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Classical, vernacular, inspired residential and estate architecture
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FR Review:
Ferguson & Shamamian has achieved iconic stature in architectural and rarified social circles for its intellectual approach toward classicism as the basis of all great design. New homes are the firm's forte, and these are massive undertakings, usually entailing years of specific wainscoting and doorknob detailing. The results are nothing short of breathtaking—uplifting, spirited, livable masterpieces born of rich provenance. Clients may be involved in every excruciating detail or may be provided with turn-key resolution, but in either case, we hear the partners prefer to work with clients who share their architectural philosophy.
Partners Mark Ferguson, who holds an M.A. from Princeton, and Oscar Shamamian, who holds an M.A. from Columbia, created the firm in 1988 after working together at Parish-Hadley. The large shop currently employs 80, with about 25-30 projects ongoing and ten new projects annually. Insiders tell us the firm is efficient in its design process and extremely attentive—a principal is involved in every project. Nearly all the work is done for the residential market, about a quarter of it in Manhattan, a quarter in the regional area and the balance coast to coast, including the Hamptons, Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, Florida and California.
While more than half the firm's docket is taken up with new home construction, it regularly takes on gut renovations and alterations/additions of apartments, townhouses and homes. Though it takes on many large Park and Fifth Avenue projects for celebrity clients, the firm remains grounded and will accept a few projects with mid-level budgets for select clients. Not surprisingly, all this excellence comes at a high cost, mostly due to higher caliber materials. The firm charges an hourly rate, which generally falls within the standard percentage of total construction costs. AD 100 2007, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2019.
Representative Client Comments:
"Their design sensibility is unparalleled." "The spirit of their work is like the craftsman of generations past." "Even at Princeton, Mark was recognized to be one of the most talented." "They are artful in their restorations, staying true to the historic period. This may involve bringing in reclaimed chestnut floors, but it is a remarkable result." "They will have moldings even within their more modern forays." "They have the highest degree of respect from the most demanding designers in the industry." "Much more comfortable working in the traditional genre." "Great for people for whom money is not an issue." "A bit confident in their ways." "The budgets are prodigious, but realistic." "Going for quality, not volume." "They cater ultimately to the client, despite being a big, influential firm." "Instant pedigree. The best traditional architecture being created today."
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