Patricia and John Patkau founded their architecture practice in 1978 with a commitment to creating meaningful, context-driven designs. Their approach centers on understanding the unique circumstances of each project, including site, program, cultural context, and environmental conditions, and using these insights to craft a design that is as durable as it is engaging. This philosophy, called "found potential," emphasizes a design process rooted in specificity rather than the universal, resulting in buildings that respond authentically to their surroundings.
As the practice has evolved, the Patkaus have come to embrace the inward aspects of architecture, understanding that form emerges through a synthetic act of imagination. This process not only reflects cultural, environmental, and technological ideals, but also allows their work to continuously adapt and transform. Each project becomes a part of a larger, evolving narrative, offering new possibilities for future designs.
Craft is central to the Patkaus' practice, seen not just as a physical skill but as an intellectual pursuit. For them, craft is a convergence of ideas, aesthetics, and practical reality. This focus on craft ensures that their projects not only look and feel right but are built to endure, providing a unique, thoughtful experience that remains true to the specifics of its context.
