Asa Highsmith founded Common Works Architects in Oklahoma City in 2015. The architecture and design firm operates almost exclusively within its local context, designing with and against Oklahoma City’s often-elusive vernacular. Through its familiar material palette and accessible architectural language, Common Works is dedicated to “democratizing design and elevating that which is common,” in Highsmith’s words. The firm’s projects range in program and scale, from residences to restaurants to public spaces, but share a refined simplicity and compositional restraint. 

Katherine Hogan and Vincent Petrarca are the principals and owners of Katherine Hogan Architects, an architecture practice based in Raleigh, North Carolina. When the practice was first founded in 2003 (under the name of Tonic Design | Tonic Construction), its work focused on small design-build commercial and residential projects. As it has grown, its portfolio has broadened to include projects for public schools, universities, state parks, and nonprofits. Often the product of modest but impactful interventions, the practice’s designs reflect the principals’ “unyielding explorations into assembly, tectonic craft, and resourcefulness,” in the words of the firm. 

The presentations will be followed by a conversation with Marie Law Adams. Adams is a founding partner of Landing Studio and an associate professor at Northeastern University’s School of Architecture. She was a member of the 2023 Emerging Voices jury.

Support

Emerging Voices is generously supported by Elise Jaffe + Jeffrey Brown. Support is also provided by the Next Generation Fund of The Architectural League, and by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. Emerging Voices public events and features are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.