Brittany White Johnson Brittany White Johnson

Better Planning, Better Outcomes: How Thoughtful Process Leads to Stronger Architecture

Great architecture rarely happens by accident. The most successful projects don’t emerge from sudden inspiration alone—they grow out of intentional planning, clear alignment with clients, and a shared understanding of what matters most in the design. Just as great inputs produce great outputs, the quality of the planning process directly shapes the quality of the results.

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Brittany White Johnson Brittany White Johnson

Architecture in an Age of Climate Change

The climate conversation has shifted. It’s no longer if buildings will be impacted by extreme weather, rising temperatures, or grid disruptions—it’s when, and how often. Resilient architecture isn’t about over-engineering for worst-case scenarios, it’s about designing smarter for real-world conditions that are evolving faster than our building codes can keep up.

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Brittany White Johnson Brittany White Johnson

Looking Forward: 2026 Begins with Design in Mind

2025 was a year of growth, creativity, and community. We explored fresh ideas, tackled meaningful challenges, and had the privilege of designing spaces that serve people first—homes, workplaces, and gathering places that matter.

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Brittany White Johnson Brittany White Johnson

A Season of Gratitude and Giving Back

This year, Uncommon Architects made sure to carve out time to give back to the communities that make our work possible. Not in big, flashy ways, but in human, boots-on-the-ground ways that matter at the neighborhood level.

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Brittany White Johnson Brittany White Johnson

How Architecture is Shaping Flexible, Collaborative Co-Working Spaces

In the past decade, co-working spaces have gone from a niche concept to a cornerstone of modern work culture. What began as shared desks for freelancers has transformed into dynamic environments that accommodate startups, remote teams, and even enterprise offices.

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Brittany White Johnson Brittany White Johnson

Designing Cultural Institutions Part Three: Galleries

Galleries often appear simple, but their architecture is some of the most intentional in the built environment. These spaces must fade into the background while still shaping perception, emotion, and flow. Here’s how architects design galleries that support creativity, community, and discovery.

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Brittany White Johnson Brittany White Johnson

Designing Cultural Institutions Part Two: Theaters

Theaters are among the most complex buildings architects design. Every surface, angle, and material affects how audiences see, hear, and feel a performance. Behind the scenes, a theater’s hidden spaces work just as hard as its public ones. Here’s what goes into designing spaces where storytelling comes alive.

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Brittany White Johnson Brittany White Johnson

Designing Cultural Institutions Part One: Museums

Museums do more than house artifacts—they shape how communities understand history, culture, science, and identity. And because museums operate as both public spaces and high-precision preservation environments, their architecture has to walk a careful line between storytelling, flexibility, and environmental control. Here’s how architects craft museum environments that feel timeless, intentional, and deeply human.

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Brittany White Johnson Brittany White Johnson

The Role of Architects in Sustainable Urban Development

Cities are changing—fast. As populations grow and infrastructure ages, communities everywhere are asking the same question: How do we build places that are sustainable, resilient, and genuinely livable? Let’s take a closer look at how architects drive sustainability in both new development and redevelopment/urban improvements, and why this work matters more than ever.

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Brittany White Johnson Brittany White Johnson

Design for Sports Facilities Part 1: Big-League Arenas

Sports architecture has to do a lot more than put seats around a field or court. These buildings have to handle massive crowds, intense emotion, complicated technology, and—more than anything—community pride.

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Brittany White Johnson Brittany White Johnson

Architectural Design for Transportation Hubs: Balancing Efficiency, Comfort, and Connection

Modern transportation hubs—like airports, train stations, and bus terminals—are far more than gateways from one place to another. They’ve evolved into architectural landmarks and social spaces that reflect the identity of a city while seamlessly moving thousands (or millions) of people every day. Designing them requires a thoughtful balance of efficiency, comfort, and human experience.

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Brittany White Johnson Brittany White Johnson

The Essential Role of Architects in Historic Preservation

Historic preservation is more than restoring old buildings — it’s about safeguarding the cultural stories written into our built environment. For architects, this work carries a unique responsibility: balancing respect for the past with the needs of the present. Every brick, archway, and cornice tells part of a larger narrative, and architects act as both caretakers and interpreters of those stories.

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Brittany White Johnson Brittany White Johnson

Architectural Design for Hospitality: Innovative Hotels and Resorts

Hospitality architecture is about more than creating a place to stay—it’s about designing experiences. Hotels and resorts have the unique opportunity to immerse guests in comfort, culture, and connection, all through thoughtful design. From boutique hideaways to large-scale destinations, architects are pushing boundaries in how hospitality spaces look, feel, and function.

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Brittany White Johnson Brittany White Johnson

Uncommon Profiles: Anthony Nguyen

Say “hello” to Anthony Nguyen! Anthony has been working in architecture for four years and we’re so happy to have him on the team.

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Brittany White Johnson Brittany White Johnson

The Importance of Acoustics in Architecture

When people think about architecture, they often picture how a building looks—its shape, materials, or interior style. But one of the most important design elements isn’t visible at all: sound. Acoustics play a critical role in shaping how we experience a space, from concert halls and classrooms to offices and homes.

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Brittany White Johnson Brittany White Johnson

Designing the Future of Retail Spaces

Retail spaces have always been more than just places to shop. They’re destinations, experiences, and often the heart of community life. As consumer expectations shift, so does the architecture behind today’s stores and shopping centers. Here are some of the latest trends shaping retail design.

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