Philosophy

“Architecture has to be greater than just architecture. It has to address social values, as well as technical and aesthetic values. On top of that, the one true gift that an architect has is his or her imagination. We take something ordinary and elevate it to something extraordinary.”

– Samuel Mockbee

MRV Architects is committed to an inclusive design process, involving the Owner throughout each project’s evolution to ensure that the finished building fulfills the client’s vision. To ensure continuity of design and intent throughout a project, MRV principals work hands-on during programming, design, and construction document creation, maintaining a level of engagement and care that would not be possible under the standard separation of management and design tasks. To maintain a high standard of document quality, MRV performs internal reviews of technical and design issues related to constructability, life cycle costs, and material appropriateness, while always fully involving the client in cost/quality decisions. Our history of long client relationships and repeat project referrals demonstrate this technical competence and attention to owner needs.

At MRV, our focus includes three particular aspects of design — sustainable design, universal design, and capturing a sense of place. MRV projects always incorporate sustainable building practices, limiting environmental impacts, and using the most energy-efficient design appropriate to the budget. We strive for universal design, with gracious buildings for every type of user. Every person should feel comfortable and welcome in our structures. Finally, sense of place. While we professionally solve building technical issues and specific user needs, we constantly search to discover an aesthetic that reflects the heart of the users and setting. Very broadly, these include a sensitivity to place and environment, the use of natural daylight, the visual expression of materials –like wood structure, stone and glass- and sculpting interior volumes to give the buildings life and character.

MRV Sustainability Action PlanMRV Architects is committed to sustainable, environmentally conscious design practices. Though this may increase initial construction costs, the long-term benefits of energy savings and lower maintenance costs make this an attractive goal for many clients. To read more about our commitment, please see our MRV Sustainability Action Plan

We also believe in the philosophical stance underlying the green movement. MRV has signed the AIA 2030 Commitment, a program to help us achieve carbon neutral designs by 2030. In a material-intensive industry, designers have a responsibility to ensure that structures are built with future generations of owners in mind.

Along with three other architects at MRV, principal Paul Voelckers is LEED AP certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. The Evergreen Building, our mixed-use office building, was the first private building in Alaska to be LEED certified; a demonstration of our commitment.

MRV’s LEED Certified Projects:

Evergreen Building- Silver, 2008
Haines Assisted Living- Certified, 2010
Harborview Elementary School- Certified,2012
US Forest Service Research Lab- Gold, 2013
Cordova Center – Certified 2017
Kicha Elder Housing- Silver, 2017
Soboleff Center- Gold, 2019

At MRV we pledge a commitment to professionalism and integrity. We make Alaska our home, and are committed to strengthening the enviable reputation our firm has acquired here. Our architecture is not driven by the trends of the day, rather, we strive for aesthetic design that driven by ethics and authenticity.

We strive for equitable design, or as it is known in the the design field, universal design. We thoughtfully design with every type of user in mind. Every person should feel comfortable, welcome and uplifted in our structures.

At the end of the day, the best architectural team blends in equal measure both the technical proficiency provided by the team, and the heart they will bring to the project. MRV’s involvement with many Southeast communities illustrates not just our expertise, but our deep commitment to the success of each venture, our capacity for listening, and our empathy.