A+M believe that it is preferable to rethink and repurpose existing resources rather than to tap new ones. We investigate existing systems that are responsible for built form, rather than reinventing the wheel each time. A+M explores local vernacular conditions to discover how an efficient (and economical) reconfiguration of available materials, forms and methods, informed by the latest advances in technology, can result in an improved quality of life for communities and individuals. A+M has completed several projects to date that deal with this re-discovery of the vernacular.

Jason Austin is from rural Central Pennsylvania, where early on he developed an appreciation for prefabricated grain dries and silos. Aleksandr Mergold grew up in a metropolitan area in the former Soviet Union, where he venerated the first cans of Spam making it across the Iron Curtain. Classmates at Cornell Architecture, both later re-engaged the design field in the graduate schools – Jason studied landscape architecture at Penn Design, while Aleksandr was at Princeton University. Both have practiced with various international companies, until in 2007 they decided to take advantage of their drastically different experiences and general outlook on the world, and formed a practice, Austin + Mergold LLC, where they have been building, planting, musing, doodling, collaging, launching balloons and designing hats while working for various clients ranging from cultural institutions to commercial developers. Both re-engaged the academia as well – Jason at Penn Design and Temple, while Aleksandr has taught at Parsons and is now at Cornell.

Selected Awards & Honors

2010 - New York Architecture League Prize for Young Architects and Designers.
2009 - Intersections: The Grand Concourse Beyond 100
The Grand Resource / International Competition
The Design Trust for Public Space, Stage I winner, Stage II finalist
2009 - Andes Sprouts Society
Eco-Studio Design / Build Competition, Stage I & II winner, Stage III finalist
2009 - Artemide, Philadelphia, PA  2009
Floating Lightly, The New Storefront design competition, first place
2009 - PS1/MoMa Young Architects, nomination
2008-9 - Governors Island, NYC, City of Dreams Minigolf competition, Figment NYC
2008 - London Festival of Architecture
International Architectural Jelly competition, shortlist & exhibition