Artist Studio

This detached, 450 square foot studio structure sits behind the Owner’s 1939 historically designated home in a beautiful eastern neighborhood of Pittsburgh. The Owner, who is an established artist and teacher, requested it to look effortless as if a child drew it. Many studies ensued that studied simple, platonic solids mimicking children’s building blocks as well as taking cues from the original house. With the consideration of the nested hillside context and lavish landscaping, we elongated the structure vertically to provide the interior spatial needs for painting. Beyond the origins of the overall form, we discovered that if we exaggerated the vertical proportions, it increased the visual presence from the main road. It also heightens the entry sequence experience. The final result blends quietly into the surrounding context while maintaining its own modern identity.

 

“Lee’s challenge was to create an art studio to sit adjacent to a 1939 Regency dwelling, landmarked by the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Association, on a modest budget. By maximizing the visual effects of the topography and siting the new building slightly behind, below, and to the right of the residence, he produced a building that belongs here, modern, clean, new, yet feeling as if it were built decades ago. One comes away from a collaboration with Lee knowing that this individual is thoroughly thoughtful, genuine, honest, committed, and extremely resourceful. Every inch works. Attention to detail, sense of entry, simple functionality, a collaborative communicator…these are some terms that spring to mind when I think of his work. Three years later I am still I awe of Lee, his genius, his passion, and his artistry.”