Hub & Weber Architects celebrated its move to Covington Station with an open house in late October. The information below is provided by the firm as it continues its commitment to Covington.
President Gene Weber felt the time was right to make the move. “Our workload has been growing and we really feel like things are starting to turn around.” The firm had started looking for a new space several years ago, but with the uncertainty in the economy, was hesitant to make a commitment to a long term lease or construction loan. The firm weathered the economic storm largely due to strong client relationships built over the decades the firm has been in business. With a growing project list, he re-committed to finding a new space earlier this year.
Hub + Weber architect Jim Guthrie commented, “With all the publicity about green building techniques, people often overlook the greenest of all – the re-use of existing structures. In Covington Station we’ve found a unique space that meets our unique needs. The space is better suited to the working relationships of an architectural studio, facilitating communication amongst the small, close knit staff. The architecture and design of a space is so critical to one’s emotional health. It’s cliché, but I just feel great coming to work.”
It also affirms Hub + Weber’s commitment to Covington, where they have maintained their offices since 1973. Gene Weber adds, “We couldn’t leave Covington, it’s part of our identity. We couldn’t really envision being anywhere else. The firm actually started in a building a few blocks away on Pike Street, so this is a bit of a homecoming for us.”
Barry Coates, who has been with Hub + Weber since it’s second year remarks, “Covington is absolutely the place we want to be, and we’re thrilled to have found such a cool space for the next 30 years (or more).”
The move to the new space has opened up possibilities for the firm to actively participate in Covington’s arts corridor, including being a host site for gallery hops. Several of the firm’s architects are also artists in their own right, producing work for the space and showing in area galleries. The open lobby space of the train station and outdoor areas are ideal for hosting large scale art installations and for hosting receptions. Gene Weber is excited about being a part of the renaissance of downtown Covington and the energy and vitality of Pike Street. The new space will allow the firm to become more engaged with other creatives in the area.
The move to the new space also allowed Hub + Weber to flex their design/build muscle. All of the staff have been involved in their own home renovation projects, some extensive. For the new space, the staff teamed up with Yunker Design in fabricating formed black concrete work station tops and a custom glass fiber reinforced white concrete reception desk and layout space.
Hub + Weber Architects, PLC is a relatively small group of design professionals still located in the heart of Covington. We draw upon our diverse experience in over 3,000 projects completed since its establishment in 1973. The extent and diversity of this experience, and careful attention to our client’s needs, allows us to craft unique solutions for all our clients.
PHOTO: Covington Station/RCN file
