Reset, Rebrand, Restart

I’ve spent the last couple of months doing some reflection on this practice.

From the beginning this was a bit of an experiment. I spent 8 or 9 months exploring the possibilities of space architecture work as the backbone of an independent design practice. In that time the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that, while the occasional space project can show up, we’re still probably a generation or two away from an architecture practice being able to build a sustainable business model on space work.

Part of the challenge isn’t that there’s no design work in the space industry — there’s actually quite a bit. But when it comes to inhabitable environments for humans, where the architectural knowledge and methods developed over centuries of practice designing the built environment unambiguously adds value? Not impossible, but also not enough to be a market, at least not yet.

So we’re shifting our positioning slightly, leaning more into architecture work here on Earth where the demand signal is loud and clear. 

The essence of our mission remains the same; our values haven’t changed. We’re not pursuing a particular aesthetic or style. We’re also not focused on any particular project type. We approach every project as a unique challenge. But we are still driven by a purpose of creating a more livable future, and looking to work with those with a similar mindset.

As part of the shift, the look and feel of the website and brand is a little different. A little less austere and stiff while retaining the spirit of the space age: pursuing a sense of wonder, oriented toward the future, and open to the idea that what we learn from going to space can improve life on Earth. That’s why, even though the positioning is gently shifting, the name hasn’t changed.

None of this is to say we’re closing the door on space design work. I would still be happy to support spaceflight programs and continue to believe this practice offers a unique mix of innovative design ideas and practical engineering integration, built on a foundation of working in industry designing space habitats.

So as we move forward, you’ll see a little less about going to space and a little more about building a livable future right here on Earth. There will undoubtably be an ongoing period of experimentation and discovery, discovering who we are as a practice as we go. 

If you’ve been following along with our work, posts, and journey so far, thank you, and I’d love to hear your thoughts about this course correction. I’m excited for the future of The Space Age and the opportunities this shift makes possible.