PROCESS

BAU approaches the design process as a collaboration between the client, building team, users and builders. Our preferred tool is the workshop where project issues are explored in an open forum format. The workshop builds consensus through the interactions of the eventual users. Projects evolve as the specific site, program, technology, construction, budget and schedule are considered.


HISTORY

BAU Architecture was originally established in 1993 by Gena Ellis and David Kratzer while teaching at the University of Idaho and Washington State University. West Coast projects include the Moscow Animal Care Facility and the Shared Facility Feasibility Study with the City and Police of Moscow, Latah County and the Moscow School District, as well as residential projects. BAU returned to the Philadelphia area in 1996 and have since completed numerous projects including the Diego Martin Pan Institute in Trinidad, work for Cheltenham Township such as renovations to the LaMott Community Center, and the Norristown Farm Park building renovations for the State of Pennsylvania. In 2005, BAU incorporated as an LLC offering specific expertise in environmental sustainability and design.


ACADEMIA

Gena Ellis and David Kratzer teach, lecture and critique at Philadelphia academic institutions. Academia allows BAU to remain current on issues related to our building culture and ensures a design process charged with care for the past, present and future.


EXPERTISE

Environmentally Sensitive Design & Healthy Spaces
Municipal, Civic and Public Works Projects
Historic Renovation and Adaptive Reuse Projects
Skilled Care and Assisted Living Facilities
Hospitality and Theater Projects
Public Parks and Recreation Facilities


SERVICES

Consensus Building Workshops and Charettes
Space Needs Analyses and Programming
Feasibility and Cost Studies
Building Design and Documentation
Construction Administration