Logan Development Group has plans to showcase its ‘architect as contractor’ approach across the globe
Logan Development Group, along with its sister company Logan Design Group, has been providing turn-key solutions for custom home building in the Metro Atlanta area for the last ten years. Operating from a central philosophy that architecture is an art form that reflects the needs of society and can uplift the lives not only of residents but also entire communities, the business generates work based on the principles of form, function, proportion, and distinction. Working with clients to research and review the user, group, and community the home will serve, Logan Development Group not only ensures that the needs of the client are met but also softens the environmental impact of the design on the neighborhoods and cities it resides within.
We sat down with Dietrich Logan, one half of the founding husband and wife team, who shared more details about the cumulative successes of the company’s first
decade: “By trade, I’m a registered architect in around 15 states, so through Logan Design Group we do a significant amount of architectural and design work. We then execute on these designs with the Logan Development Group. We initially gained a reputation for our luxury designs and constructions focusing on multi-million-dollar properties. Over the last year or so we have begun diversifying into other markets including senior living, student accommodation, and affordable worker accommodation.”
Elevated functionality
Reflecting on the background in luxury builds, Dietrich then takes a moment to elaborate on the elements that make a custom build a true home, elevating the dwelling from an ordinary house: “By and large, people tend to live in very similar ways; in the luxury setting some of these practices are accentuated and highlighted. Entertaining might be more of a focus, for example, or you may also need to make accommodations for an au pair or assisted living facilities. This can also include various other amenities such as a pool or pool house. So, on one side you have elements of functionality that are elevated and enhanced, and then on the other side you also have the materiality of the building, which utilizes some of the finest materials from around the world to delineate and define spaces inside the home. These materials can range from masonry to steel and increasingly to windows and glazing. Natural light is a significant feature that separates luxury markets from common markets.”
Motivated by purpose
With a product as personal as a home, processes are rarely identical; individual tastes and choices shape the unique pathway that emerges. Dietrich goes on to highlight some of the differences as well as commonalities within its design and construction processes: “For us, it usually begins with the client already having a piece of property. Occasionally we have clients come to us before they have secured a property and so can assist from the very beginning, but around 80 percent of the time we work with them to design a home that meets their needs and desires and fits into their property in the most harmonious way. We also handle all of the permitting that can be required. Being an architect, as we move into the construction phase it is easy for me to make any adjustments and detail alterations that the client needs.
“The niche that we have created for ourselves, the architect as contractor model, provides clients with a different level of quality and service than more typical building services. Another key element that differentiates our processes is the fact that we are not primarily profit driven; instead, we are much more motivated by purpose. We want to create an incredible portfolio of livable structures that are going to last. Our clients benefit greatly from that approach.”
In the ten years of Logan Development Group’s operations, technology and culture have transformed the way people think about their homes. Dietrich ruminates on the evolution of different trends throughout his career: “In terms of smart-home features it tends to vary from person to person; even in the multi-million-dollar bracket some people still prefer the tactility of a manual light switch.
“Sustainability, though, is now at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Building very large homes, it can be difficult to be sustainable in a measured way that reduces the carbon footprint. Now there are more ways than ever to improve sustainability across the project, from functional solutions like low-flow toilets or energy-efficient appliances and lighting to more sustainable materials.”
Looking to the future, Dietrich then outlines the company’s goals moving forward: “Our ambitions are two-fold; firstly, we want to continue to expand our luxury custom-home offerings domestically. Secondly, as we grow our presence in community projects including senior living, as well as student and worker accommodations, we want to expand internationally and serve communities across the globe. Housing is an issue that requires resolutions in regions throughout the world; with our expertise in both design and construction, we want to be able to extend our hand and offer these solutions. As a family business we are also looking forward to our children taking on more active roles within the business. Two of our children are already studying city planning and construction law to further these goals, which is very exciting.”