Process
People Define Our Path
For us, process is as much about people as it is the standard phases of design.
Because while there’s a general progression from visioning to construction, it’s the impact our team makes along the way that ultimately informs the nature of the experience and the success of the final design. That’s why we build strong, inspired connections between our team, our clients, and end users.
In theory, spaces and structures will long outlast the collaboration between firms and their clients. But at Corgan, 98% of our business comes from repeat customers. We bring a partnership mindset to every project, because even for clients who are working with us for the first time, we understand they’re committing to more than a scope of work: they’re committing to working with us as people. And it’s often for one of the biggest, most exciting projects they’ve been responsible for. That demands dedication, expert guidance, and the kind of creative chemistry that ensures they’re successful — both on opening day, and in the future.
While the broad strokes of architectural design might be common across the industry, it’s in the fluid, interconnected, and often circular aspects of each phase where our team is different.
The Shop
We bring clients behind the scenes to collaborate hands-on and navigate decisions. To support this process, Corgan’s model and fabrication facility, The Shop, offers designers the opportunity to create scaled models, life-sized mock-ups, and even full-scale installations to support every stage of the design process. Unlike the typical approach of outsourcing model production, Corgan’s in-house shop operates as a dynamic, integral part of its design studios, supporting a firm-wide culture of creation that emphasizes collaboration and innovation. The Shop features state-of-the-art tools that range from traditional to cutting-edge, including laser cutters, advanced 3D printers, and professional woodworking equipment to help bring our clients’ projects to life.
We filter ideas through the technical bedrock of materiality, codes, costs, and timelines. We uncover opportunities and push boundaries through experimental research, emerging technologies, and data that has the ironic but unquestionable power to make places more human. And above all, we ask hard, inconvenient questions of our work at every turn. Because that’s the kind of firm our clients and our projects deserve.
Materials Library
Corgan’s Materials Library is a central hub for creativity and design exploration, giving teams hands-on access to thousands of finishes and materials. From flooring and textiles to glazing systems and metal panels, the collection makes it easy for designers to test ideas and align aesthetics with performance. The 1,575-square-foot space is designed for both inspiration and collaboration—featuring natural light, flexible layout tables, and technology that allows materials to be viewed in detail on large screens for in-person and virtual discussions. It’s a place where vision and practical application come together at the very start of each project.
Beyond its role as a design resource, the library reflects Corgan’s commitment to sustainability and education. Samples are continually updated to incorporate more responsible options, ensuring that specified materials meet rigorous environmental standards. The Materials Library is the starting point for every project— blending practicality with inspiration. It’s a creative playground where designers can confidently explore, experiment, and bring ideas to life.
