Jensen/Ptaszynski Architects

Creating Architecture Through Collaboration

By Kay Wilthew

To Jensen/Ptaszynski Architects, the personal relationships established between clients, architects and contractors are of equal importance as their imaginative, well-detailed building projects. Principal and owner Andre Ptaszynski embraces a collaborative operating style based on mutual respect for each person's opinions, experience and talent. The resulting studio environment inspires creativity through a cohesive team committed to producing exemplary architectural projects with high customer satisfaction.

Jensen/Ptaszynski Architects specializes in residential and commercial work, including luxury homes and professional buildings. Of special interest is the company's contribution to the historically significant Sea Ranch housing development along the North Sonoma coast. Initiated in the 1960s, Sea Ranch claims the distinction of being the country's first ecologically sensitive development project. Ptaszynski believes this project has proven a tremendous asset to Jensen/ Ptaszynski's portfolio. "It's incredibly dramatic country, and it really was the very first project to consider the environment. In the manner that Earth Day was established back in the '60s, Sea Ranch is of that vintage. It stretches back to that first consciousness of ecology."

The development was so innovative that Ptaszynski recalls studying the project in architectural school. "Our work at Sea Ranch is not only reward-Jensen/Ptaszynski Architects ing by virtue of its history, but also personally rewarding because I was a student when Sea Ranch was first being introduced as an architectural concept." Jensen/Ptaszynski Architecture built 10 of the houses in that development. "It's a body of work of which I'm very proud, both in its formal qualities and because our clients really love their homes. It is also fascinating to be working with the latest concepts of sustainable and green architecture in the place where it all started."

After graduating from Yale, Ptaszynski traveled extensively, working in Africa, London, Alaska, San Francisco and then settling in Vermont. But Ptaszynski was drawn to the West Coast's urban spaces and returned to the Bay Area, working with Jensen/Ptaszynski Architects' founder Harley Jensen. Upon Jensen's retirement, Ptaszynski purchased the company and applied his own business philosophy. "I've always enjoyed a sense of collaboration - that sense of dialogue, that we enrich each other, and together, something happens that is beyond each of us."

The firm's open-forum approach encourages an environment of participation. "We all have a voice, we can all express our opinions and say what we think," adds designer Patrick Gaughan. "That's a wonderful direction."

Architect Jim Brencic appreciates Jensen/Ptaszynski's respect for individual abilities. "We work together as a team, and we are very collaborative. We work like a studio in that we make use of each other's strengths. We look to and lean on each other in finding solutions."

Ptaszynski reiterates the benefits of a studio atmosphere. "We associate the word 'studio' with architecture school - essentially a place where one is provided with the opportunity not just to learn from your professors, but also to learn from each other. That is actually where most of the learning happens, and so there is always dialog over projects, their sustainability, functionality or aesthetics."

Creativity thrives when a true collaboration exists between the client, architect and contractor. Gaughan notes that Jensen/Ptaszynski often receives referrals, and their clients remain in contact. "I think that's really important. It's very rewarding maintaining a relationship with the client. It's a human connection, its not just business."

Brencic attributes Jensen/Ptaszynski's success and reputation to their attention to detail, from project concept through completion. "We manage the project as a whole, from the planning stage to the point when the key is put in the door. We're strong all the way through, from be- ginning to end."

Jensen/Ptaszynski specializes in custom architecture. "Our job is to solve unique problems," explains Ptaszynski. "Every problem is different, and we bring the understanding that each needs an exclusive solution." The team applies no pre-existing formula or templates. "Each client, site and context is unique; where we excel is coming to grips with what a particular project essentially entails and addressing that specific situation."

The firm strives to bring the inherent intimacy of residential projects to commercial projects as well. Brencic considers the client experience as essential to the success of any project, whether commercial or residential. "Many of our clients come to us with their most precious possession: their home. It's a very tenuous and nerve wracking position. We definitely want to make it comfortable, pleasant - and even fun - because it should be an enjoyable experience."

It's the end result, the client's enthusiasm that the Jensen/Ptaszynski team finds most rewarding. "I definitely want to see beautiful buildings as a result of our efforts, but without the client satisfaction it's a hollow victory," says Ptaszynski. "The client satisfaction is that dimension which truly makes it all worthwhile."

Jensen/Ptaszynski Architects is located at 3449 Mt. Diablo Blvd. #A, in Lafayette, CA 94549. Call (925) 284-4398 or visit jandparchitects.com for more information.

May 2008 Builder Architect Edition Issue

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