WHAT

ACCIPITER is a non-traditional architectural services and a development firm.

The name refers to a class of hawks. Dictionary definition here.

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TEAM​

ACCIPITER, founded by Ben Mengden, is currently a malleable, project specific team. Key relationships are being developed with Landscape Architects, Land Restoration Experts, Engineers, Interior Designers, Planners, Scientists, Contractors, and other designers / architects. Ben's bio is here.

 

GOALS

1) Envision and implement nature focused architecture in order to make as much a difference with each project in people's lives and in the world we live in

2) Be honest, kind, creative, innovative, and profitable

3) See and listen and explore and create and enjoy and be kind and laugh and get outdoors and build cool things

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FOCUSES

ACCIPITER actively seeks design and implementation of:

• ADOBE + CEB + RAMMED + GEOPOLYMER

• MASS TIMBER

• GREEN ROOFS

• UNDERGROUND + BERMED

• OUTDOOR SPACES

• NATURAL POOLS

• RESILIENT + PREPARED

• COMPACT + MOBILE SPACES

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LOCATION

ACCIPITER is based in the USA near San Antonio Texas. Projects are mostly located in Texas with some unbuilt designs in Colorado and New Mexico. Ben has, with previous opportunities at other firms, had projects in Texas, Louisiana, Montana, the Middle East, Canada, 

ACCIPITER partners with design professionals beyond our direct geographies. We foster relationships in other states and countries. Reach out to me if you have projects in your area that require collaboration.

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PROCESS

ACCIPITER collaborates with project local architects, designers, and builders to realize opportunities that originate from both clients and internal to the firm. The idea of the design team must remain fluid so that we can include the ideal individuals at the ideal moments. Design Build + Integrated Project Delivery are both a primary pathway to success. The closer we get to being integrated, the closer we get to being wildly successful. 

Some additional processes that we look to utilize when appropriate:

• PREFAB + MODULAR

• FABRICATION

• COLLABORATION

• LANDSCAPE DESIGN

• SITE ANALYSIS

• PROBLEM SEEKING PROCESS

• DESIGN BUILD

• INTEGRATED DESIGN PROCESS

• GEO-DESIGN

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SERVICES

ACCIPITER has a broad set of services but the primary and most common services we offer are:

• Residential Architectural Services from Consultation to Concept Design to Design. Permitting, Documentation  and Contract Administration Services

• Commercial Architectural Services with a full range of services

• Planning, Landscape Architecture, and Interior Design/Architecture are services offered by established connections with individuals and teams in each of those categories

• Development Collaborations are a pillar of ACCIPITER

• Architectural Support Services to other design teams 

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WHERE

The teams currently are custom created for custom projects - collaborations.    This is possible given today's technology and our social economy.  ACCIPITER expands + contracts with each project.  Teams are partnerships + friendships. People are the entirety of our process at ACCIPITER. We foster these relationship continually and consider this part of our 

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PRINCIPLES

ACCIPITER is driven by values. We utilize taglines to highlight what we are aiming at. Here are a few:

• BRINGING THE OCCUPANTS COMFORTABLY OUTDOORS AND THE OUTDOORS IN

• BALANCING SHELTER FROM THE ELEMENTS WITH EXPOSURE TO NATURE

• THOUGHTFUL ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TO LIVE WITH, NOT AGAINST, NATURE

• COMFORTABLE NATURAL SPACES. ADVANCED NATURAL SYSTEMS. EFFECTIVE NATURAL MATERIALS.

• WITH OUR LIVES SPENT 90% INDOORS, LET US HELP YOU REGAIN A MORE NATURAL LIFESTYLE

• WHEN LUXURY MEANS CONNECTING WITH NATURE

• TO SOME, LUXURY LIVING IS BEING OUTDOORS

• NATURE CAN BE BOTH A FRIEND AND AN ADVERSARY

• IT IS POSSIBLE TO BE COMFORTABLE AND OUTDOORS

• BUILD WITH THE EARTH LIVE WITH THE EARTH

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COST

Although it is impossible to estimate service or project cost without understanding the requested service or scope of the project, it is helpful to hear some cost parameters of ACCIPITER. We recommend, for those completely new to working with an architect, an internet search "how much does an architect cost". See an image of the results we got here. Link to start the conversation about your project is here.

• ACCIPITER typically comes in around the mid-range for services

• Project cost is greatly influenced by geography and current events

• ACCIPITER typically focuses on Residential design work over the $500K construction cost and Commercial work over $1M marks. However, we are happy to discuss your project and can possibly refer you to another professional. 

• ACCIPITER will, with limited scope and duration, consult on an hourly basis. These rates fluctuate but are typically around $250/hr.

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PROJECTS

ACCIPITER has worked on both residential and commercial projects. Those projects and some concept ideas can be found in the Buildings section of the site.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Additionally, Ben has worked on these projects during his career: 

• COMMUNITY CENTERS

• TOWN HALL

• FIRE STATION

• CORPORATE CAMPUS

• OFFICE BUILDINGS

• INDUSTRIAL + MANUFACTURING 

• SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCES 

• SINGLE FAMILY RANCH / COMPOUND / CAMPUS

• CABINS

• MULTI FAMILY RESIDENCES

• HOTELS 

• RETAIL

• RESTAURANTS + BARS

• PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDINGS + JUDICIAL FACILITIES

• SWIMMING FACILITIES

• CAMPS + CABINS

• RELIGIOUS BUILDINGS

• MEMORIALS

• VISITOR / EDUCATION CENTERS

• SUBDIVISIONS

• UNIVERSITY CAMPUS PLANS

• BOATHOUSES / ROWING FACILITIES

• PARKS

• GYM​

• PERFORMANCE HALL

• EVENT CENTERS

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COLLABORATIONS

Collaboration is at the heart of what ACCIPITER is about. Buildings are complex. Projects require a team. More details of our collaborations are found here.