AIA Indiana named its 2024 Indiana Design Award Winners, and StudioAXIS earned the Honor Award for Adaptive Reuse of the Michigan Farm Bureau project in Lansing, Michigan.

This project transformed a traditional office space into a vibrant, modern workspace to promote collaboration and connectedness. A standout feature of this space is a three-story “hole” that connects all three levels, creating a more integrated workspace. Energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, and a mix of workspaces from focus areas to social hubs ensure the office meets the needs of a dynamic workforce while promoting wellness and productivity.

Drew White– FAIA, LEED AP, StudioAXIS Partner

Great projects happen.  But, let’s back up and walk through the imperative how and why it takes a multi-discipline approach to deliver projects that inspire, impact, and influence the cities and communities they reside.  

When you see a construction site, you are seeing months and many times years of ideation, concept and planning coming to life. The planning is never singular, but a collective collaboration of crucial players: architects and property developers. The professional roles are different, yet dynamic, and that’s why working together makes great projects happen. So what’s the secret sauce, the magic in  a successful architect-developer relationship? Pull up a chair, get comfortable, and let’s talk about it. 

Architects Make a Big Idea, More Than an Idea.

We all remember a place or space “before” it was transformed. Maybe it was unkempt, unsafe,  unappealing or under utilized? That is where timeless design and development makes our cities and communities better.  With an idea/vision, places get a chance to be re-imagined. As architects, we come to the table to help developers turn their vision into form. As the creative minds behind the design and conceptualization of buildings and structures our primary focus is to blend aesthetics, functionality and sustainability to craft spaces that resonate with human experience. Architects possess a deep understanding of design principles, materials, construction techniques and spatial dynamics. We prioritize the harmony between form and function, delivering tangible drawings and plans that make a working idea a working project. 

Architects Understand Market Value and How Cities Work

Cities are complex structures with complex stakeholders. One new or refurbished building can jumpstart a city’s comeback or growth, impacting market value. Architects provide an invaluable understanding of environmental context. We invest in researching and planning to ensure the building’s exterior structure and design elements compliment its surroundings today and for years to come.  Successful projects with developers are rooted in planning that consists of meeting and listening to stakeholders and community members. This collaboration helps to define project goals and deliver detailed drawings that ignite excitement and support of new projects in the earliest of phases. 

Architects Design for Safety and Sustainability

Beyond aesthetics, architects are responsible for ensuring the safety and compliance of their designs with local building codes and regulations. We thoughtfully consider factors like structural integrity, accessibility, energy efficiency and environmental impact. Frankly, these factors are more important than ever before, and as architects, we work diligently to help contractors and engineers execute this to meet the vision of the project and its future use and function. Applying LEED certified applications and products throughout the design build process positively impacts the building’s footprint, and is ultimately better for the community. 

Property Developers Bridge Creativity and Profitability

Property developers play an integral role in how our communities look and function. They invest in cities with projects that change their trajectory and the market. Their role revolves around identifying real estate opportunities, securing funding, managing budgets, and overseeing the entire development process. Architects focus on the creativity and design attributes of the project, while property developers are responsible for delivering a profitable investment to their stakeholders. 

Developer due-diligence focuses on market research to identify demand and potential profitability. They evaluate factors such as location, market trends, and target demographics to determine the feasibility of a project. When a promising opportunity is identified, developers secure financing through various means, including loans, partnerships and equity investments.

In addition to carrying the financial weight of the project, property developers establish the overall communication and management of the multidisciplinary team. With a multitude of moving parts, successful projects are always rooted in strong communication, collaboration and respect for the knowledge and perspective all contributors bring to the forefront.   

Collaboration and Symbiosis

Better together.  Our greatest achievements on any level are done with others. As an architect, I’ll always challenge my colleagues and collaborators because that’s what ensures we do the best work.  Yes, architects and property developers have distinct roles, but our collaboration is integral to successful construction projects.  We bring creativity and innovation into designs because we want people in their communities to feel and experience the impact that great design has on our lives.  It enhances the marketability and appeal of a development. In turn, our developer colleagues bring these creative visions to life while ensuring profitability and financial viability.

