Meet Shawn and Edward Alshut of Studio A2 in Decatur

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawn and Edward Alshut.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Ed and I met as students in the Master of Architecture program at the University of Texas at Austin. He sat two seats in front of me in our design studio. We have different backgrounds:

I grew up in New England, with frequent trips to NYC, and a fine arts background. My mother was an artist whose passion for architecture and interior design inspired my own career. Edward grew up in South Florida with a background in Film, Photography, Communications, and Graphic Design. Working at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Museum as curator of their significant collection of architectural drawings inspired his career.

After graduation and a six week backpack tour of Europe, we started our professional careers. To gain the most experience, we practiced in different offices: both in Houston and in Boston. Our work included corporate, commercial, academic, and medical architecture projects.

Just in time for the Olympics, we moved to Atlanta and, although hired separately, became the first husband and wife to work at tvsdesign. I focused my attention on the interior design of corporate and commercial offices and office buildings. Ed focused his on the architecture of academic, corporate campuses, and convention centers. In pursuit of residential design experience, in 2003 he joined Harrison Design Associates, where he worked as a project architect designing single family homes and town homes as well as developing the firm’s commercial portfolio.

We always said that “someday we would start our own firm”. 2009, and the global economic downturn, provided that opportunity. Studio A2 was born. The rest is history.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
NO! It has been a long and bumpy road.

We started our office during the Recession, in 2009. It was like being on the ground floor of a building being evacuated.

Another challenge is championing refined, contemporary design in a more traditional design community.

Please tell us about Studio A2.
Studio A2 architecture | interiors is a full service architecture and interior design firm founded by principals Shawn C. Alshut, RA ASID, RID and Edward J. Alshut, AIA, with a portfolio of commercial, institutional, corporate and residential architecture and interior design.

What do you specialize in?
Refined design for discerning clients: Although we speak many design languages. “Contemporary” design, both residential and commercial, is our sweet spot.

What are you known for?
Studio A2 believes in holistic design; that the richest solutions for our Clients result from a synthesis of architecture, interior design, lighting, furniture, art, landscape, engineering and construction. “God is in the details”.

What are you most proud of as a company?
Our role as creative Problem Solvers and Team Leaders for our Clients. Studio A2 recognizes that the creative and well managed contributions of a team are crucial to a successful project. Also we have received numerous industry awards and the respect of our professional colleagues for our work.

What sets you apart?
Our personal working relationships with our Clients and the comprehensive skills and services we can offer to exceed their expectations. We speak several stylistic languages. Our work respects the best principals of traditional design, incorporated into contemporary solutions, resulting in resolutions appropriate to their context and client lifestyles. We create places, not just spaces.

Design is timeless. Good “contemporary” design is of its time.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Shawn: Christmas in New England! My parents made it a magical.

Edward: Surfing in Florida. Sun, sand and water.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.studioa2-design.com
• Phone: Shawn Alshut : 770.861.8008 Edward Alshut : 678.640.7298
• Email: [email protected] [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studioa2design/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Studio-A2-LLC-286939781456073/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/fasteddiea/boards/

Image Credit:
Brian Gassel : Architectural Photography, Tiffany Chan : Computer

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