What sets Weaver Sherman's designs apart is a sense of context and their focus on totality of place, Randy told us: It's key to let the site inform the design in terms of building orientation, views, relation to neighboring structures and even location of rooms within the build. Nine years ago, the whole firm took a trip to Italy, an experience which Randy says had some effect on their work. (Take a look at Monon Row above, one of Broad Ripple's most beautiful developments.) "The layouts change your notions of how space can function," he said of Italian design. Buildings come together to form plazas, streets terminate at destinations rather than extending forever, and natural materials are everywhere, leading to a feeling of ease and community.  

He considered another career, automotive design, but decided to stick with architecture when he learned only 15% of graduates actually got to design cars. Now he's happy bringing projects like Highpointe on Meridian, currently in development on US-31 at 135th, into reality. The development is a transitional project for the famous office corridor--it will still have office space, but also residences and all the amenities that go with them. Randy thinks the key to continued residential development success, in Carmel and beyond, is understanding how the market has shifted for good. Hear more about his design philosophy and how it can spark true, lasting community at our May 13 event!