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open studio | architecture
A studio or workroom which is made accessible to allcomers, where artistic or creative work can be viewed and created collaboratively. An Open Studio is intended to foster creativity and encourage experimentation in an atmosphere of cultural exchange, conversation, encouragement, and freedom of expression.
Blake
AIA, LEED AP | Principal
Blake Mourer:
As Design Principal he has spent most of his life walking jobsites as the son of a fifth-gen brick mason (Mourer translates to “bricklayer” in German). His childhood not only provided early exposure to a lifelong passion for creating and building ideas, which initially evolved into a career as a professional welder for architectural precast installation. His design and management experience with complex projects covers a wide range of buildings for government, corporate, and retail clients throughout the United States and abroad. Blake is uniquely skilled at sketching ‘on the fly’ to build consensus early, and solidifying a vision that realizes each stakeholder’s need in order to synthesize the program, site and vision into a cohesive solution. In addition to the project work, Blake is focused on the open studio culture, carefully curating the experience with the simple goal to be the best possible place to socialize, learn and grow—for our people and for the broader design community.
Blake has been a Board Member and Fundraising Chair of ACE Mentorship of Colorado since 2010. In addition, he was appointed to the Cherry Creek North Design Advisory Board in 2010 and was invited to the Belleview Station Architectural Control Committee Board in 2012. He has been a Design Peer Reviewer for GSA and supports local universities as a Studio Juror in architecture, interiors, and industrial design programs for CU, the Art Institute of Colorado and Metro State College of Denver. Blake was recognized in 2011 by ENR Magazine as ‘Mountain State’s Top 20 under 40’.
Education
Bachelor of Architecture, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville 1995
Licensed Architect, State of Colorado
Professional Experience
Morphosis, Roth+Sheppard Architects, Gensler
Brad J. VanArsdale:
As Technical Principal, Brad oversees the delivery of our projects and ensures that excellence in quality is achieved at every step of the process. Brad began his career working for a large architectural and engineering office—when the architects’ work got light, Brad was asked to support the engineering department, marking the beginning of Brad’s dual personality as proficient technical leader, while preserving a critical eye for design. This comes naturally, as he grew up with an art teacher and an accountant as parents—setting the stage for the balanced view of the creative and practical in tandem. Ultimately, Brad’s strength on every project is his ability to find and build consensus among often competing agendas—this is done with ease and with confidence, swiftly in the field, over the phone or by whatever means that will aid in keeping projects running smoothly while preserving the design intent throughout the process.
Brad is currently serving a three-year position to the University of Arkansas School of Architecture’s Advisory Board.
Education
Bachelor of Architecture, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville 1992
Licensed Architect, State of Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska; NCARB
Professional Experience
Gaskin, Hill & Norcross Architects-Engineers, Chamberlin Architects, Buchanan Yonushewski Group, Gensler
Brad
AIA, LEED AP | Principal
David
AIA | Architect
David Dorn:
Having vast experience with multiple high-profile architects, David is extremely detail-oriented and is a strong advocate for design. This diverse experience has provided broad utilization of Revit on many project types—as open studio’s Revit Leader David brings a self-driven and proactive approach to our Macbased platform and is constantly introducing new methods to streamline our approach to project delivery. His passion transcends his approach to building teams and coordinating complex projects. David is very focused and collaborative within the studio, with clients, and with our broader design team; his positive attitude is a tremendous asset to our community and to our culture.
During his professional experience, David has had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of project types including Commercial Office, Cultural, Entertainment, Science and Technology, and Multi-Family Residential—with notable projects including the Getty Villa in Malibu, CA and Novartis Pharmaceuticals in Basel, Switzerland. In addition to broad work experience, he is chair of the board, for Impact Personal Safety of Colorado.
Education:
B. ENVD, University of Colorado, Boulder, 1998
M. Architecture, UCLA, 2000
Liscensed Architect, State of Colorado
Professional Experience
Renzo Zecchetto Architects, Chu + Gooding Architects, Co-op Himmelblau, SPF:architects, Gehry Partners,
4240 Architecture, DHR Architecture (formally D.H. Ruggles & Assoc.), Santiago Calatrava
Roman Gershkovich:
Roman is an incredibly well-versed designer who takes action on all aspects of the design process—from a highly refined conceptual platform to a rigorous technical proficiency during documentation and construction—he is truly an agile designer. Inspired by his great grandfather who practiced architecture in Moscow in the 1920s, Roman has surrounded himself by architects since age 14. On his first day of work, in response to question regarding a project under construction, he asked where the code book was—later that same day he produced multiple conceptual design studies for a project with little definition and in its earliest stages of development. Roman’s highly-refined design aesthetic is the product of his dedication to quality execution and precise focus on every detail.
