Lake Flato Architects

When we decided to create Lake|Flato Architects in 1984, we were clear about the kind of buildings we wanted to design. First and foremost, we believed in a principle that has continued to guide us thirty years later. Architecture needed to be in its place. The term "place" embraces an environment and encompasses all the physical and cultural contexts in which a building is situated. We believed that every building should respond in profound and dynamic ways, both sensuously and intellectually, to the natural or built environment. We aimed for a balance between the two extremes. In the beginning, we used local materials, worked with local artisans, and looked for buildings that were tactile, modern, authentic, artistic, and crafted. These are the principles that continue to guide our work. Although our firm has grown and changed, the idea that the only way to design in harmony with the land is to be part of it still holds. We have found great success in partnering with the environment, rather than imposing ourselves on it. And building in a way that fits that environment and culture is beginning to gain momentum. These projects are still as important to us as they were three decades ago because we were as excited about our first houses as we are about these. As we've seen time and time again, the relationship between place, family, and building can produce unique settings to live in. Authenticity and aesthetic appeal are the result.