When architects and developers work together, great projects happen.  To get there it takes open communication and mutual respect.  It is always possible to align design aspirations with budget constraints. Understanding the differences and synergies between our roles drives the impact of  urban development and shapes the spaces and places we enjoy and inhabit. 

About Drew White, FAIA, LEED AP | StudioAXIS Partner

Complex urban assignments have benefited from Drew’s ability to work with a variety of interests. His interactive approach to working with communities benefits from both hands-on learning by clients and his motivational style. Drew focuses public discussion on issues critical to success. His ability to do this with colleagues is evident in his leadership and service within the AIA and growing a dynamic and successful national practice.  Drew has helped increase the Midwest region’s “design awareness.” In his role as president of both AIA Indiana and AIA Indianapolis, he elevated the public discourse about design. Increasingly, Drew shares his experience through lectures and writing. He is a leading contributor to the national reputation of the AIA as an advocate and voice for sustainable design and social responsibility.  

About StudioAXIS

STUDIOAXIS is a U.S., Thailand and India based group of architects, designers, urbanists, interior designers, and researchers. Founded in 1995 in Indianapolis, Indiana USA, its core purpose is to elevate design through collaboration and innovation. STUDIOAXIS work has been recognized with the profession’s top accolades earning international recognition from distinguished institutions nationally and internationally winning over 130+ design awards across the globe.

Each year, local American Institute of Architects (AIA) chapters select young industry professionals to participate in the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (CKLDP). Named in honor of the late Christopher Kelley, an accomplished architect known for his dedication to mentorship and professional development, this distinguished program is committed to nurturing the next generation of innovative and socially-conscious design professionals.

StudioAXIS Architect Associates Weston Snyder and Kristen Stout were selected to represent The Christopher Kelley Leadership Program’s Indianapolis cohorts, with only 16 industry professionals  invited to participate each year. 

An alumnae of the 2022-2023 cohort, Weston Snyder credits the program with expanding his greater understanding of how relationships serve as a pivotal business strategy.

“I wanted to take my leadership skills and capacity to the next level, and I knew I needed guidance and opportunities to help get me there,” said Snyder.  “This program helped me build a community of professionals, a true network. I continue to experience the benefits of growing my network through CKLDP.  It helped me discover I’m more of a people person than I realized.” 

With her own interest to grow as a leader and industry professional, Kristen Stout applied and was accepted into the program’s 2023-2024 cohort.  

“As my skills and leadership were growing with StudioAXIS I wanted to take the next step in my career to grow my toolbox,”  said Stout. “I heard great things from Wes about his CKLDP experience, and I knew this program would push me outside of my comfort zone. It’s been a challenging and rewarding experience so far and an exciting way to evolve within the profession.” 

Kristen will graduate from the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program in May 2024. 

About the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program

Through a comprehensive curriculum, hands-on experiences, and mentorship opportunities, CKLDP seeks to equip participants with the skills, knowledge, and ethical foundation necessary to excel in the dynamic and multifaceted realm of architecture. With a strong emphasis on fostering community engagement, design excellence, and leadership acumen, the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring architects looking to make a lasting impact on their profession and the built environment.

The 2023 Architecture + Planning Camp, hosted June 19-23, brought together 31 aspiring architects, design professionals and planners from high schools across the state.  This week-long initiative, led by StudioAXIS and Ball State University,  provided a unique, hands-on opportunity for students to learn from and work with industry professionals.  Students were tasked with designing how the White River State Park Amphitheater’s concessionaire building could be utilized outside of the facility’s concert season. 

“The students who participated in this year’s camp appreciated the intensity and challenge of the camp project,” said Kristen Stout, StudioAXIS Associate and 2023 camp instructor. “We were able to watch these students bring their ideas to life in their presentations and that’s a very rewarding experience.” 

