the voice of Forum Phi’s Andrew Dillon
— q + a —
Luxury design in architecture transcends the mere creation of structures — it embodies a harmonious blend of artistry and functionality. In the realm of architectural luxury, one name stands out: Forum Phi. Hailing from the picturesque landscapes of Aspen — and now, Denver — Forum Phi is an award-winning architecture, interior design and land planning firm that understands the profound importance of luxury design in the built environment.
Rooted in a philosophy of unwavering commitment to serving both people and place, Forum Phi’s approach is not just about creating stunning structures, but also about weaving the essence of its surroundings and clients’ aspirations into every design decision. This dedication to integrity, transparency and innovation sets Forum Phi apart as a torchbearer of excellence in luxury design. We spoke to principal architect Andrew Dillon to discuss his inspiration and process.
- How did you find your calling in architecture? How has that initial inspiration evolved over the course of your career?
- I grew up on the jobsites of the houses my dad was building. From a young age through college, I always held a job working for him and loved being hands-on during the construction process. I also had a passion for drawing, and as I got older, I began to realize what I really wanted was to be involved in the process of designing the homes I built. I’ve added influences over the course of my career, but the core inspiration remains the same today.
- How does artistry integrate into what you do on a daily basis?
- Architecture is all about creating space and invoking a feeling from those who inhabit that space. Each and every day, we as a team take steps toward that goal. Sometimes the steps are small, sometimes they are large, sometimes they don’t look like design at all. But at the end of the day, we are closer to realizing our ultimate artistic goal of creating space.
- Can you share a specific project that truly resonated with you and explain how its concept and design were influenced by your personal motivations and inspirations?
- Riparian Retreat is one project that I am particularly proud of. The riverside home is defined by simple massing and an order and rhythm throughout – from the way each space flows into the next, to the glazing proportions and patterns, all design decisions were made with the connection to the river and privacy from the street in mind. These principles were identified early on and permeated the project throughout its development and construction. It was a successful project in so many ways, perhaps most of all in its execution from concept to finish.
- How do your personal values and experiences influence the way you approach design and create spaces?
- Integrity, diligence and patience can take you a long way in the design process. I try to hold true to these values in my personal life as well as my professional one. When applied professionally, they lead to successful projects with happy clients, fulfilled team members, and an overall positive experience.
- What architectural style or movement resonates with you the most, and how do you infuse elements of it into your work while still maintaining a contemporary edge
- More than any one style, I look for simplicity, order and purpose to materialize in design. These three concepts can lead to some of the most beautiful and well-balanced solutions to even the most complex problems. If they are allowed to guide through the design process, they can be applied across multiple styles and lead to a successful project.
- Architecture is all about creating space and invoking a feeling from those who inhabit that space.
- How do you tailor your approach to each project in order to achieve a shared vision with your clients?
- It starts with listening to the clients’ visions and goals for the project. Whether they want to be heavily involved in the design process or take a peripheral role, whether they come to us with a defined vision or are looking for us to help extract their ideas, each approach can work if you understand what the client wants to get out of the process. If we can start on the same page from day one, we can utilize the approach that is most likely to lead to a successful project.
- Sustainability and environmental responsibility are crucial in modern architecture. How does this movement align with creating eco-conscious designs at Forum Phi? how does it differ from your previous styles?
- The degree to which any particular project can be considered sustainable comes down to establishing a set of goals with the client and making sure all parties involved are educated on what options exist to meet those goals. We have firm standards that include handling the building envelope to maximize building performance. Moving beyond our standards, we utilize a host of other methods to make sure each project’s goals for sustainability are met and ideally exceeded. Sustainability plays a role in every project at Forum Phi; how far we take it depends on multiple factors that play into each project conversation.
- To what or to whom do you attribute your success?
- I have had some incredible influences in my life. My family, teachers, professors and architects helped guide me as early as middle school all the way through starting my professional career. I rely on those influences daily to help shape how I address situations at home and at work. I also cannot say enough about the team I am currently surrounded by at Forum Phi. The collaborative and caring culture at this firm is incredible; I look forward to continued success as part of this team. I don’t believe anyone amounts to much without a group of people supporting them along the way – that is certainly the case for myself.
- Where do you find inspiration in your daily life? Do you have any recommended books, podcasts or publications?
- Along with your standard online resources on the web and Instagram, I find daily inspiration from those around me. My family provides inspiration to help me simply be a better person. Professionally, I lean heavily on my coworkers and peers to provide inspiration. I have learned so much from those around me over the years and I think that trend will continue for years to come.
To discover more about Forum Phi’s philsophy and work, visit their website at forumphi.com.
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