June 2025
Greetings from Graphite Studio in these turbulent times.
I want to take a moment - before we reach out to connect again in building science, craft, and design thinking - to reaffirm our commitment as a firm to standing in solidarity with what is right, especially in times when the political climate can feel divisive and uncertain.
We are committed here to diversity, equity, and inclusion; to the rule of law and due process; to immigrants and immigration as engines of our country’s well-being and success; to fair wages and the right to organize, and to independent civil society protected from the those who would re-shape our organizations to fit a political agenda of fear, exclusion, and manipulation.
We are a committed feminist and anti-racist organization, and will not accept politics designed to elevate further the power of cis-gendered straight white men over others. As a society we do not accept the degradation of human rights (any humans) to serve the goals of a corporatist autocratic regime, which seeks power and wealth as a means of domination by the few at the expense of the many.
Our work as designers is grounded in integrity, respect, and a dedication to the communities we serve. We believe that true solidarity means listening to diverse voices, acting with honesty, and uplifting those around us—values that transcend politics and speak to our shared humanity. In all our projects and interactions, we strive to embody these principles, ensuring that our actions reflect justice, reliability, humor, joy, and a spirit of generosity.
At Graphite Studio, we remain steadfast in our mission to create spaces that foster connection, dignity, and hope for all. Thank you for your support and friendship. Right back at you.
Warmly,
Andrew and the Graphite Team
BuildingEnergy Bottom Lines Retreat 2025
Last week, Graphite Studio attended a BuildingEnergy Bottom Lines event—a truly energizing experience that brought together like-minded companies, designers, and builders united by a commitment to sustainability and business excellence. Bottom Lines is a unique NESEA business development program built on the peer coaching model, where members openly share the inner workings of their firms and help each other sharpen skills and improve their triple bottom line: People, Planet, and Prosperity 1. Gathering with such a generous and insightful group of peers was both inspiring and affirming, reminding us how much we gain from honest dialogue and mutual support. At Graphite Studio, we’re grateful to be part of this network and look forward to applying new ideas and fostering new connections as we continue to grow and serve our community.
Photoshoot at Dragon Den
We’re thrilled to share a behind-the-scenes glimpse of our recent collaboration with Jen from Dwelling Photography, who has once again brought her exceptional talent to capturing our work. Her keen eye for detail and artistry truly showcase the beauty and character of this unique home. We can’t wait to share the final images with you soon—stay tuned for a look at how Jen’s photography highlights the craftsmanship and vision that went into creating Dragon Den!
Project Progress: Phoenix Nest
Exciting developments continue at Phoenix Nest! With electrical and plumbing rough-ins now complete throughout the home, we’re preparing for the next major phase: plaster installation and interior finishes! This stage marks a significant milestone, as the spaces begin to take on their final form and the vision for Phoenix Nest truly comes to life. We’re grateful for the expertise and dedication of Mathes Hulme Builders and their dedicated tradesfolk, whose craftsmanship continues to shine at every step. Stay tuned as we move closer to unveiling the finished interiors—each new layer brings us one step closer to completion!