Architecture + Planning Camp not only inspired participating students to better understand the industry, it introduced real-life applications like Sketch-Up and processes used to approach projects.  “As a camp instructor/mentor, our role was to provide guidance to drive their ideation,” said Mitchell Geis, StudioAXIS Associate and 2023 camp instructor. “From the site tours to collaboration with StudioAXIS and the extended camp team, these students were receiving feedback they can carry with them past the camp experience.” 

Photos courtesy of: Ball State CAP, Ball State University Marketing and Communications.

A Look Inside The Architecture + Planning Camp Experience

Day 1:   The Art in Architecture

Student introductions, project description and a presentation on massing models versus final models. The day ends with peer critiques: small group discussions on the project, ideas, and concept. 

Day 2:   Designing Outside the Box

Project site visit and site analysis diagramming, walking tour back to CAP Indy.  Introduction to the modeling software, Sketch-Up, to develop student projects. The day concludes with studio time and a peer critique.

Day 3:   Sustainability

Students hear from two local architects on passive design strategies and how to incorporate into their designs. Afternoon ends with an architecture firm tour.  

Day 4:   Develop, Refine, Review

Presentation on graphics and communicating one’s design ideas – preparing for final presentations on Friday. Majority of the day is dedicated to studio time, giving students time to work on his/her projects and ask questions. Day wraps with a second architecture firm tour and peer critiques.

Day 5:   Polish, Present and Impress

Students put the finishing touches on their projects in preparation for final presentations. The final presentations are attended by family and friends, allowing each student to present his/her work from the week and walk through his/her design process. The final presentation, sponsored by Ball State University College of Architecture and Planning (CAP), includes a short presentation about available programs of study.

About StudioAxis

STUDIOAXIS is a U.S., Thailand and India based group of architects, designers, urbanists, interior designers, and researchers. Founded in 1995 in Indianapolis, Indiana USA, its core purpose is to elevate design through collaboration and innovation.  STUDIOAXIS work has been recognized with the profession’s top accolades earning international recognition from distinguished institutions nationally and internationally winning over 130+ design awards across the globe. 

STUDIOAXIS Teams Up with Ball State University to Inspire the Next Generation 

of Architects, Design Professionals and Planners

This June students from across the country will attend Architecture + Planning Camp, a week-long initiative spearheaded by STUDIOAXIS with Ball State University.  This out-of-the-ordinary camp is designed to transform high school students into design professionals and planners, laying the foundation for the industry’s next generation. 

This one-week, workshop-style camp began in 2016 and has grown to become an inspiring initiative for both student campers and the professionals involved. 

“The inspiration for our camp follows a program developed by the University of Houston called Wonderworks, it involves a month-long program with onsite housing and additional programming,” said Drew White, Partner, STUDIOAXIS.  “Our goal in the future is to advance to a camp that is longer in duration and involves overnight housing allowing students to have a full experience.”

STUDIOAXIS and industry professionals from Indy-area firms will moderate the camp, providing an authentic and educational design experience.  

Registration is currently open for this summer’s camp to be held June 19-23.  Interested students are invited to register online through Ball State University. Students that participate will gain knowledge of the design thinking process used in architecture, landscape architecture, and urban planning. 

“Each year the work the students create is beyond impressive,” said Kristen STUDIOAXIS Associate and camp professional.  Their creativity and perspective when given this short window of instruction is rewarding for us to see and them to experience.”

The Architecture + Planning Camp is for high school students grades 9-12 interested in architecture, site evaluation, ecology, sustainability, planning, sketching, and 3D modeling utilizing SketchUp, an architecture software program.  The students will be given a project where their own ideas are turned into a concept.  To conclude the week, students will present their work to professional moderators, friends, and family members showcasing their design vision and rationale. 

“This year, students will be tasked with designing how the White River State Park Amphitheatre’s concessionaire building could be used in its off season,” said Weston Snyder, STUDIOAXIS Associate and camp professional.  “We are always blown away by the creativity that comes from these students, we can’t wait to see what this year’s camp holds.” 

