the team also saw the emergence of sustainable design — especially in up-and-coming areas such as Northern Liberties — as the new wave in Philadelphia design. The design firm itself leans toward modern influences and uses sustainable products where it can. “Our concept and practice of sustainable design reflects an understanding of and commitment to new, more responsible means of living, building, thinking and doing.” Yet, as my first walk-through proved, they accomplish this while still respecting Philadelphia’s history.
Recently, the group finished an interior renovation of a home in Media, Pa. The project included a new master suite, powder room and kitchen, which incorporated custom cabinetry and a slatted-wood wall. Like the Washington Square West project, this one was led and finished by the architects from first vision to the final hammered nail.
When the group commented on their principals of “quality, identity and value”, it became clear that the true value of their work was not only in their project work but in the way they deliver for their clients. “We believe that the greatest means of increasing the value of any project is by never losing sight of or disregarding even the smallest details of the project.” It’s those small details and a complete vision that makes this design firm a blessing for all home owners looking for a finished piece.
I live in a Jason Solinsky project and could not be happier. He gutted my Fishtown home and rebuilt it completely in an open, modern style that retains and showcases some of the charming older features (beautiful radiators, exposed brick wall).
Like the author says, as the architect AND builder he creates very beautiful spaces that also make sense for real people to live in.— lpiraino
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