At Open Workshop for Architecture [OWA], good design means balance. It’s the union of an architect’s knowledge and a client’s vision, an alignment to project constraints and unconventional execution, and the relationship between beautiful craftsmanship and uninterrupted function.

Fadi Garcia and Jessie Shell, OWA cofounders, believe the most impactful architecture comes from collaboration. Providing architecture and interior design services, the duo and their team work closely with clients and professionals to create people-centered commercial and residential spaces. “Design should focus on the people occupying the space,” says Shell. “Whether on the individual or community level, it’s rewarding to craft environments that promote well-being.” Aligning the client’s intent with core design principles, OWA analyzes the project context when determining structure and function. One part of the process is an authentic approach to materiality. For example, the pair understands that the difference between steel or concrete can change everything, from construction practices to the structure’s form.

These considerations aren’t isolated to the building itself. Based in Tampa, the OWA team skillfully navigates the challenges of Florida’s subtropical climate such as intense sun, strong winds, and high humidity. Thoughtful incorporations— such as overhangs and passive heating and cooling systems—allow for light-filled, airy spaces with a strong connection to the outdoors within structures that can withstand even the harshest weather conditions. “A building in Florida is going to behave differently than a building in Seattle or New York. It responds to its climate,” says Garcia. “We approach any constraint—whether from the client or site—as an opportunity for improvement. The resulting dialogue yields the best architecture.”