Tono Architects

TONO Principal authors latest article for Fine Living Lancaster

While checking box scores and emails this weekend on my precious little handheld interactive device, I noted the simplistic elegance and ergonomic efficiency of Steven Jobs’ marvel of modern technology, the iPhone. Seamless in appearance, devoid of ornament and captivating to the touch and to the eye, Apple continues to spearhead the digital age with unparalleled proficiency for marrying the essence of pure form with unbridled functionality.

In similar fashion, the automotive industry continues to redefine itself offering near flawless interface between machine and operator with advancing technologies aimed to develop newer breeds of personal transportation. Streamlined, aerodynamic automobiles envelope drivers and passengers in an environment of comfort, safety and automation with voice-activated, heads-up, geosynchronous technologies all created to meld innate human characteristics with mechanized performance.

Within our consumer-driven, high-speed, ultra-savvy, hypersensitive western culture, we relentlessly pursue the latest sophistications of convenience, efficiency and comfort. From telecommunication to transportation, from multi-media devices to nutritional supplements, from writing implements to musical instruments, we seem to crave the modern. Our lives have become an “Ode to Mod”.

So why do we continue to propagate cliché building styles of bygone eras? How come new cul-du-sac communities still reflect nineteenth century, pre-industrialized architectural ingredients more relevant in 1911 than 2011? And most specifically, why do we maintain an apparent paradoxical view of our need for advancing the modern in every aspect of our life with the exception of our homes?

In outward appearance and internal configuration, most homes, whether single-family detached in nature or part of a townhouse or apartment conglomerate, maintain deference to a smattering of historical references. Punctuated with Palladian fenestration, trimmed in plastic ornament, adorned in vinyl relief and festooned with a myriad of complex roof geometries, we appear to pay no heed to our admiration for functionality, performance and efficiency.

Browse the shelves of your local Barnes and Noble and you are bound to find countless magazines dedicated to the proliferation of “classic home styles” with overly-compartmentalized and outmoded planning configurations, and facades bearing a hodgepodge of replicated, yet disjointed historical references. Neither historic nor classical, the building construction practices necessary to create these artificial edifices is both abhorrently wasteful and environmentally irresponsible.

Driven more by nostalgia than erstwhile compassion for all things historic, we appear to default to “what has been done before”, than seeking creative inspiration and the application of newer, more ecologically responsible practices. Off-the-shelf consumerism has replaced genuine thoughtfulness and careful stewardship of land, physical resources, and the human experience.

The best examples of three centuries-old architecture from the early Colonial period to the late Victorian still exist in Lancaster city and the surrounding boroughs of the county. Opportunities to own or restore these gems abound and although the economic realities of maintenance are challenging, the long-term appreciable value exists and their cultural significance is irreplaceable.

Moreover, new and innovative home construction has a place alongside our historic past and throughout the developing landscape when carefully designed with the human experience and natural environment forefront in our mind.

By employing the same inspired logic we embrace to advance other aspects of our lives, our homes, neighborhoods and communities will benefit from the same pursuit of functional purity and efficient resource management. Only then will the mainstream residential architecture of the 21^st Century speak to the ideologically modern soul of our generation.

Fine Living Lancaster features Home by TONO

This month’s issue of Fine Living Lancaster magazine features the home of Jennifer Frey and Joe Wirbick in an article entitled “The House Patience Built” (page 134 of 164 online).  Jennifer and Joe speak candidly about the process of creating an ecologically sound residence on their 14 acre farm near Mount Joy, Pennsylvania and their relationship with TONO Architects.

Pick up a copy today at your favorite bookstore or go online to finelivinglancaster.com for more information.

Regional publication features TONO milestone anniversary

Celebrating 10 successful years serving the mid-Atlantic region, TONO Architects was recently featured in the 2011 Milestones publication by the Central Pennsylvania Business Journal

D. Hunter Johnson founded TONO Architects, LLC on an apparent contradiction. He believes that Architecture (with a capital “A”) is autonomous — the firm’s name stems from the word — but at the same time requires teamwork. “Each project is unique to a particular context, be it site, geography, owner, use, budget, whatever,” Johnson said. “However, due to the overwhelming complexity of the design, planning and construction processes, creating Architecture requires intense collaboration by a qualified and conscientious team.” To that end, when founding his company in 2001, Johnson deliberately set out to create a small firm of like-minded individuals who would strive to build both meaningful places and healthy relationships with everyone involved in the creative process. He chose Lancaster as a location because of its proximity to family and several big cities, the latter providing opportunities to “work more broadly.”

Johnson’s vision has matured and expanded more than he could have anticipated. TONO works with clients across the mid-Atlantic region, including businesses, schools, churches and private residences. The firm’s seven associates emphasize communication while providing services that range from architectural design to master planning, interior design, construction practices, property development and client resource management.

“If we have a niche, I would say it is our affinity for not having one,” said Johnson. “For the purposes of both self-preservation and the desire to remain creatively motivated, we decided early on to remain unfettered by any particular ‘market.’ Rather, we gravitated toward a mindset of embracing each new design challenge as an opportunity to exceed client expectations, bring more life into an otherwise undervalued property or enhance the quality of space we have been given. And frankly, it’s more interesting to work broadly in both scale and type than repetitively in either.”

That being said, the TONO mission is abundantly clear. “We desire most to improve rather than to adversely impact our surroundings,” he explained. “From lifecycle analysis to indoor air quality, the parameters of high-quality, well-planned, conscientious and ‘green’ design are many and each project opportunity has varied priorities, but we attempt on each occasion to reach a higher standard. Human welfare and the long-term environmental impacts of these decisions shape our motivation each time we begin to design.”

