174: Starting Modellus Novus
How can architecture firms develop strong and innovative company values, foster a supportive workplace culture, and continue to grow while making an impact? On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we sit down with the founding team of Modellus Novus – Jonathan Garnett, Creative Director; Preeti Sriratana, Managing Director; and Steven Harper, Operating Director. In our conversation, they discuss the inspiration behind their firm, what sets them apart from others in the industry, and how they're actively challenging the status quo of the practice of architecture. First, the team explains their shared vision for Modellus Novus, their leadership dynamic, and their commitment to building an innovative architecture firm that stays true to values. They provide examples of how their workplace culture and policies prioritize employees, reflecting the mission to create a team-first business.Then, we dive into their approach to collaboration and the strategies the firm uses to continuously improve their work environment. The founders also discuss their response following the pandemic, their diverse project portfolio, and how they choose which clients to work with.I'll share one of our admin values, which is – the team, the team, the team. Put your people first. They're the ones who are actually going to design and build the architecture. Support them and they'll deliver something incredible. And in turn, you will find clients that value that. - Jonathan GarnettTo wrap up the conversation, Jonathan, Preeti, and Steven share their exciting plans for growth while maintaining quality, culture, and impact. They offer valuable advice to young architects who want to make a difference in their communities and the world through the practice. Tune in next week for an episode about affordable housing and community development. Guest:Jonathan Garnett Jonathan Garnett is Creative Director and a founding partner at Modellus Novus, where he oversees creative direction for a range of the firm's architecture and design projects, as well as its external and internal initiatives. He is responsible for establishing, evolving, and tailoring the firm's design processes, priorities, and principles in coordination with business development, financial, and organizational strategies. Jonathan was fundamentally shaped by summers working with a non-profit design firm in Detroit that provided design-build services to underrepresented communities and community organizations invested in improving the quality of life in that city. A native of Oakland, California of Black and Japanese descent, he received his Bachelor of Arts (Magna Cum Laude) with Concentrations in Industrial Design and Graphic Design from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, studied at the Technical University at Delft in the Netherlands, and received his Master of Architecture from the Southern California Institute of Architecture in Los Angeles. Previously he worked at Detroit Collaborative Design Center in Detroit, George Yu Architects in Los Angeles, and Open Office in New York. After spending years overseeing the construction of projects he designed, while also making furnishings and objects with his hands, Jonathan learned what kind of creative leader he wanted to be. He imbues those values in his daily work with the project teams at MN. Preeti SriratanaPreeti Sriratana is Managing Director and a founding partner at Modellus Novus, where he provides strategic direction and manages growth. He is committed to shaping communities and creating access, from non-profit work to MN’s efforts to create spaces for the many in all of their projects. Beyond MN, he is board chair for Apex for Youth (for which he received an Official Commendation from the City of New York); co-founder and board member of national renovation marketplace
