Leslie S. Saul, IIDA, AIA, LEED AP®, founded Leslie Saul & Associates (LS&A) an
Architecture and Interior Design firm on December 21, 1992, with the following mission:
to make the world a better place in which to work, to live, to learn, to pray and to play.
At LS&A, we specialize in complex architectural and interior design projects. We thrive
on challenging assignments in specialty areas that include corporate, academic, institutional,
religious, retail and residential. Celebrating more than 19 years of delivering
budget conscious creative design solutions, we are sought out for projects that have
tight deadlines, limited budgets and demanding program requirements.
WHAT WE DO
We are designers, passionate about solving our clients’ design needs. Our specialty is
to bring space to life with creativity and originality. Be it the “fat pen and yellow trace”
or a sophisticated 3D computer modeling, we have the drive, the experience and the
resources to help you realize your vision.
We are listeners. Our engagement typically begins by listening to the client and
defining the problem. We listen carefully to understand building issues and occupants’
needs. We then implement a process that quickly turns the problem into a well-developed,
functional design concept that can make life easier for our clients. We do this in a
collaborative way.
We are problem solvers. During the design phase, we turn building problems into
creative, usable solutions. For example, columns inconveniently located in the center
of a room can become message boards or mounting places for light fixtures. During the
construction phase, we are quickly able to develop multiple design solutions to solve
problems that may arise in the field.
We are mediators. We bring the project team and the client together to facilitate
a common understanding of the design problem. We are known for our ability to
help move a large group to consensus, keeping decision-making on track. Our program
management experience in a broad range of specialties allows us to bring a clear and
fair perspective to every project while striving to make each one a win-win for all involved.
We are product and materials experts, constantly educating ourselves on new
products and materials, concentrating on those that are environmentally sustainable.
To stay current, we hold weekly meetings with manufacturers, vendors and
suppliers to evaluate new products and materials. Through this review process,
we can create well-designed alternatives for each project.
We assist our clients in making sound decisions and selecting appropriate products to
get the most value for their budgets.
FORM AND FUNCTION
The project’s architectural form develops from ongoing communication with our client.
We assess each project with a fresh eye, unhampered by preconceived notions. Projects
grow from specific conditions and are shaped by users. We strongly believe that the
design should enhance the architecture and transform a vision into reality.
HOW WE DO IT
We stay focused to meet our clients’ needs in an eficient and creative way. By developing
guidelines and incorporating effective methodologies, projects become success stories.
First, we quantify project priorities through aggressive listening at meetings
with our clients. Then, we identify the specific project and people needs. Working
collectively on a new project is a challenging task as it requires input and agreement
from a variety of constituencies. When there are many users, we listen to be responsive.
Then we synthesize the information and develop a design response. By understanding
the role and functions of the space and end-users, we help our clients sort out the
politics and bring conflict to resolution through design. We also establish and present
a budget and schedule for client review and approval. When approved, we start implementation
immediately.
We are available when you need us. Throughout the project we communicate
with clients, consultants and contractors so that problems can be addressed as
they arise. We embrace modern technology by using state-of-the-art software that
includes SketchUp (for preliminary 3D modeling and rendering) and AutodCAD
Revit Architecture Suite 2010. We also use a simple “freeware”
program that allows our clients to receive and comment directly on their AutoCAD drawings.
We manage the implementation of the design from construction documents through
bidding, negotiation and the construction process.
As architects and designers, we work to enhance the architecture, be the mediators,
accommodate requirements, establish schedule and budget, while bringing beauty and
function together into a successful project completion.
We really do want to make the world a better place.
