François de Menil, FAIA, LEED AP, established his architecture practice in 1991. The firm has provided architectural and interior design services for institutional, residential, retail and corporate office projects. De Menil began his career as a filmmaker, creating films on the sculptors Mark di Suvero, Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint Phalle. It was this interest in three-dimensional forms that first drew him to architecture. In 1987 he received his Bachelors in Architecture from the Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture at the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art. Prior to founding his own firm, de Menil worked in the offices of Richard Meier & Partners and Kohn Pedersen Fox. Francois de Menil’s architecture examines issues of social, historical and cultural context and transforms this research into a specific narrative related to the client, the site and the program presented. From this synthesis emerges a signature concept that informs the tectonics. From houses to institutional spaces to offices and retail shops, his work explores issues relating to how we live, work and experiences spirituality. Mr. de Menil’s work demonstrates a refined attention to materials and the art of construction. He elevates the humblest of materials to noble status, and his focus on detailing results in crisp lines and minimalist expression. Architecture is capable of shaping our urban fabric and affecting individual's lives. Public architecture, in particular, can shape the attitudes of an entire community, if not society as a whole. Architecture brings forth both the essence of place and of program, to project clarity of purpose and the relationship of the building to its community. Each opportunity to strengthen relationships within a community makes way for creating a better society. Building design requires the resolution of multiple challenges, many of which often appear to be mutually exclusive. It is the role of the architect to balance all the issues of site, program and budget and make choices that are in the best interest of the project. In the end, the building will speak for itself and the inherent wisdom of these choices will become clear.