OUR ETHOS.

We create buildings and spaces
that tell authentic stories about
businesses, organizations, and
institutions, reflecting where they've
been, and most importantly,
where they're headed.

DESIGN VALUES

ABOUT OUR NAME

up・ward \’əp-wərd\

adverb

• In a direction from a lower place or position to a higher place or position
• Toward a higher or better condition

More than anything, the name Upward reflects the persistent optimism we bring to our work and the impact we believe thoughtful design can have on the world. As architects and designers, we give form and order to the amenities of everyday life, elevating the lives of our clients and those who use the places and spaces we create.

It’s important for us to note that Upward is an adverb and not an adjective. It describes a process of becoming, rather than a final condition. While our portfolio showcases the quality of our finished work, it’s the getting there that’s most valuable and what truly distinguishes our practice.

TENETS

01

Try to re-use what’s already there.

ADAPTIVE REUSE OF EXISTING BUILDINGS. Mark grew up renovating an old 1890 historic home with his family in Ferguson, Missouri. The historic buildings in and around the St. Louis area, and particularly the messy renovation problems of older structures, captured his imagination and ultimately led him to architecture. Often, the most environmentally responsible design solution is the building that’s already there – which is why so much of our work focuses on adaptive reuse of existing structures.

02

Make buildings and cities that discourage sedentary lifestyles.

ACTIVE DESIGN. In the 21st century, physical inactivity and unhealthy diet are second only to tobacco as leading causes of premature death in the United States. Active design encourages stair use, walking, bicycling, public transit use, recreation, and healthy eating. Designers have an essential role in addressing the rapidly growing epidemics of obesity and related chronic diseases, especially in light of mounting scientific evidence demonstrating the impact of environmental design on physical activity and healthy lifestyles.

03

Design Quiet Architecture.

GREAT DESIGN SHOULD NEVER SAY ‘LOOK AT ME’; IT SHOULD SAY ‘LOOK AT THIS’. Rather than shouting about its own self-importance, we think that compelling architectural spaces should receive a person and enable one to experience them, not constantly demand their attention. We strive to create thoughtfully considered buildings and spaces that have inherent dignity, integrity, and humility.

04

Judiciously use limited resources.

ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. We remind ourselves frequently to be good stewards and good neighbors – buildings are deeply implicated in the consumption of limited natural resources. Through elegant design and innovative problem solving, we can design buildings that consume less and last longer. And we know that our cities and built environments actively contribute to the big picture and the importance of staying engaged for the greater good.

SERVICES

We offer a comprehensive range of architecture, planning & interior design services, carefully tailored to meet each client’s unique needs, aspirational goals and project budgets. For certain projects, we also provide various levels of project management ranging from strategic planning and owner representation to contract negotiations and entitlements.

Architectural Design

• Programming & Space Planning
• Conceptual Design & Feasibility Studies
• Site Analysis & Planning
• Adaptive Reuse & Asset Repositioning
• Schematic Design & Design Development
• Consultant Coordination & Equipment Planning
• Construction Documentation & AHJ Permitting

Interior Design

• Commercial Tenant Improvements
• Interior Space Planning
• FF&E Design, Selection, and Coordination
• Materials, Finishes & Lighting Design
• Renderings and 3D Visualizations
• Universal & Accessible Design
• Post Occupancy Evaluations

Project Management

• Owner Representation
• Construction Observation
• Entitlements & Permitting
• Project Delivery Method Analysis
• General Contractor Selection
• Bid Process Management
• Cost Modeling & Budget Control
• Project Scheduling

Three designers collaborating over plans at a table in a bright, window-filled architecture office.