10 Questions With… BoND’s Noam Dvir and Daniel Rauchwerger

Architects Noam Dvir and Daniel Rauchwerger, founders of the New York-based firm BoND (Bureau of Noam and Daniel), share insights into their design philosophy, creative process, and the unique challenges and inspirations behind their projects. Having met in 2010 at the Venice architecture biennial and later forming BoND in 2015, the duo has become known for their nuanced approach to physicality and use in design, particularly in New York City and Fire Island. The discussion highlights the specific considerations for working on Fire Island, a narrow stretch of land susceptible to environmental factors like climate change and sea-level rise. Dvir and Rauchwerger explain how these environmental realities, combined with the island's rich Modernist architectural legacy, necessitate innovative design solutions. They detail how new ground-up constructions must be elevated significantly, prompting questions about the aesthetics of the house's base when typically seen nestled within dunes. The architects also touch upon the increasing sophistication of buildings and the challenge of incorporating technology without making it part of the problem. Material choices are also evolving; for instance, the rising cost of traditional cedar has led them to explore alternative wood materials, such as a silvery-toned wood from Texas that offers easier assembly and application. BoND's approach to renovating existing Modernist homes on Fire Island involves viewing the house as a cohesive whole rather than focusing on isolated areas. They aim to unify design elements, such as extending cedar siding where it wasn't originally present, and infuse utilitarian spaces like bathrooms with humor and sexiness. Custom furniture design plays a crucial role in re-imagining social conditions within these homes, creating spaces for various interactions, from pre-dinner gatherings to intimate conversations on a rainy night. The architects emphasize the intentional orchestration of social situations in their designs, creating platforms for living and socializing that encourage interaction and engagement. They strive for openness and connectivity between spaces, maximizing the dramatic interplay with the surrounding landscape. Their client relationships are deeply integrated, often stemming from personal connections and shared communities. Many clients are younger, having acquired homes post-Covid, and have specific priorities, such as cooking, which BoND meticulously addresses in their designs for these often smaller spaces. The firm's background in architecture journalism significantly influences their project approach, with a strong emphasis on narrative and storytelling. Each project is seen as an opportunity to create a unique story or fantasy that captures the imagination of their community. BoND does not differentiate significantly between commercial and residential projects, applying a consistent "style of thinking" that seeks unique elements within each program. They find excitement in New York City lofts, particularly in understanding and integrating the existing character of a space into new designs, distilling its core attractive qualities. Art serves as a major driver in BoND's work, viewed as a reflection of cultural attitudes and a source of aesthetic inspiration for color palettes and contextual contrasts. They often select art for their projects, maintaining relationships with artists to stay attuned to cultural trends. While they consider architecture a beautiful craft rather than an art form, they acknowledge art's role as an emotional and personal component of a home. Dvir and Rauchwerger also share insights into their partnership, highlighting their complementary strengths and the collaborative nature of their work, with Noam as the managing partner and Daniel as the creative director, though both are deeply involved in all project phases. Finally, they discuss the concept of "sexiness" in architecture, defining it as a cultural construct and an integral part of their clients' desire topology. This manifests in design decisions, such as the placement of an outdoor shower or views within a house, aiming to create a sense of "flirty intrigue" that makes people look and feel great in their spaces. #BoNDArchitects #NoamDvir #DanielRauchwerger #FireIslandDesign #ModernistArchitecture #SustainableDesign #InteriorDesign #CustomFurniture #ArchitecturalJournalism #BoNDArchitects #NoamDvir #DanielRauchwerger #FireIslandDesign #ModernistArchitecture #SustainableDesign #InteriorDesign #CustomFurniture #ArchitecturalJournalism