Background

VITRUVIUS stated the three requirements of good architecture as firmness, commodity, and delight. We follow similar principals. Architecture must be both structurally and mechanically sound. Good architecture strives to avoid failure and be maintainable. A building envelope must be weather resistant and suited to its climate.

Architecture also serves a useful purpose, and it must serve that purpose with ease and comfort. It should make life more livable and work more satisfying. It needs to function well. It should facilitate the owner's purpose and the user's needs. Finally, good architecture should be a pleasure both to use and to view. It can create a sense of comfort, pride, or respect. It should express its purpose in a more than satisfactory — even delightful — manner.

Today, a fourth requirement can be added: sustainability. For many years, The Burley Partnership has designed with that goal in mind. Passive energy saving measures have always been a part of our design skills: site orientation, solar gain, day lighting, increasingly effective assemblies, and the careful distribution of glass and opaque surfaces. An increasing number of active energy saving — and energy generating — measures are becoming available, along with a better understanding of building materials and their impact on the environment. Our staff takes part in professional development programs and we select a range of consultants who continue to help us introduce new knowledge and new systems that serve to protect our environment. New staff members contribute to our knowledge base and expand our viewpoint. While we often innovate, we avoid design trends that go out of style and contribute to obsolescence. Designing buildings for the long-term saves energy, materials, and dollars.

Historic preservation has also been a major interest of our Office. We believe that responsible architecture and planning should take into account our cultural heritage. Preserving historic sites and existing neighborhoods is essential to maintaining continuity with our past and preserving our sense of place. Preservation often makes real economic sense as well — “recycling” an entire building is probably one of the most effective means that we have to conserve energy, materials, and labor. The Burley Partnership has a national reputation for its projects and leadership in the historic preservation field.

Our philosophy has been applied to projects for diverse clients: government, schools, museums, libraries, resorts, hotels, housing, health care, and residential. Our services are comprehensive since we believe that there is a close relationship between a building's furnishings, interior design, architecture, and the surrounding environment. Buildings should be designed in context with their sites. Buildings can be good neighbors without resorting to imitation.