At Plan A we strive to create spaces that reinforce positive interactions between individuals.
Our practice is based on the belief that design excellence makes a difference and positively affects our society. The firm offers programming, planning, and architectural design consulting services to both the public and private sector. Plan A was founded in New York in 2015 by Aaron B. Schwarz, FAIA and works on assignments globally. The firm is based in New York, with additional professional staff in Mumbai.
Design Approach
Excellent design is achieved when we excel beyond baseline requirements for function, operations, environmental stewardship, cost, and schedule. By leveraging our expertise and experience, we provide design solutions that push beyond baseline requirements. Our designers and architects have significant expertise in the building and program types on which we work. Understanding specific building and program types allows us to advance the design of these environments.
Our process involves careful analysis and study of the relationships between three aspects unique to each assignment:
1. People
This is the study of the stakeholders who are influenced and impacted by the current and proposed built environment. We listen to each stakeholder’s point of view, aspirations and needs in order to produce a truly exceptional design.
2. Purpose
Purpose can simply refer to the intended use, which typically is documented by a program list of required spaces for the project. At Plan A, purpose also includes the methodology, pedagogy and/or philosophy of each space’s expected use, who the spaces will serve, and what is to be achieved in the occupied spaces.
3. Place
The study of place is the study of both physical and non-physical contexts from a variety of viewpoints. We analyze the geographic, topological, and climatic conditions to create sustainable places. We take note of the surrounding architecture and open spaces. We also study the historical, social and political nature of the place and how the intended design could influence those elements.
In a client participatory process, we investigate the intersections of these three factors. Within the spatial and financial requirements of a project, we formulate designs to better relate to project stakeholders. We strongly believe that following this course results in design solutions that are acutely site-specific and addresses the particulars of a given assignment.