BIOLOG

  • PATHFINDER PROGRESS

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    VIRGINIA

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    Anyone who has driven through Edmeston along Route 80 recently may have noticed that a long-standing dairy barn has been torn down, and in its place a new barn is being erected, taking its formal and historical cues from the old structure.

    The new building will house a Farm Market & Shop, Cafe, and many of the vocational training programs of Pathfinder Village. It will provide a place for visitors to the Village to meet new people, experience great spaces both indoors and outdoors, and even play Pickleball!

    This is Altonview’s first project pursuing LEED certification, which has been an ongoing challenge and learning experience. We had to completely re-examine our typical building methods, by learning about the benefits and difficulties of installing significant exterior insulation, choosing cleaner materials, and geothermal heating & cooling. The result should should be a comfortable, efficient building.

    The slab has been poured, and wall panels and roof structure are being erected. The next few steps will allow the waterproof barrier to be installed, protecting the building through the winter as work continues.

    And if you drive by, don’t forget to look for a large farm animal!

  • WBE Certification for Altonview Architects

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    VIRGINIA

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    Teresa and I are excited to announce that as of today, Altonview Architects PC is a DMWBE-certified Women Business Enterprise (WBE) in the State of New York.

    For 32 years, Kurt and Teresa worked together to build Altonview. The projects were many and varied, and the body of work speaks for itself. Now, in the wake of Kurt’s passing, we are pursuing the same goals through the lens of our joint experience.

    We have been learning from the built & natural environments around the world together for decades, and will continue to use those experiences to inform our practice.

    Our 100% women-owned, mother-daughter firm is working hard on several inspiring projects, as well as gearing up for many more. We are so excited to keep contributing beautiful, functional architecture to upstate New York and beyond!

    Teresa & Virginia at the Taj Mahal in Agra, India, 2011
    Teresa & Virginia in Watkins Glen, NY, 2024

  • PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN

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    VIRGINIA

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    We have begun to move forward again. As we (Teresa & Virginia) take stock of the firm, and the body of work it has produced, we continue to be secure in the conviction that the architecture we want to design, and which makes the most sense to us, is that which prioritizes natural light, ease & enjoyment of use, and practicality or value.

    In the past weeks, we have heard from many clients how much their light and windows continue to make them think of Kurt. Living in their homes for years, they came to realize he was justified in many of the design decisions he pushed them towards. (He would be completely thrilled to hear he was right!)

    Some of the basic design principles of those projects form the foundation of any truly good space, and are therefore indispensable to the way architecture affects the health and order, both mental and physical, of its inhabitants.

    Fenimore Asset Management, Cobleskill – Interior View of Clerestory Windows

    A few weeks ago Teresa had the opportunity to visit the offices of the very first client Altonview had over 25 years ago. She was able to see that the principles we’ve come to embrace, first implemented there, continue to perform. The space has taken modification well according to their changing needs, and one employee volunteered how much he loves coming to work there.

    Fenimore Asset Management, Cobleskill – Exterior View of Glazing & Barn Forms

    This is the goal – to make the spaces we help create as enjoyable to inhabit as possible. We know the firm will be a little different now, as Kurt’s influence will not be felt as strongly. However the ability to provide our clients, and by extension the greater community, with better space, is the driving factor behind my initial decision to work with my parents for the last 2.5 years, and my resolve to continue the firm now.

    No design ethos has ever commanded my respect and imagination as much as the type we envision here – beautiful, value oriented, practical, and yet truly good.