One project at a time, iStudio Architects is revolutionizing urban landscapes around the world. No project is too big or small for them. Based in Washington DC, iStudio Architects is dedicated to designing for just about anyone. From elementary school students to tourists in Uganda, their versatility in design has made them a design studio worth keeping an eye on. Led by principal designer and architect Rick Schneider, you can be sure that iStudio Architects will only grow in prominence because their projects demonstrate impressive quality and elegance.
Though only time will tell how many more extraordinary projects they will put out, here are 15 of their best completed projects.
1. Powell Elementary School
iStudio Architects gives a contemporary makeover to the classic school building in their award winning design of Powell Elementary School. As sophisticated as it is elegant, this school is designed for openness. Ample window area and a grand atrium allow maximum light entry, saving energy in the process. Equipped with a rooftop garden, this school allows for students to learn about natural cycles first hand. This project is a pinnacle of sustainability and good design. To prove it, it attained LEED-S Gold standard for buildings.
2. DC DPW Salt Storage Facility
At a first glance, you wouldn’t even think that this building would be housing salt. The colorful blue exterior is too exciting for such a task. But that’s the beauty of iStudio Architects. They took something as menial as storing salt, and turned it into a project that simultaneously serves its purpose while beautifying the community. The amount of care and precision put into this project really shows just how capable this studio is.
3. Biwindi Ecotourism Center
iStudio’s team goes international with this project. Located in Uganda, this building serves as the welcome center for the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site. The building includes several sustainable features including energy generation and waste and water management.
4. DMV Inspection Station – Phase 1
In this renovation, iStudio Architects brought life and excitement into the Department of Motor Vehicle inspection station. Before the renovation, it was full of dark and narrow halls and was in poor condition. To modernize the building, they added lively colors to brighten the place up and clever signage to direct users in a more efficient manner. The result is a DMV inspection station that is way ahead of its time.
5. U Street Studios
A rather elegant building with a simple yet pleasant exterior, U Street Studios was designed for a community development group in Washington DC. Incredibly energy efficient, the building was designed to minimize energy usage by taking advantage of energy usage.
6. Atlantic Associates
What really stands out about this project is the serenity of the interior. This beautifully designed floor includes curved walls and calming colors which all culminates in a relaxing atmosphere. Sustainability is also one of its key features. Bamboo flooring and efficient lighting are just some of the strategies employed to reduce environmental impact.
7. Dupont Studio Offices
A combination of appealing colors and minimalistic elements defines most of iStudio Architects’ work, but this project is an exceptional display of that style. The muted colors complement the simple but elegant interior of the office space. It’s an overall terrific design that includes several eco-friendly elements such as a recycled rug.
8. Butterfly Pavilion
The Butterfly Pavilion is perhaps the most interesting project on this list. In addition to the elegant design, it has several sustainable elements that make this a house ahead of its time. The centerpiece of the home is the butterfly shaped roof that redirects storm water into a future garden area, but the sustainably harvested cedar is also worth a mention.
9. Meridian View
This project is a marvel of sustainability because it showcases iStudio Architects strong suit; it’s aptitude for conservation. The smart design insulates the house well to reduce heating needs, while also including energy efficient appliances, and rainwater harvesting.
10. Takoma Solar House
This house takes advantage of the ample amount of sunlight in the area to fully maximize the energy potential of the area. The rooftop is decked out with solar panels which allows for a near 0 energy bill. The design of the house allows for sunlight to penetrate during the winter time and opens up during the summer and spring months for ventilation; a good example of passive solar design. This house successfully integrates sustainable design elements with aesthetic and beauty to create a marvelous contemporary home.
11. Buchanan Solar Condos
In this residential project designed by Rick Schneider and his team, iStudio Architects tackles an entire apartment complex with 9 buildings in total. A notable feature of this project is the slanted roofs which maximizes sunlight intake for the rooftop panels, as well as passive solar design to reduce utility costs. In addition to its creative and intelligent design features, it is also an incredibly beautiful apartment complex.
12. 14th Street Family + Support Housing
One of the noblest projects iStudio Architects has undertaken, this building will serve as a home for at risk families. The goal of this housing unit is to provide a place for families and to provide support for them and their children to build a future for themselves. This building in particular can house up to 50 families and is designed in such a way that it gives all units access to fresh air and sunlight. And with a modern and sustainable design, the families are able to live with dignity as they work to rebuild their lives.
13. Marvin Gaye Recreation Center
The Marvin Gaye Recreation Center is a brilliant display of biophilic design. It was awarded a LEED Gold facility because of its energy saving design which allows for natural ventilation to control the climate of the building. It is also flood resistant and can withstand power outages.
14. V Street Center
This smart facility is built to sustain itself. With rainwater collection and electrical generation onsite, this sports complex is designed to be self-sufficient. This center has an exciting modern quality, while also blending in and complementing the surrounding architecture of the area.
15. St. Elizabeth’s East Gateway
This project is a masterplan for a gathering area for the St. Elizabeth East Campus. With scalable modular units, the design allows for ease of installation. And it also incorporates urban agriculture in the landscape to facilitate community interaction.
iStudio Architects play an integral role in revolutionizing the world by changing its community with one meaningful project at a time. From housing at risk families to community centers, iStudio Architects has used their elegant minimalist designs for empowering their community. iStudio Architects sets an example for all studios and leads the world with their sustainable design.
