Process

I believe in a design process rooted in empathy.

I’ve found that close observation, careful listening and open dialog has the power to produce the most meaningful architecture.

Diagram contrasting elitist imposition versus service model, emphasizing principles: translation and interpretation in a group setting, with icons of people, a light bulb, and a gavel, highlighting a nurturing, idea-driven process based on mutual respect and trust.

With little interest in the imposition of preconceived ideas of form or style, my open-minded and inclusive process is rooted in research and an in-depth analysis of the unique conditions of each project and place.

A collage of photos from a community event called Turner Station Tour and Henrietta Lacks Symposium, showing groups of people engaging in outdoor and indoor activities, with some historical street signs, and a conference room with a panel discussion.

I am initially most concerned with a deeper understanding of what a building needs to BE— how it should perform and what contribution the building might make to a community— rather than how it should look.

Collage featuring a hand-drawn diagram by Robert Thomas with texts about community and ethics, two photographs of people engaged in discussions or listening at meetings, and scientific visualizations of particle movements or structures.

For me, architecture is not a vehicle for personal expression or invention, but rather an opportunity to uncover, translate and interpret ideas of culture. Beauty or compelling ‘form’ is never the immediate goal, but I’ve found always emerges as the result of an authentic process rooted in specificity and empathy…

…..Form follows not necessarily ‘Function’ , but rather ‘Ideas’ at the intersection of people and place.

Architectural concept models of the MLK libraRY IN Cleveland, Ohio.
Three women and one man looking at an architectural model of a building on display, with poster boards in the background.
Robert Thomas architect presenting the early design concepts for the Durham Main Library in North Carolina.
Robert Thomas, lead designer of the Durham Main Library in Durham North Carolina
Collage of the Durham Main Library by Robert Thomas, design principal of Vines Architecture.