Atelier & Co.

Atelier & Co. takes its name from the old French word for an artist’s or craftsman’s studio. We practice architectural design as a fine art in the traditional way and we collaborate on our projects with other architects, artists, and craftsmen—hence the ‘& Co.’ in our name. Our work is always inspired by the great architecture and design of the past and is rooted in the idea that beauty and comfort should always coincide in a good design.


We work closely with clients and draw every aspect of our projects by hand—from initial sketches and renderings to fully developed design drawings. While we employ digital techniques in our work they are always secondary to our hand drawing. We see the computer as a useful but limited tool in the designer’s repertoire.


Our design sensibilities are eclectic in the best sense of the word—wide-ranging but discriminating. We take our inspiration from the best of what our broad knowledge of architectural and design history and culture makes available to us. Ultimately we draw all of our inspirations from our clients’ dreams and demands, and we leave each project with the belief that we have served our clients best by letting them move into the buildings they have dreamt about.

Richard Cameron

Richard is the taste maker and founder of Atelier. His wealth of architectural knowledge and history is unparalleled. He co-founded the Institute of Classical Architecture in 1992 (now the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art) and is the founder and current Director of its Beaux-Arts Atelier. Richard was awarded first prize in the Royal Oak Foundation's Annual Architecture Competition in 1993 and his work has appeared in numerous publications from Architectural Digest, House and Garden, and The New York Times, to the forthcoming book The Art of Classical Details. Richard has a Bachelors Degree in Architecture from the University of Toronto and a Masters of Architecture from Princeton. 1993 and his work has appeared in numerous publications from Architectural Digest, House and Garden, and The New York Times, to the forthcoming book The Art of Classical Details. Richard has a Bachelors Degree in Architecture from the University of Toronto and a Masters of Architecture from Princeton.

Q: What is a structure that most inspires you?

A: The Laurentian Library in Florence by Michaelangelo, 1523-1571.  It's the most profoundly architectural work of architecture I've ever encountered. It simply is architecture about architecture.

Q: Who is the architect that most inspires you?

A: Ictinus, one of the architects of the Parthenon. He designed perhaps the most significant temple from the high-classical period, and one which has the first example of the Corinthian Order. Additionally, the Parthenon was discovered by one of my other heroes of architecture, Charles Robert Cockerell in the early 19th century.

Q: Can you explain your process?

A: It always begins with drawing, and then there is more drawing. And dreaming. We aim to capture the dreams of our clients, that's always the goal.

Jason Grimes

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Jason is Atelier's creative engine. He spearheads and oversees the design output of the studio from big picture concept sketches to detailing of intricately cut marble to the office stationary.  He has a passion for bringing paintings to life and delivering design-led innovation of the highest caliber. His projects have run the gamut of five-story penthouses in New York, a 125-acre country estate, vacation homes on a practically deserted Caribbean Island -his experience by the age of 30 puts him well beyond most.  His work has now twice appeared in Architectural Digest as well as other publications, a colleague's monograph and commercial client's promotional material.  He is a member of the Interior Design Society and a mentor for the IIDA.  Jason received a Bachelors of Architecture from the University of Miami. and a vacation home on an almost deserted island in  the Caribbean . His work has appeared in many publications inculding Architectural Digest. He is a member of the Interior Design Society and a mentor for the IIDA.  Jason received a Bachelors Degree in Architecture from the University of Miami.


Q: What is a structure that most inspires you?
A: The John Ferraro Building (formerly the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Building) by AC Martin Partners, built in 1964. It commands just as much attention as a Greek temple but was built in in the 60’s from simple reinforced concrete slabs. The drama of its nighttime lighting and the surrounding water features don't hurt either.


Q: Who is the architect that most inspires you?
A: Filippo Juvarra (1678-1736) from Sicily. I have a soft spot for Baroque, especially when it's both constrained and pushed to its absolute limit. Juvarra's creation of space and his twisting of ornament still blows my mind.


Q: Can you explain your process?
A: I like to work primarily in watercolor to express my designs. I think the feeling and unintended emotion that can come out of the brush gives you a deeper connection and understanding of your intentions. It's fast too, which really helps my unrelenting pace and schedule.