Architecture competition Urban Zoo Coworking Design Challenge Honorable mention - Andrienne Francis and Patrice Parker

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the winners of one of our Honorable mentions for the “Urban Zoo Coworking Design Challenge” competition - Andrienne Francis and Patrice Parker from United States!

Andrienne Francis and Patrice Parker from United States

We are Ampersand. A friendship that has grown into a creative partnership. A design duo based out of Atlanta, Georgia, USA, leading professional lives in multi-housing design and sports marketing, with imaginations that have always taken us places beyond what is in front of us. We constantly find ourselves dreaming up ideas far greater than our reality and thinking of ways that we can bring them to life. In between making a living and creating a life, we lend ourselves to the creative needs of others (freelancing) and taking on projects that ‘tickle our fancy’.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where company/individuals have been involved?

As freelancers, at the specific request of our clients, we have completed projects ranging from architectural drawings to branding, graphic design, and event planning. We have also taken on passion projects including a self-produced children’s book and various hybrid projects of architectural design and branding.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

Architecture is imposed upon our everyday lives and everyday experiences. It is the roof over our heads, the shadows cast onto streets, and the awe gazing wonders that provoke the deepest of emotions in their presence. It is our greatest comfort and biggest spectacle, simultaneously. It is the architect’s role to influence these experiences.

Why do you participate in architecture vision competitions?

Competitions, such as this one, allow us to push our limits and expand our boundaries. In all fields of design, when working for clients, ideas can get lost in translation or dismissed all together. It comes with the territory. With competitions, we gain a therapeutic sense of freedom to create on our own terms.

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

Why not? There is nothing to lose, and everything to gain in knowing you did it.