When designing a home or running a business, most people have at least a vague idea of what they want to accomplish; but turning a great vision into a great reality isn’t easy. Every small detail requires a decision to be made, and before long you can lose sight of the big picture goals you had in mind when you started. That’s why MODA4 Design, a Dayton-based architecture and design firm, challenges clients to come up with three words or phrases to describe their project, brand, or concept. They believe every decision made in service of a project should be in service of those three words/phrases.
Owner and Principal Architect Jason Sheets says that it’s all about keeping a project focused. “Certainly there is more to any space, concept, or brand than just three thoughts; but we challenge our clients to try to define theirs in three words or phrases, because it will force them to identify the most critical elements to the project, acting as a filter and funnel during the design process and creating measurable goals for us.”
MODA4’s three words? Creative, Sensible, and Zealous. Sheets says that coming up with their three words was about determining what they were best at. “1) Creative. We challenge ourselves to always be at the forefront of the market for design abilities and thoughtful design solutions. 2) Sensible. We take great pride in achieving those design solutions with cost sensitivity in mind. It’s quite easy to create amazing spaces and buildings with endless budgets, but to regularly produce those elements without over-committing our clients’ dollars is what we are most proud of. 3) Zealous. We do it all with committed effort and excitement. If the approach were any different, the result would be inferior, for sure.”
Even if you haven’t heard their name before, you’ve probably seen their work across the Dayton area. Besides leading renovations of Yankee Trace and the Dayton Arcade, MODA4 has also designed the Suttman Building in downtown Miamisburg, The Flats at South Park, and the University of Dayton Flyer Spirit Store.
While based in Dayton, MODA4 has worked on projects as far away as Baton Rouge, Louisiana. There they designed a cantina. “Our revenue is about 50% in a 90-minute radius and 50% throughout the country,” Sheets said. “We plan to continue with that balance.” MODA4’s portfolio of commercial projects is now over 40, and they’ve also launched a custom/vacation home (custom residential) studio. With each new project, they continue to hone their skills and come up with innovative ways of delivering their clients’ needs, while being cost-effective.
If you can’t quite put your finger on what your vision entails, MODA4’s process can help you discover it. Sheets says that their experience gives them the insight to get the ideas flowing. “We have a process that unlocks and draws those thoughts out of their minds and souls, when they can’t quite articulate it out of the gate. Our experience also allows us to help guide them, to make sure any design decisions are in alignment with their business decisions and planning.”
The pride that Sheets has in his work comes from knowing they’re making life better for their clients. “Whether residential or commercial, any project on which the client expresses that they can identify tangible enhancement of their goals and improvement in their and/or their community’s environment gives us pride and purpose. Those are our favorites.”
Pull quote:
“...any project on which the client expresses that they can identify tangible enhancement of their goals and improvement in their and/or their community’s environment gives us pride and purpose.”