Learn more about the Architecture + Planning Camp and follow @STUDIOAXIS on social media for more about this initiative.  

About StudioAxis

STUDIOAXIS is a U.S., Thailand and India based group of architects, designers, urbanists, interior designers, and researchers. Founded in 1995 in Indianapolis, Indiana USA, its core purpose is to elevate design through collaboration and innovation.  STUDIOAXIS work has been recognized with the profession’s top accolades earning international recognition from distinguished institutions nationally and internationally winning over 130+ design awards across the globe. 

An Interview with Drew White and Cory Ticktin

It was 1987.  Bon Jovi was living on a prayer, Woody was serving drinks at Cheers, and President Reagan was meeting Gorbachev in Washington.  It was during this time when Drew White and Cory Ticktin were young architects, starting what would become a 40-year friendship turned business partners. Both were making their early mark in the industry; Drew in Houston and Cory in LA. When the oil crisis hit, the Houston office of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) closed and soon Drew found himself in LA by way of Chicago. We could say the rest is history; but there are so many important pieces to this story that land in the middle. 

“SOM is where Cory and I met and began what is now a very long-standing friendship,” said White.  “While working at the LA office we found ourselves working on an interiors project for a Texas hotel.  We became friends during this project and found an appreciation for each other’s work.” 

During this stretch of time, Drew and Cory worked on other notable projects, including a museum with designer Lauren Rottet, Rottet Studio. 

Fast forward a few years and Drew headed back to the Midwest.  Drew shared how back then Cory was a good friend hooking him up with an unconventional way to get all of his personal stuff from LA to the Midwest by air.  We’ll leave the story there, and maybe save that for a future adventure blog.  

Over the years Drew and Cory forged impressive professional paths.  Drew established his footprint in Indianapolis and the surrounding region, with Cory working at large US firms on many global projects. 

“I was drawn to the work overseas,” said Cory.  “Working globally opens up opportunities for larger scale ambitious projects, and not everyone can or wants to take on the international schedule. I spent two-weeks every month overseas– for 20 years.”  

Ticktin moved to China in 2012 and became an American Architect known and respected in Southeast Asia and Eastern countries leading teams for AECOM and Gensler.  In fact, young talent tends to follow Cory admiring his leadership and exceptional experience in the industry.   

Drew and Cory have both led impressive careers.  While different in their paths, their friendship and appreciation for the other’s strengths and acumen have paved the road for this new global studio collaboration.  Cory was named Fellow in 2015 and Drew in 2012.  

“When I received my Fellow distinction, Cory and his wife traveled to celebrate with me and my family,” said White.” “These bump-ins over the years allowed us to maintain a great relationship, always with me asking, “So, when do you want to partner on a global studio?”

Those bump-ins kept Drew and Cory connected.  From family tailgating at football games to a vacation to Spain and Italy, these two have great stories and a great appreciation for each other and the industry they both love. 

In 2021, at the height of COVID, Gensler asked Cory to move to India.  He had been living in Thailand for more than 5 years and relocating to India was off the table.  So when Gensler’s Thai studio closed, that frequent question from White became pretty relevant.  The Drew and Cory story was ready for its next chapter, and Axis Architecture became StudioAXIS with Cory leading a team in both Bangkok and Bengaluru.

Relational Design, Local Insight, Global Impact. 

The refresh of Axis to StudioAXIS leverages three-decades of Drew, his long-time business partner Kevin Cooper, and a team of talented architects and designers delivering timeless projects in Indianapolis and its surrounding regions.  This new, global collaboration opens opportunity and expands the firm’s vision on projects here and abroad.  

“Our combined studios in Indianapolis, Bangkok, and Bengaluru blend cultures and promote bigger thinking,” said Cory.  “We have talent here in Southeast Asia that can become part of an entire project’s process.  Here, architects lead the design and execution at the beginning.  The middle is transitioned over to a local firm.  Although we are licensed to execute a project from start to finish, clients will generally hire an “International Firm” and then a “Local Firm”. This dynamic alone gives our young, growing talent experience they generally would not have here.” 

