At Your Service

At Your Service By Matt Potter, photo by Dan Epstein David Spence, head of Windigo Architecture Sail Away with Windigo Architects To the building of your dreams D avid Spence is rarely more animated than when he's talking about his great passion—sailing. "It's all about natural forces interacting with human technology to make something happen," he says enthusiastically. " at's the kind of thing that excites us as architects." As owner and principal of Windigo Architecture, Spence's love of boats is fitting. e firm was even named after a yacht owned by the family of the firm's founder, James B. Gubelmann. "Windigo was a spirit in Native American folklore," explains Spence. "Warriors would pray to him to put the wind at their backs. So it's a perfect name for a yacht—and it suits our philosophy." at philosophy, reveals Spence, begins with openness. "A lot of what we do comes from the client," he says. "We don't impose a particular style on them. We find out what they want and what their parameters are. At the start, we offer clients a free consultation to help them visualize all the opportunities and look at different ideas." e approach is working—Windigo's portfolio includes high-end residences and individual room renovations, retail and restaurant establishments, galleries, civic and religious institutions, corporate offices, museums, and educational facilities. Spence, who took the reins four years ago, is quick to share the credit with his multitalented staff of seven. "I might be the helmsman," he says, "but I can't sail without my crew." He prefers to keep the company small, noting that "it helps us be more involved with every aspect of our work." Windigo Architecture is broad enough to offer a range of first-class services to clients in New Jersey—along with other Northeast states and Florida. But its size allows an attention to detail and level of intimacy difficult to find at larger firms. Along with building design and interior architecture services, Windigo "can design down to the silverware," says Spence— referring to the interior elements the firm occasionally helps coordinate. In tune with the times, the architects also work with clients to incorporate eco-friendly technologies—from the use of natural or recycled building materials to designing geothermal heating and cooling systems, and solar-panel roofing. Similar to the family that first launched Windigo, Spence has innovation in his veins. (One of Gubelmann's grandfathers was an architect; the other invented the backspace key for typewriters.) at same creative spirit carries over to Spence's work. Rather than presenting one design solution, he offers a variety of options. "Our mantra at Windigo is that it's all about asking the right questions," he stresses. " e solution should be the appropriate answer to those questions, but you'll never get there if you're not asking them. "When clients send us photos of their families in the spaces we've created, and we see that as the backdrop to their lives—that's the most satisfying part of the job."  Windigo Architecture 914 Mount Kemble Avenue, Morristown (Harding Township) 973-425-7680 • www.WindigoDesign.com September 2009 VicinityMagazine.com 43

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