PERSPECTIVES

As a part of the University of Michigan’s Spring Break Connections Externship Program, RODE hosted two architectural students February 27 – March 3.

A day at RODE is never dull and it takes an exceptional student to make their mark as part of RODE’s team. Those who maintain a positive attitude, are willing to step outside their comfort zones, ready to work across a variety of projects, and eager to learn new skills to develop the knowledge required by the field will thrive and bring these key learnings with them to apply to their studies and in the next chapter of their lives.

The student experience at RODE is rewarding on both ends and we are consistently inspired by the ingenuity and impressive work ethic that these young minds bring to the table. We were honored to have Michigan students Willow Davis and Jingxi Miao with us this semester and pleased to share their feedback on the experience.

Willow Davis, Junior Undergraduate (Right):

I requested RODE because I liked their local commitment to the city of Boston and the diversity of individuals at the firm. Using teamwork to construct a physical model for 6 and 14 West Broadway was a valuable experience because it allowed me to understand the culmination of the firm's effort for each project. While at RODE, I learned a lot and look forward to applying these skills back at Michigan.

Jingxi Miao, Sophomore Undergraduate (Left):

The open office plan at RODE creates a dynamic space and adds a level of efficiency to the design workflow; the background music promotes a welcoming atmosphere while people move around freely to collaborate - this is the essence of RODE. To my delight, not only did we learn more about the architectural process and model building skills, but we were able to learn more about the great City of Boston.

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RODE's restaurant work and intensive collaboration process is featured in this month's issue of Foodservice East. Check out some highlights below:

“We’re a very process-oriented design firm and restaurants make up 10 to 15 percent of what we do. We know our process. There’s a lot of complexity from the kitchen to the front door.”

The architects like to work with chefs and general managers as well as doing an “exhaustive study” with patrons. When their work begins on a project, they look at what the space looks and feels like as a starting point. “We don’t dictate the final outcome,” Robinson explains. The goal is to translate the owners’ vision in an architectural way, he points out. Asked what is the hardest part of the process, he thinks it may be trying to let the client let go of preconceived opinions. “We ask them to post what they like and don’t like on a Pinterest page and think about the architectural part. We pull out images of what they like and talk about them. It’s important to take notes, listen and come back and re-present what we heard back. We show them images that evoke what they think the client is talking about and ask them to come up with three ideas. “We distill their thoughts into a vision,” Robinson explains.

His favorite part of the process is going back at the end and seeing what worked or didn’t work. “We love to experience it, talk and enjoy it and celebrate the joint vision when they’re happy and doing well.”

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Read the original article in its entirety here.

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RODE and Ferrara Brothers are planning to begin construction later this year on a new concrete production facility at 740 Third Avenue, located between 23rd and 24th streets in Sunset Park. The New York City Economic Development Corporation selected the Ferrara Brothers to utilize the 102,247-square-foot waterfront industrial site. The structure will also include 1,468 square feet of office space and a 3,373-square-foot “washout building.” To learn more about this project, head to the NYC Concrete Plant project page.

Original article from New York Yimby

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South Boston-based developer, City Point Capital, is hoping to tap into the potential of Dorchester’s Port Norfolk peninsula, with plans to build what would be the first significant commercial development this corner of the city has seen in years.

City Point Capital is working with RODE Architects to develop and design a complex that would include an estimated 100 condos, a boutique hotel and restaurant, marina slips, and a home for the boat business, now run by Florida-based MarineMax. The precise sizes of the proposed buildings are still in flux. City Point Capital and RODE Architects still want to meet with community members before submitting formal plans to the Boston Planning & Development Agency this summer.

What intrigues Kevin Deabler, RODE Architects Principal, most about the site is the opportunity it provides to draw more people to Dorchester’s waterfront. Deabler said he expects the new buildings would be set back more from the water than the existing ones, so visitors could walk along the shoreline. The development, he said, could easily dovetail with a new state park that opened up nearby on old industrial land next to the Lower Neponset River bike trail.

Excerpts from Boston Globe:  Big plans for ‘hidden gem’ on Dorchester waterfront by Jon Chesto

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RODE designed Jamaica Plain condos sell within a month!

Mangiacotti Design + Development wrapped construction of 48 Forbes Street in Jamaica Plain’s Hyde Square area earlier this year.

The 2,561-square-foot modern townhouse, which features a 20-foot partial wall of glass and includes a two-car (heated) garage, is part of a three-unit development that RODE Architects designed.

The 3-BR, 2.5-BA spread dropped in January for $1,295,000 through Arborview Realty.

It just closed for $1,280,000.

Original article can be found at Curbed Boston.

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