ARCHITEM Wolff Shapiro Kuskowski architectes was formed in 1986. Design quality in architecture and developing innovative solutions are the guiding principles of the firm. It has gained a reputation for successful and sensitive integration of new construction within existing built environments and has been recognized with publications and awards. Its philosophy is to extract clues from the existing built environment and to incorporate them into new designs to complement rather than compete with the surroundings. By this process, the team can respond to each problem individually, to create unique architectural solutions that combine traditional and contemporary vocabulary with new technology ARCHITEM has developed substantial experience in the design and construction of residential and institutional facilities over the last 33 years. The thread that ties these projects together is the shared values and strong sense of community they foster. It has achieved this through their design approach, which includes, above all, careful listening and a developed sensitivity to their client’s expressed needs and desires.