Roman was recognized as 2009 winner of a UCD Design Competition for the ICB (International College of Beijing). Winning the competition allowed Roman to travel to Beijing and present the design to the University Board and President—setting the vision for the University and defining the future transformation of it’s campus.
Education:
B.S. Architecture, Ball State University, 2007 with Minor in Landscape Architecture
M. Architecture, University of Colorado, Denver, 2010 with Design Build Certificate
Liscensed Architect, State of Colorado
Professional Experience
TVS Design, StudioCompletiva, Inc.
Roman
Architect
Taylor Hillyard:
Taylor is best described as a marvel—providing ideas, methods and strategies for our projects that far exceed his age and experience. Taylor is a tremendous asset to the studio providing a deeply thoughtful design process, willingness to uniquely explore any problem, and a reliable, positive attitude no matter the circumstances. Despite his limited years and experience, Taylor challenges everyone in the office to think differently and to approach our complex problem solving with the latest in technology—most notable is his knack of finding more efficient way to solve almost anything with Parametric Modeling in Grasshopper— streamlining complex design ideas into files for ready for fabrication.
Taylor finished school winning a six-week study abroad award in Shanghai, PRC—this study abroad allowed for him to connect with local students, travel and explore various cities in China and further refine his broad design point of view.
Education:
B. ENVD, University of Colorado, Boulder, 2010
Nanjing University, China, Urban Design Studio 2012
M. Architecture, University of Colorado, Denver, 2012
Professional Experience
Roth Sheppard
Taylor
LEED AP BD+C | Designer
Abbie Reece:
Abbie is the daughter of a drama teacher and musician--her parent's philosophy was simple--give her blocks and let her create. This simple idea has manifested itself in her sophisticated approach to design, celebrating the 'blank canvas' to create fresh ideas from the conceptual realm of design and bring it to reality. Abbie embraces the opportunity to translate her ideas into the experiential and firmly believes that architecture+interior design are one thing--proven by her dual degree--a truly unique education that provides her professional platform to create.Abbie's annual participation in Project Angel Heart, WeCare, and Design After Dark proves her commitment to the industry, and willingness to continually give back to the Denver Community.
Education:
B.S. DESIGN, University of Nebraska, 2009
M.S. Architecture (Specialization of Interior Design), University of Nebraska, 2010-Present
Professional Experience
Gensler - Intern, 2008; Employment, 2011-2012
Abbie
Interior Design
Amy
LEED AP BD+C | Architect
Amy Clark:
Having grown up in Denver, Amy has made her way back home after living away (in Chicago, New York, Italy, and South Carolina) for nearly 15 years. She knew she wanted to be an architect ever since she was in elementary school, and has passionately pursued this path ever since. Her professional experience includes projects in most every sector: high-rise residential, commercial core and shell, commercial interiors, elementary schools, community centers, government projects, hospitality, and single-family residential. For Amy, the most fulfilling part of any project is meeting the client’s needs with a project on which every member of the team has contributed to a robust and multi-faceted design solution.
In addition to her work experience, Amy taught in Columbia University’s “New York/Paris” and “Introduction to Architecture” programs. She has been a guest juror at Columbia University, Pratt University, and the University of Illinois at Chicago, and she was invited to be a guest lecturer in The School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s “Midday Musings” lecture series. Amy believes that whether it’s within academia or the professional studio, educating the next generation of architects to be adept and creative problem solvers is a critical responsibility of those currently working in the field.
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 2002
Master of Architecture, Columbia University, New York, NY 2008
Licensed Architect, State of Colorado, State of Illinois
Professional Experience
Solomon Cordwell Buenz, Lohan Anderson, Lucien Lagrange Architects
Allison Brandt:
An appreciation for both the arts and science as well as a love of travel influenced Allison’s desire to pursue architecture. She thrives on the problem solving process and providing solutions to improve the efficiency and constructability of her projects while balancing technical demands and design intent. Allison’s experience spans a wide range of project types and sizes. She has worked on the design and construction of education, commercial office, high rise, civic, mixed-use, and aviation facilities and draws on lessons learned from each project type to inform her design and technical decisions.
Education:
Bachelor of Science, Science-Business, University of Notre Dame, 2001
Master of Architecture & Urban Design, University of Colorado Denver, 2007
Licensed Architect, State of Colorado
Professional Experience
AndersonMasonDale Architects, Gensler
Allison
LEED AP BD+C | Architect
Jason Ragan:
As a designer, Jason explores problems in an open-ended, collaborative process of iterative refinement in which seemingly conflicting ideas meld to produce exciting solutions. While building on experience in university, healthcare, athletic, and civic project types, Jason remains active in the academic realm of the profession, having been a guest critic at Kansas State University and the University of Kansas and is especially interested in how emerging digital technologies can be utilized in the field of architecture. He continues to learn through travel, by observing and documenting with sketching and photography, how people interact with the built environment, be it at the scale of a city plaza or a door handle.
