DESIGN APPROACH
I spend a lot of time and energy on details and the way a project fits the site. I approach
each
commission by gathering the requirements from the client and studying the site. Projects
are
designed without a preconceived architectural style, thereby letting the form follow the
function.
The natural use of materials and the way they are put together are very important;
prominent in
my designs are materials such as stone, wood, copper, plaster, slate, and granite, and such
elements
as tall ceilings, large windows, and interesting juxtapositions of spaces. As a student of
architectural
history, I would have to pay homage to the Renaissance masters and Palladio, H.H.
Richardson,
William Morris, Marcel Breuer, Frank Lloyd Wright and Walter Gropius.
OFFICE INFORMATION
Our office consists of four architects and a secretary. Every year we start three to five
residential
projects, depending on size and complexity. I personally design and oversee each
residence.
One or two architects on my staff assist with construction details and coordination, but I
make all
design decisions and visit the site. We generally charge a percentage of the construction
cost
plus reimbursable expenses, which include travel and outside consultants. Occasionally we
work
on an hourly basis.
INTERIORS
I prefer to work closely with a professional interior designer selected by the client.
BACKGROUND
Michael Mahaffey received his bachelor of architecture degree from the University of
Oklahoma.
His initial architectural apprenticeship was in Denver, and he began his own office in
Oklahoma
City in 1966. Mahaffey has designed residences in in a variety of settings, such as New
York, the
desert Southwest, the Rocky Mountains, the Pacific Coast, and Oklahoma. He has
received a
number of honors, including an Appreciation Award from the Comanche tribe of
Oklahoma
for design services.