There is also an opportunity for professional growth and experience for the StudioAXIS Team in Indianapolis working on Asian projects whether virtually or physically being present in Asia.  Through this global collaboration, StudioAXIS immediately increases its market sectors from 6 to 12 and welcomes the opportunity to work on larger projects.  

“We’ll always have a local, design-centric approach to how we work with our clients,” said Drew.  Our shared influences in the US, and now Southeast Asia expands our vision.  A broader perspective can bring a big impact to our clients.” 

Attracting the Best Talent

StudioAXIS is making talent attraction a top priority in 2023.  As a mid-sized city, Indianapolis competes with larger markets like Chicago, NYC, and LA for design talent.  The ability to work with a global team is a benefit for young professionals. Studio leadership envisions future opportunities where Bangkok and Bengaluru associates work at the US studio, and vice versa.  Experiencing the dynamics of each country’s culture and client/project processes make better designers.  

“Good ideas happen around the globe,” said Cory,  “and collectively our teams will learn from each other and flourish together.” 

Discover StudioAXIS projects online at studioaxis.com and follow on social media. 

INDIANAPOLIS – Axis Architecture, a premier, boutique design firm, announces today, it has refreshed
its brand and expanded its offerings by opening two new offices in Asia – Bangaluru, India, and Bangkok,
Thailand. The new STUDIOAXIS name will better reflect its personalized, highly skilled approach for
clients, from concept to completion in a seamless way.

Focused on the scale of work, efficiency, fast production and technique, and use of high-level modeling
software and design technology solutions, the expanded STUDIOAXIS team will provide elevated,
sophisticated, and detailed architectural services and solutions.

Founded by Drew White and Kevin Cooper in 1995 as Axis Architecture + Interiors, the firm has served
civic, corporate, healthcare, housing, industrial, and retail clients with a team of dedicated planners,
designers, and architects. Its philosophy of collaboration and innovation has allowed STUDIOAXIS to
form successful, long-term partnerships with its clients.

“Kevin and I launched Axis Architecture 27 years ago, and I believe it is important to embrace change
without fear,” said Drew White, founding partner, STUDIOAXIS. “This is the rebirth of that idea. We can’t
be afraid of what is ahead of us. We are excited to announce and welcome the Bangkok and Bangaluru
offices and team members which will bring a new set of values and technology to our studio, helping us
deliver bigger and better projects, with more impact.”

Leading the Bangaluru and Bangkok offices will be Cory Ticktin, a longtime colleague and collaborator of STUDIOAXIS founding partner Drew White. Ticktin has more than 30 years of experience leading large-scale design projects globally. He has established a reputation for excellence, across a broad range of building types including corporate headquarters, higher education campuses, residential projects, retail and entertainment venues, hospitality projects, civic and government buildings, transportation, and public safety complexes. Cory has spent the last 10 years in southeast Asia, building immense expertise and a group of professionals who admire his leadership and have followed him as he started his newest venture with STUDIOAXIS.

“There is a level of thoughtfulness and sophistication through detailing that STUDIOAXIS provides to its
clients,” said Ticktin, partner, STUDIOAXIS. “Using a modern and forward-looking approach, we will leave a mark on how others live today and in the future, taking different design philosophies into consideration along the way. I am excited to work alongside such a talented, refined team to complement each other’s capabilities, connections, and experience.”

While the three offices will operate under their separate legal entities, this global collaboration will create opportunities to utilize the firm’s complementary geographic footprints, along with combined schematic and detailed skill sets.

“Growth is important to us,” said Kevin Cooper, founding partner. “This new collaboration will bring about new and more meaningful projects, with opportunities for associates to learn along the way. We believe that it elevates our associates to enhance the overall design process.”

The U.S. operations will continue to be headquartered in Indianapolis, with 23 team members. Asian
operations will be overseen by Ticktin and include approximately 10 employees in various roles.

We were honored to collaborate with Context and BW Construction on our submission for the design of the new Fishers Arts Center and Municipal building.