TONO celebrates its first 10 years

Begun as a two-man shop in a basement in Brownstown, Pennsylvania, the creative design firm of TONO Architects celebrated its tenth anniversary on 01-01-11 growing to seven members in its current location in downtown Lancaster. Originally focused on developing unique design solutions for small private institutions throughout Central Pennsylvania, the practice now embraces a broader strategy to improve the built environment and create meaningful places throughout the mid-Atlantic region.

Touching all spheres of architecture including master planning, interior design, furnishings craft and construction management, TONO has built a reputation for design innovation, environmentally responsible planning, and long-term relationship-oriented project management. Serving the broadest variety of the construction marketplace, in recent years TONO has completed healthcare, retirement, higher education, ecclesiastical, retail, commercial, hospitality, multi-family residential, and cultural facilities in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey and Delaware.

Entering 2011, the creative and technical staff presently leads no fewer than twenty commissions including corporate headquarters, private homes, recreation centers, physicians’ offices, and other commercial and institutional projects.

For its second decade, the firm aspires to venture further into the practice of place-making ultimately touching all aspects of the design, construction and delivery processes. 

TONO honored at recent AIA events in Harrisburg

On November 8^th, the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Institute of Architects honored TONO Architects with several distinctions at both its annual Conference & Exposition event and the Excellence In Design Awards ceremony later that evening.

Speaking on the forthcoming Tenth Anniversary of the firm’s inception, D. Hunter Johnson, AIA, NCARB, Principal Architect and founder of TONO, presented design highlights from throughout the practice’s first decade to an audience of architects, engineers, designers and tradespersons from across the region.

Entitled “10 @ 10”, Mr. Johnson exhibited a diverse cross-section of architectural design efforts showcasing the breadth of work completed by the progressive studio based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. With work ranging from furniture to large-scale institutional master planning, TONO’s top ten included award-winning designs for a restaurant, high rise hotel, and college academic center.

Later that night, TONO received the Merit Award of Design Excellence for its conception of the Aloft Hotel and Mixed-Use High Rise complex proposed near the Pennsylvania State Capitol in downtown Harrisburg. The new structure being developed for WCI Partners features ground floor retail establishments including a corner restaurant, 11 stories of hotel occupancy and a private penthouse level.

With its entire staff present at the day’s events, the firm precipitately celebrated its upcoming milestone anniversary humbled by the opportunity to share its work and achievements with its peers and associates from Central Pennsylvania. In 2011, TONO Architects will mark ten years with additional exhibits and events.

Take a look at page 84 of the latest edition  of Fine Living Lancaster-Issue 15 or here for the digital version for the latest project completed by TONO Architects.  Garber Metrology officially opened their new headquarters on July 9, 2010.

Take a look at the 2010 Edition of the Central Penn Business Journal’s Bussiness Profiles.  TONO Architects is featured on page 48 with a company spotlight showcasing TONO’s recently completed project, Garber Metrology,  and the members of Team TONO.

To see the online digital version, click on the CP Business Journal logo above or follow the link:  http://www.centralpennbusiness.com/supplements , click on the Business Prolfiles thumbnail, and head to page 48.

On Friday, July 9, 2010 in Lititz, Pennsylvania the official ribbon cutting ceremony and open house was held for the recently completed Garber Metrology. In attendance for TONO Architects were members of the design team which worked on this project; Fran Bridge and Sharlee Van Tine, along with their families.

Remarks were made by State Senator Lloyd Smucker, Lancaster Chamber of Commerce & Industry President Tom Baldridge, and Big Brother Big Sisters Executive Director Liz Conway with final remarks by President and CEO of Garber Metrology Jay Garber. Also in attendance were State Representative John Bear, as well as Garber Metrology employees, Big Brothers Big Sisters employees and volunteers, friends, family and many others.

Completed in May of 2010, this innovative design project includes over 50,000 sf of multi-use space. Housing both Garber Metrology and Big Brothers Big Sisters, the building also has 180 units of conditioned self-storage incorporated into the three story structure.

For more information on this project and others, visit ARCHITECTURE on this website.

In Carlisle, Pennsylvania yesterday the official ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the recently completed  PA Army National Guard Carlisle Readiness Center and Field Maintenance Shop. The project is home to the HHB 1/108th Field Artillery. In attendance for TONO Architects were a few members of the design team which worked on the project; Hunter Johnson, AIA, Fran Bridge and Angelique J. Miller, NCIDQ.

The attendees were welcomed by Capt. Frank Ceprish, HSD Commander, 1/108th Field Artillery and given a brief overview of the projects design. Following Capt Ceprish,  remarks by Brig. Gen Jerry Beck, Jr, Assistant Adjutant General – PA Army National Guard were made to the gallery. Participants of the the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony included several members of the brigade, Steve Diller, Lobar Associates, Inc. and the Mayor of Carlisle, Kirk R. Wilson.

The project  includes a new 37,000 sf Readiness Center and a 25,000 sf  Field Maintenance Shop on the 5.5 acre site. It replaces the existing Carlisle Armory and stable built in 1930 and the organizational maintenance shop built in 1949.

Check back again soon for additional projects from TONO Architects which will be opening in 2010.

For those that haven’t seen our most recent Ad, check it out in the 25th Anniversary Issue of Central Penn Business Journal. Click the link below to view the online version of the publication. When viewing the online version, the Ad can be found on pgs 92 to 96.

25th Anniversary Issue