Architect Janet Bloomberg, FAIA, is a partner and founder of KUBE architecture in Washington, but she also comes from an educational background, having taught at the University of Virginia and Catholic University.
Bloomberg and her business partner Richard Loosle-Ortega run a “modern architecture studio that challenges the norms of daily life and combines high-performance design with elegant architectural solutions.” Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, KUBE has survived and thrived in a city whose architecture was once known only for limestone and marble buildings more than sleek glass, steel and concrete.
But times have changed. In the last 20 years KUBE and some of its contemporaries have helped usher in a renaissance in D.C. architecture–one that is now diverse, vibrant, approachable and contextual.
One of Bloomberg’s early projects–a renovation of her D.C. condo–received considerable attention for her ability to extract maximum design on a limited budget. It’s an ethos that still drives the firm. “Everyone appreciates value,” she says.
KUBE emphasizes flexibility, sustainability, durability, and longevity. Working with new materials and methods of construction, research is an on-going process, and the firm believes in the economy of means and creates efficient spaces that achieve both richness and simplicity.
Design Vibes recently caught up with the architect to reflect on the last 20 years and to hear more about the firm’s philosophy of design and materials.
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Story Board House (above left). Photo: Anice Hoachlander and Autohaus (above right). Photo: Anice Hoachlander
Design Vibes: Can you tell us the origin of KUBE Architecture?
Janet Bloomberg: KUBE architecture was incorporated in 2005, so we’re officially 20 years old! I had started my own firm in 1999, after years of working, and then teaching for a year at UVA [University of Virginia]. I met Richard Loosle-Ortega, my business partner, while part-time teaching at Catholic University. Rich had been a full-time professor there for 15 years. We gradually realized how in sync we were with regard to design and conceptual thinking, and over time it seemed like we’d make a great team. Eventually Rich decided to leave academia to join me, and we formed KUBE.
DV: Your firm is an anomaly in Washington because you focus almost exclusively on “modern” (our word based on your body of work). What is the firm’s philosophy on that? And how does it work in traditional DC?
JB: We believe that architects should build for today, not imitate styles of yesterday. In fact, “style” doesn’t enter into our design conversations at all. We love and respect historic architecture, and adaptive reuse is a big aspect of our work. However, preservation of the past and designing for the future are two different things. We believe that it only makes sense to use modern technologies and materials, exploring how we live today and could live in the future. Of course this is a challenge within the traditional architecture of Washington, DC, as many people think we should copy the existing context. Luckily, we have enlightened and forward-thinking clients who value our work, so we’ve managed to maintain a modern approach.
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Suburban Wrap (above left and right). Photos: Anice Hoachlander
DV: Is it easier to find the right clients now, versus years ago when the firm was founded?
JB: I don’t notice much of a difference finding clients for whom our work resonates now versus when we started. We’ve always attracted “unique” clients who appreciate the work we do, and that’s remained relatively consistent over all the years we’ve been in business.
DV: When we first “met,” you had recently completed your condo in DC. It received a lot of press (as I remember it) because you did a lot with a small budget. Is that same spirit still a part of the firm’s ethos?
JB: Yes, we always try to do more for less; that’s been a consistent tenet of our firm. In fact, we often convince clients to build smaller, rather than larger. We show them that spaces can be designed creatively and efficiently to get more and better use out of less square footage. We also promote the use of low-cost and low-maintenance materials, and we always try to save clients money wherever possible, no matter how high the budget might be. Everyone appreciates value!
DV: How have you evolved as an architect since then?
JB: Well, I’m certainly more experienced and knowledgeable than I was back then! I’m probably more set in my ways too. LOL. However, the overall direction and objectives of my work have not changed. I still experiment with new spatial typologies and materials–that’s been a lifelong goal. I’ve really enjoyed the ride, trying not to direct my career too purposefully, but rather being open to opportunities that come along. It’s been a process of discovery. I’ve greatly appreciated the experience of leading a small group of professionals to challenge ourselves (and our clients) to take our work to new places and create memorable spaces that will live on past us. We’ve tried to push the limits of residential architecture beyond what we know today, and we continue to do that.
In addition, I’ve spent my career mentoring younger architects and students, focusing on women and people of color, who still make up much too small a percentage of our profession. I’ve been involved with AIA at both the local and national level for many years, and now as an AIA Fellow, I work toward encouraging women to apply for Fellowship.
Salt and Pepper House (above left and right). Photos: Greg Powers
DV: Your firm explores materiality quite a bit in your work. How do you make your choices?
JB: We try to select materials that are “smart” and effective, in that they operate in a multitude of ways within the space. We consider the overall impact they have, as well as their sustainability, longevity, maintenance, and cost. We bring in “warm” materials, textures, layering, and light. We love color and the way it can transform a space (at no additional cost!). In general, we look at the use of materials as an opportunity for richness, character, tectonics and spatial experience. Finally, we appreciate materials that are natural and change over time. That process is beautiful to us and allows our projects to continue to evolve with the passage of time.
DV: Are there materials that you like? Which ones do you avoid?
JB: We like many different materials, so that’s a difficult question. We love timeless materials, such as wood, steel, glass and concrete. These form the backdrop for our spaces. Our preference is to expose these materials rather than hiding them behind drywall or other cladding. One specific material we’ve used for many years is Viroc, which is a cement and wood composite. It’s inexpensive, modular, water-resistant, durable and fire-resistant (we’ve used it for fireplace surrounds and cooktop backsplashes). It requires no maintenance, and I believe we have it in just about every project we’ve done. I have it in my own house (interior and exterior). It’s a “raw” material that was previously used as an underlayment for more industrial purposes, so it’s not “precious.” We like that aspect. We don’t recommend using materials that will require a lot of maintenance, especially on the exterior, so we generally steer our clients toward low-maintenance products.
Dual Modern, Bloomberg’s own home, is a renovation and addition of a 1950s house by architect Charles Goodman. Photo: Anice Hoachlander
DV: The firm’s work spans a variety of typologies–residential of all scales, commercial and retail spaces. Is there anything you haven’t done yet but would like to–civic, museum, etc?
JB: I’ve always wanted KUBE to design a small library, museum or community center–a building used by the public that adds value to its community. We’ve gotten close but haven’t yet done one of these, although in my “previous life” before KUBE I did work on these types of projects, so I’ve done a few in the past.
DV: There’s an opinion that not enough architects are involved in “housing,” especially entry level housing, so we often get poorly designed buildings and houses for the masses. Have you ever thought of doing other types of housing for developers?
We’ve worked for quite a few developers, and our project Duvall Court is a seven-unit alley community that consists of modest houses that were quite affordable to purchase. We’d love to do more of these multi-unit developer projects (especially affordable!).
DV: What are some projects you have in the works?
JB: Right now we’re designing a new ground-up house in Columbia Heights (with focus on sustainability), as well as a number of other renovation/addition projects in the DC area. We’re finishing up a few single-family residential projects (renovation and new construction) in Florida, and we’re working on a new house and seaplane hangar at Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. We’re also designing a subterranean addition (with a large sports court) to one of our recently designed ground-up houses in Kensington, Md., and a mid-century modern renovation/addition in Hollin Hills (Alexandria, Va.). Finally, we’re working on the renovation of a small shopping center in Silver Spring, Md.
Casa Abierta (above left), Photo: Paul Burk and Balance House (above right). Photo: Anice Hoachlander