5 QUESTIONS with Arch11 co-founder E.J. Meade

Arch11 co-founder E.J. Meade

Since its founding in 1993, Arch11, a Boulder-based architecture outfit, has compiled a portfolio of projects ranging from heirloom homes to high schools.

Recently, Arch11 has stepped up its restaurant design practice with work on eateries such as Oak at Fourteenth and Fate Brewing Co. in Boulder and Ignite! in Denver, and also has several other restaurant projects on the boards

The Camera conducted an interview via e-mail with co-founder E.J. Meade about these latest efforts.

The following has been edited for clarity and space.

1. What types of projects make up the current mix of your business, and how has this changed in recent years?

Our current project mix is about half commercial work and half high-end residential. In the past, our workload was heavily residential, but we are trying to be more discerning. We like the intimacy and level of detail that a house brings, but we are more selective in choosing those projects that will challenge us, allow for a level of investigation and innovation.

The commercial work we have in the studio is really great. We are completing a corporate headquarters for Pearl Izumi, an infill building in downtown Boulder (that) will be the city's first commercial building using a ground loop heating and cooling system, and a flagship store for Christy Sports, both of which fit their brands and pull architecture from just "building" to something more dynamic and specific to each of the users.

We also have several really good houses in the studio. They range from 2,000 (square feet) to 6000 (square feet), but each is a unique investigation into form and site.

2. Did restaurants previously have this much of a play in Arch11's portfolio?

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5 QUESTIONS with Arch11 co-founder E.J. Meade