Education:
M. ARCH, Kansas State University, 2011
Professional Experience
Howard + Helmer Architecture, Gould Evans
Jason
Designer
Jon
AIA, LEED GA | Architect
Jon Mason:
Jon’s career in architecture began after earning a fine arts degree in Washington DC then working as a professional artist and museum exhibit installer. He moved to Colorado where he earned a Master’s Degree in Architecture at the University of Colorado in 1995. His exploration of composition, design and craft continue as guide posts in his architecture today. Jon has extensive experience as a designer and project architect on a variety of building types in urban, campus and rural contexts. His work includes education projects from a preschool for blind children to university buildings, healthcare facilities, commercial office buildings, residential assisted living facility, casinos and hospitality projects.Jon is a passionate advocate for high performance buildings and sustainable architecture. He is a LEED Green Associate and Member of the Living Futures Institute, the organization that developed the ‘Living Building Challenge’. He works with clients and project teams to implement various high performance strategies that integrate project goals and team driven solutions. These solutions come from whole building design methodologies applied to site design, building orientation, building skin detailing, material selection, lighting and mechanical systems. His work includes a number of successful high performing projects including design of a net-zero energy (NZE) greenhouse and a LEED Platinum high school building.
Education:
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Corcoran College of Art and Design, 1987
Studio Majors in Printmaking and Painting
M. Architecture, University of Colorado at Denver, 1995
Praque Studio, study abroad - 1993
Finland Studio, study abroad - 1994
Kenneth R. Fuller, FAIA Scholarship - 1994
Professional Experience
H+L Architecture, Cody Anderson Wasney Architects, DES Architects and Engineers,
Davis Partnership Architects, Barber Architecture, Ivins Design Group (Formerly Parkhill-Ivins Architects)
Ashley
Associate AIA, Designer
Ashley Trunnell:
Ashley explores design solutions based on client needs - known and not yet discovered. She believes that through an iterative design process, coupled with observation, functional needs are satisfied. Her experience in commercial, public, and educational project types has a common thread, and that’s to create transformative architecture that empowers the client and building users to be more successful. Ashley has gained assertive project management skills from years of building client relationships and working on-site with all members of the design and construction team.
Ashley also has an affinity for hand-crafted detail and design--whether its understanding a trade in the field or exploring a new hobby. She has taken up such hobbies of letterpress, sewing, and pattern making. Ashley even managed a successful online Etsy store for a number of years selling her handmade goods. Ashley’s interest in creation spans all scales - whether it be a framed letterpress print or an award winning building.
Education:
Master of Architecture, University of Kansas, 2009
Architecture Study Abroad, Italy, Switzerland + Germany, summer 2007
Guest Jury Critic, KU School of Architecture, Design & Planning | 2009 - 2014
AIA Kansas Conference, Pecha Kucha Presenter | 2014
2013 AIA Kansas Conference Panel Presenter | 2013
AIA Kansas BLOX Leadership Program, Inaugural Class | 2011- 2012
AIA Associate Member | 2009 - present
Professional Experience
Pulse Design Group, Treanor Architects, Gould Evans
Jonathan Bassett:
Since childhood, Jonathan has had a lifelong passion for Architecture. Since then, his interest in design has taken him all over the globe. While in school, Jonathan had the opportunity to spend five months studying Architecture and History abroad in Europe. Jonathan is especially interested in the detail and materiality aspects of design, as well as how architecture can be informed by structure, function, and the vernacular. How Architecture influences and interacts with the surrounding built-environment also intrigues him. Jonathan finds inspiration in all forms of design. Having recently graduated from school, he looks forward to continuing his education through collaboration and immersement into the Architecture profession.
Education:
B. ARCH, Iowa State University, 2015
Professional Experience
Substance Architecture, Tryba Architects
Jonathan
Designer
culture
Open Studio Architecture, LLC was formed in September 2011 by Blake Mourer and Brad VanArsdale after spending nearly 14 years working together at Gensler. Blake was Architectural Studio Director and Design Director and Brad was Technical Director and Mission Critical Practice Area leader for the Denver office when they resigned.
The firm was formed in an effort to provide a new platform for our industry, and a new way of approaching the business of architecture. We are a collaborative practice dedicated to design and technical excellence--building on a continuum of ideas to improve our community, expand our knowledge and exceed our client’s expectation.
The combined experience of design and technical leadership brings together the critical balance for our industry and allows for our collaborative efforts to keep each discipline in check, while challenging each to evolve and transform.
Our experience is built on a broad portfolio in a wide variety of project types: commercial office buildings, corporate headquarters and campuses, workplace interiors, mission critical, retail, urban mixed-use and building repositioning--in the U.S. and abroad. We deliver world class design and technical delivery of projects while maintaining a small agile footprint of high-energy, focused professionals.
