Tilda Publishing

MANTEL

MANTEL
man/(t)l

By literal definition; a beam, stone, or arch serving as a lintel to support the masonry above a fireplace. Symbolically, the mantel represents the dualism of structure and heart. It is a familiar place of the home where we draw attention and display our most sacred items- those chosen to reflect who we are as people.


Through an evolution in personality, observation, abstraction, and application comes our ability to design. The design is born in culture and context, that of a specific time and place. In a modern world relying heavily on imagery, we seek to preserve the integrity of place and experiential space. Nothing we create will match the beauty of what exists naturally- so our buildings focus on drawing attention to all those ethereal moments. We intend not simply to create, but to translate the world around us into thoughtful, efficient, and beautiful spaces.

We constantly question how we live and challenge what we need versus what we want. Complacency is our downfall. By custom tailoring solutions through a deep understanding of our clients we can form a home that responsibly provides spaces that facilitate the needs of our clients lives. Every design decision has subsequent set of implications- and we don't take that lightly.

A constant challenge and a primary driving force is how we connect the artistic vision with that of pragmatic problem solving. With a background blended of construction and design, our intention is to mitigate a communication lapse that exists across the construction world. We seek to alleviate the disconnect between creation and construction, designer and builder, and design in comprehension to beautifully create while reducing the waste of time, energy, and resources.

The context in which we design is of critical importance. Cultural and site specific observations drive the planning, aesthetics, performance, and materiality of our designs. Our work is a direct reflection of the land and environment in which we build. We look to create buildings that become a part of the landscape and live as symbiotically as possible with the existing fabric of which we build. We believe it is our duty to enhance, not compete with places in we which we choose to inhabit.
WHAT WE DO

Conceptual Design
3D Computer Modelling
Line Drawings and Site Plans
Graphics and Artwork
Photo Documentation
Video and photo rendering
Construction Documents
Permit Applications and Management
Interior Design
Project Management


Our focus is on developing strong personal relationships with clients and providing a comprehensive service from schematic design through the home's construction. Our process is that of investigation and experimentation. The building grows and changes and evolves all the way through its design and construction. The process starts with a series of early site and client meetings to establish the needs of the client and how that fits with what the site is offering. Then, a design is born and developed with sketches, computer modelling, and renderings developing into the construction drawings. It ends in frequent site visits and project management to make sure the building finalizes as intended.

In the San Juan Islands, Mantel has worked the last 3 years designing, establishing local industry connections and developing an understanding of local trades, climate, and materials. We're new but we're hungry. Our network is expanding as is our physical presence. We want to push the envelope to rational limits and create powerful, impactful, and responsible buildings to enhance the lives of our clients. Our goal is to provide the physical anchor between our clients and the land, by translating the needs of both into efficient and beautiful spaces. Mantel is based but not limited to Friday Harbor, WA; please do not hesitate to reach out.
MICHAEL BURCH
FOUNDER / LEAD DESIGN
After concluding his Masters degree in Architecture, he took the first conventional steps towards an architectural career. Conventional office life led to some personal and professional discoveries and he saw an opportunity to better understand building tectonics and construction. He decided to set out to learn buildings hands on. Over 5 years, he worked a variety of jobs in the construction field, learning trades on site from the foundation work into finishing. Since landing on San Juan Island, he fell in love with the natural beauty and community alike. He saw an opportunity to engage his passion for design in a community responsive to contextual design and clients with whom he feels personally connected. Side projects rolled into freelancing and then he formed Mantel Design Studio. His focus as a designer is to use buildings as a way to connect people back to their environments and use them as channels to challenge conceptions and inspire our lives.
MICHAEL BURCH
michael@manteldesignstudio.com
314 630 4245
Large or small, don't hesitate to reach out with any inquiries.
Friday Harbor, WA