6.6. Triple Bridge Waterfront Jeffrey A. Pinheiro and Derek Zero

Please take this opportunity to get introduced to the honorable mentions winners of Triple Bridge Waterfront competition: Jeffrey A. Pinheiro and Derek Zero from United States!

studio.bad architects is a full service architectural practice located in Collinsville, Connecticut. Our primary focus is on modern residential architecture but we have extensive experience in many other building types and styles. We are leaders in the industry when it comes to the use of technology and innovation which will help you visualize, analyze, and comprehend your project while staying on budget and on schedule.

We believe in a collaborative design and construction process. Every design solution is customized to the client and building location. Utilizing a palette of local materials, we strive to create buildings that are modern and tangible, honest and sustainable, crafted and artful. Architecture should be a reflection of its natural environment while accepting the technological improvements of its time (both in process and operations).

We understand how intimate and personal the design and construction of a home can be. We look forward to a collaborative design process with the goal of building the perfect home to suit your needs, budget, and lifestyle.

Jeffrey A. Pinheiro AIA: Jeffrey is a registered architect in the state of Connecticut and has 10 years of experience in varying roles throughout the industry. Jeffrey has designed and constructed an array of building types from small residential additions to multi-million dollar hospitals. Jeffrey began his professional career at the age of 16 working in a local architecture firm and continued gaining valuable experience at one of the largest architectural firms in the state.

Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Jeffrey holds a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science (Architecture) from the University of Hartford. Additionally, he obtained associate degrees in Architecture and Construction Management from Norwalk Community College.

Jeffrey is a leader in the industry when it comes to the use of BIM (Building Information Modeling) and technology. He has spoken and taught classes at national conferences and is the creator of The Revit Kid.com (a worldwide resource on all things Revit and BIM related). Additionally, Jeffrey held the position as BIM Manager of the one of the worlds largest construction companies.

Derek Zero, Assoc. AIA: Born in Boston, Derek holds a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science (Architecture) from the University of Hartford. At the University of Hartford, Derek taught freshman design studios that dealt with conceptual thinking and driving the student to push the boundaries of conventional design.

Derek started his professional career working for a Design/Build Construction Firm specializing in medical, industrial, and technological design. With over 4 years in the profession, Derek brings a unique combination of technical/construction experience while maintaining an acute sense of design and aesthetic sensitivity.

We have project experience in many scales and typologies. Our experience ranges from small art installations, to single-family residential, all the way up to large hospital complexes. We see all projects as a learning experience and exploration into that particular typology. We resist becoming specialized in any particular aspect of architecture, and actively seek new design challenges.

We believe that architecture has the power to influence every aspect of the human world. The best architecture affects humans physically, mentally, emotionally, and metaphysically. This belief has instilled in us a level of respect for great architectural design. Concurrently, we believe that architecture is experiencing a dramatic shift. The advent of technology and sustainability, when combined with the economic downturn, is changing the pedagogy, practice, and process of architecture. The new direction of architecture is a carefully balanced combination of traditional theory, practice, and history with modern technology, processes, and solutions. Although, the overall goal of creating a built environment that positively affects the human world will always remain.

Why do you participate in architecture vision competitions?

Vision competitions are a great way to spur creativity. Without the constraints of budgets or bureaucratic distractions, vision competitions are the ultimate creative outlet. Additionally, when choosing a vision or idea competition, we opt for those that resonate with a team member philosophically as opposed to the pragmatic or concrete nature of a typical construction project.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture vision competitions?

As stated before, vision competitions have a way of “working out” the creative parts of your mind without the typical constraints of every day practice.