{image2}Start-up companies led by 30-somethings continue to pop up all over the city. Dynamic duos with creative energy are finding Milwaukee to be the perfect entrepreneurial home.
Greg Nagel and Brian Tobiczyk crossed paths early on in their architectural careers. Both UWM graduates with years of experience under their belts, Nagel and Tobiczyk felt the timing was right to open the doors to Nagel-Tobiczyk Architects, LLC (NLTK) in September.
After spending time in various architectural disciplines, in firms of varying sizes and even in a variety of cities, they felt it was time to develop a firm based on their own architectural philosophies.
"Our intent is to raise the bar of design and service provided by an architectural firm," says Nagel. "Clients are more educated and savvy, they want a better handle on the process throughout the entire project."
NLTK works with sophisticated computer technology to offer its clients a three-dimensional understanding of the project from start to finish. The duo finds that this helps clients understand what the finished product will look like, which makes them more comfortable throughout the process.
Theo Lipscomb, director of commercial development for the West End Development Corp. works with NLTK and finds its 3-D modeling to be an asset. "It is helpful to see something in 3-D early on in the process. It helps you to see if you are on the right track. It can point you in a different direction and help you to see other opportunities."
{image1}"We think about design throughout the entire project," says Tobiczyk. "Design is not separate from construction; there shouldn't be a break between design and construction."
NLTK wants to create a fluid process where the client has input and feels like part of the team. Nagel and Tobiczyk believe Milwaukee is ready to be a part of this process.
"The potential here is endless. People are more open to the idea of great built environments, and we want to be a part of that," says Tobiczyk.
Whether residential or commercial projects -- homes, churches, schools or office buildings -- NLTK just wants to make great architecture.
"We think of architecture as architecture. Great architecture doesn't just come from one sector," says Tobiczyk.
"Each type of architecture influences the next, and we want to show clients fresh ideas," says Nagel. "We want to test ideas from other areas and push the boundaries of what has been done before."
NLTK is currently working on everything from a tattoo parlor to a traditional North Shore home. They use their computer-generated perspective drawings to walk clients through the space as well as to show lighting and shadow studies. While other firms consider these drawings an additional service, NLTK finds them to be important communication tools and a necessity for the business.
"When dealing with other firms, modeling is typically a major additional service. NLTK makes it part of their process," affirms Lipscomb.
Both architects enjoy living in Milwaukee and want to be part of the city's continued development. They want to help redefine local communities.
"We want to be a resource for design and planning as people look at rebuilding areas and improving the quality of life," says Nagel. "We want to help people see the potential in various sectors of the city."
Lipscomb works in the non-profit world and deals with affordable housing and adaptive re-use projects. "We are giving Greg and Brian some of the most challenging sites and asking them to give us creative ideas and solutions."
From new construction to renovation projects, Lipscomb is looking for innovative designs and construction methods. "In my line of work, you really need design partners who can understand the mindset of our organization and be creative. They have to respect the idea that design impacts cost," says Lipscomb. "In the end, their work will play a part in stitching a neighborhood back together."
Tobiczyk adds, "We want to make things contextual, but of our time. We want to use architecture to support community development and the growth of the city. Our goal has been bringing innovative ideas to the architectural community and showing clients there are other options. Good design can come at an affordable price, be functional and be modern without standing out."
Tobiczyk grew up in New York and has lived in and out of Milwaukee throughout his career, but it was that neighborhood feel and prolific arts community with events like Gallery Night that brought him back. "This is a very manageable and accessible city," he says.
Nagel grew up in Hartford but spent time in military service in Panama and North Carolina. "I have always felt Milwaukee was home. It is a large city with small neighborhoods that have unique personalities."
NLTK wants to help Milwaukee to continue to grow while maintaining the quality of life that makes this city a great place to live. The duo sees and feels the energy taking over Milwaukee and has joined the wave of entrepreneurs. They want their architectural creativity to be a part of the mix.
