For Chisel Architecture, it’s critical that the process surrounding design also has shape, form, language and intention. This means that partners Marcy Townsend and Sara Whicher are dedicated client advocates from start to finish and that their problem-solving skills are always engaged and at the forefront of every project.
The firm’s signature Pattern of Life design process allows the duo to not only build unique relationships with each individual client, but also with a team of curated design partners who are involved throughout a project’s entire timeline. Here, interior designer Lucy Penfield and contractor Don Forsman share why they value collaborating with Chisel.
Photography provided by Lucy Interior Design
Lucy Penfield
What do you enjoy about working with Chisel?
Chisel creates a collaborative excitement around the project from the beginning. They set the tone that the engagement between the client and all partners is going to be team-focused and conversational. It’s going to be an experience. You see homeowners relax as they become comfortable with the process. The Chisel team makes it feel easy and smooth for everyone with their presentation and problem-solving style, leaving all ego at the door.
Chisel believes that all partners in the process have a unique part to play and skills to contribute. How have you noticed this to be true?
As a collaborator, it’s wonderful to have an architect and design team that understands my expertise and engages me throughout the project. Chisel is quick to provide guidance on architectural challenges and constraints, and is intentional and thorough when a new project is unfolding. They’re also very good at solving the spatial challenges that remodeling projects often present. They seem to savor the process and enjoy digging deep to uncover what’s worthwhile about the project.
Photography provided by Alyssa Lee Photography
What about Chisel do you find to be distinctly unique?
The Chisel team truly immerses themselves in the homeowner’s Pattern of Life. They want to know about homeowner preferences, how they live and what they’re passionate about. It’s very unusual to witness this — it’s just all part of the way Sara and Marcy nurture and authentically care for their clients. This deeper knowing informs other unique things they do, like personifying space through the meaningful names they assign to rooms, areas or experiences within a home. It really does make it fun and engaging for all!
Photography provided by Welch Forsman
Don Forsman
What do you enjoy most about working with Chisel?
I enjoy working with Sara and Marcy because they embrace and enjoy the process. They show up with a great attitude and that extends to all stakeholders. As the general contractor, I appreciate that they bring me in to collaborate early on a project. It’s clear that for them it is about finding a fit and creating a home for the family.
What about Chisel’s process is distinctly unique?
I value them and I’ve witnessed the growth of their business — they’ve navigated it so well. They have incredible persistence and a very open communication style. They don’t let budget or schedules dictate outcome. Their process feels distinctly unique in these ways — it makes the design feel special. They make my job easier and more enjoyable, and the homeowners are happier.
Photography by Alyssa Lee Photography
How would you describe Chisel when it comes to your definition of collaboration?
Marcy and Sara are true collaborators. We work very well together, because they manage the functional part and the larger vision. That allows our team to focus on the nuances of the details, which are so important to get right. We’ve collaborated on new and remodeled homes; the project size doesn’t really matter. For a good architectural firm, I’d build a doghouse.
Photography by Belu Photography
Marcy Townsend and Sara Whicher
What do you enjoy most about working with valued collaborators?
Sara Whicher: When we collaborate with talented professionals like Don and Lucy, it’s understood that we’re all moving together in the same direction on behalf of the client. We’re staying in our lanes and intently focused on what each of us bring to the project. As we move through the project, many questions arise that we need to come together and solve. Don and Lucy anticipate this and are comfortable letting the questions be out on the table. In this way, everyone gets to reflect, contribute their ideas, and land on the best solution for the project and the client.
What’s the biggest hurdle in helping clients understand the value of a collaborative team?
Marcy Townsend: For those undertaking their first home project, everything involved in such an endeavor can be incredibly daunting. So naturally the thought of a one-stop shop for design and construction brings great relief. But such an all-inclusive team structure comes with its own pros and cons. With a team of individual collaborators, everyone works for the homeowner, who’s fully informed and firmly in the driver’s seat throughout the entire process.
What are the main benefits of working with a collaborative design team?
MT: The most obvious benefit is that every collaborator operates only within their wheelhouse whether that is architecture, construction or interior design. This ensures quality input, trusted expertise and that the homeowner’s expectations are met. Another significant benefit of the collaborative process with a Chisel-led project is the smoothness and flow of the project. We absolutely attribute this to our collaborator skills that go beyond one’s craft: succinct communication abilities. There is no way around this; it’s a prerequisite.
