CITYDESKSTUDIO

The name of the firm expresses an interest we have in exploring the boundaries that architecture operates within - the larger boundless environment suggested by the CITY, and the intense focused craftsmanship of the object, the DESK. The focus of the STUDIO, architecture, exists in between these scales. We choose to be diverse in project types and scales. We believe the ideas, issues, and even construction techniques in these different project types inform each other resulting in work that is better designed and better built.

WHO WE ARE

Founded by Ben Awes, Christian Dean, and Bob Ganser in 2004, CITYDESKSTUDIO builds on a rapport that began in the graduate architecture program at the University of Minnesota. This affinity centers around a shared passion for design and was further developed during nearly eight years of collaborative work in the office of Julie Snow Architects where we gained significant professional and leadership experience as senior designers and project managers. Working together as principals of CITYDESKSTUDIO, we offer our clients the collaborative energy of a studio environment where every projects benefits from the varied expertise of all three partners.

HOW WE WORK

Working on a range of award winning residential, corporate, educational, and public works projects we have developed a capacity for efficient project delivery and responsive project management while maintaining a high level of creative excellence. We pride ourselves on close involvement with owners, engineers, specialized fabricators and contractors throughout the design and construction processes, helping to realize the greatest potential for all our projects.

WHERE WE ARE

Our studio, located in Minneapolis Minnesota, looks to contribute to the rich design tradition and exceptional quality of life prevalent in the Twin Cities Metropolitan area. A design community renowned for the likes of architect Ralph Rapson and the Walker Arts Center combined with a metropolitan area made up of vibrant communities, accessible cultural venues, active corporate and educational institutions, and a beautifully integrated park system provides exceptional context and inspiration for our work. We believe that good design work grows out of a dialogue with the power of its particular place.

RECOGNITION

AWARDS:

• 2007 Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Award - Day Block Building Adaptive Reuse
• 2006 MN AIA Honor Award - House Extension

RECOGNITION:

2007 AIA / Star Tribune Home of the Month selections:

• House Extension - Minneapolis, MN
• Roseville Residence - Roseville, MN
• Knife River Residence - Knife River, MN

PUBLICATIONS:

• Dwell Magazine - October 2007 - ‘Modern Across America’
• Minneapolis / Saint Paul Magazine - September 2007 - ‘Cabin Fever’
• Star Tribune - July 2007 - 'A Modern Extension'
• Star Tribune - May 17, 2007 - ‘A Retooled Day Block among Preservation Award winners’
• Architecture Minnesota - May / June 2007 - ‘Shaking Things Up”
• Minneapolis / St. Paul Magazine - February 2007 - Home Design Trends
• Architecture Minnesota - Nov. / Dec. 2006 - ‘Pipe Dream’
• Architecture Minnesota - Nov. / Dec. 2006 - ‘Thinking Outside the Box’
• Downtown Journal - July 2006 - ‘A Skyway Disconnected’
• Coastal Living - Nov. / Dec. 2005 - ‘Winter Haven’
• The Rake Magazine - August 2006 - ‘Who Needs the Brooklyn Bridge?’

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