Meridian 105 is a practice with guiding principles of research and pragmatism. We apply those principals to create structures which inspire the individual and positively impact the human experience.
As an American architecture firm we are faced with specific challenges. In our current time we are witnessing significant urban development. While our cities may each possess a handful of iconic structures designed by high profile architecture firms for cultural and institutional clients, the wealth of new development is comprised of buildings constructed by private development companies for financial gain. In this context, the quality of building systems and materials is evaluated in light of their expense. Building design is not only subject to our artistic decisions as architects, but to our client’s evaluation of its value. These are the buildings infilling our cities and contributing to the most general urban fabric. This is the reality of our time, and Meridian 105 has established itself as a firm doing original work in this context. We embrace the challenge of finding creative solutions that can be applied to otherwise common building practices. Our work is rooted in the urban infill.
As a firm based in pragmatism we are hands-on in our approach. Our process on every project begins with a physical interaction with building materials. This affords us the opportunity to study and master alternate material treatments and to discover new expressions in common building components. The character of space is defined by the materials enclosing it. In our approach we have become architects with more insight into the outcome of our design.
In the past few years Meridian 105 has worked in a variety of mediums. Recently the firm has successfully applied the Japanese technique of Shou Sugi Ban (Wood Charring) to two buildings locally in Denver, Colorado, fabricating the product in our own shop. We apply the digital design-to-fabrication process to small scale installations, such as the piece installed in here in Venice, and to building facades in the form of CNC fabricated metal screens. We embrace traditional materials such as masonry, with an extensive tradition in the city of Denver, and introduce new facade textures and expressions to the local streetscape.
Meridian 105 is bridging thoughtful and original design to the goals of the decision makers who influence our cities. This is our work.
Meridian 105 Architecture was founded in 2010 by Chad Mitchell. Chad was born in Albany, NY, but moved to Florida at a young age, growing up on the beaches of the West coast before studying architecture at the University of Florida. After graduate school, Chad worked as a designer and Project Architect at Helmut Jahn’s firm in Chicago for 6 years. In 2005, Chad relocated to Denver, Colorado, where he has practiced since, and where Meridian 105 Architecture is based.