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R O L L I N G U P T H E I R S L E E V E S While the two embrace the feel-good vibes from working in their hometowns, they are no-nonsense architects who take their roles in designing exactly what clients want and need seriously. They put MODE on the map with the Ocean Club in Seaside and learned the valuable lesson of patience along the way. They said that the project was such a large one they felt as if they'd struck gold and started anticipating how the project would come together in two years and really give them a name. They quickly learned that development takes time and being able to go with the ebb and flow is critical to the success of the work and to their own well-being. "We learned we have to prepare that we'll have other projects going on at the same time. All our attention can't go into one pot. We can't push aside the smaller work because that's what keeps the company operational and moving," Condatore said. Six years later, Seaside opened, and now is one of their favorite places to meet up with friends. Understanding their clients is something both architects said is critical to getting a project right. "We can design what we want in a bubble, but instead we extrapolate the client's wish list. We meet their goals while maintaining the architecture of the area," Condatore said. Hanrahan followed that thought saying that when they meet with clients, they show them photos of rooms they think they'll love and ones they don't because that process engages the client in the design and pulls out what specifics they really have in mind. After a walk- through of the space, they sketch an idea right on-site and tweak it with the client's input. That sketch is taken back to the office where they create 3D images for a more complete review of the plan. The team at MODE participates in every step from design to hiring a contractor to final construction so as things come up in the field, they can observe and make changes to the plan as it evolves. Photo Credit: Motion City Media V U E N J .C O M 69

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