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Services

We are a small, regional practice located in the Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts. Our mission is to design well-crafted homes that are rooted-in, and embraced by, the rural & mountain landscape. The relationship between the building and nature is paramount for us. It is a privilege to work and build in this context, and we strive to create conscious dwellings that acknowledge their surroundings. Steep and challenging sites are becoming a bit of a specialty of ours.

We believe architectural design is a craft honed by the experience of making things. We bring the experience of hands-on building to the craft of design. Working with the techniques and trades of our region, we also challenge these conventions where appropriate. There is a balance here between the economies of convention and the need to awaken the senses. Natural materials and thoughtful details should be well integrated into your home.

A dwelling is like a notebook for part of our lives. It can have a profound effect on our well-being when that dwelling is in harmony with the soul. A well-crafted plan is essential in creating a fluid geometry for daily life. Rooms and spaces should be sized appropriately, providing interesting variations. There should be places for movement and repose. An efficient layout with good flow can often times be much more effective than larger conventional rooms. A home should fit like a favorite coat or a good pair of shoes.

 

Studio/Office Culture

Littlewolf Architecture is committed to the concept of 'kaizen', or the constant improvement of our craft. We look intently at the fundamental details of construction, striving to refine and find a 'rightness' for each. We integrate green strategies and building science practices in the natural course of design. This approach of constant refinement applies to our services as well. With each project we continue to develop our templates for project delivery, providing a range of services that can be tailored to specific client needs. We also foster relationships with associated professionals to provide services beyond our own scope of practice.

 

Background

Christopher Vlcek, AIA Principal
Practicing licensed Architect in Massachusetts since 2000.
Also licensed in Connecticut and New York State.
Living in the Berkshires since 1996, prior to that, Toronto, Canada.
Partner/Co-founder of
Small Building Company in Toronto 1990-1996.
Experienced carpenter, contractor, and cabinetmaker.
Hands-on experience & appreciation of workmanship and practical details.
Worked for various Architects in the Toronto, Vancouver, and Massachusetts 1981-1999.
Bachelor of Architecture, University of Waterloo, Ontario 1989.
Bachelor of Environmental Studies, 1986.