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MODE Architects is making a name for itself along the East Coast for being one of the leading architectural fi rms in New Jersey, specializing in coastal architecture. Clients have fl ocked to MODE Architects for their refreshing concept of what the shore means to them. e fi rm, based in Asbury Park, NJ, was founded in 2016 by Daniel Condatore, RA, and Jason Hanrahan. e two founders met while studying at Roger Williams School of Architecture in Rhode Island: Daniel came from a construction family with a passion for home equipment and installations, a passion he inherited with a fl are for creativity. Jason was raised by the Jersey beach throughout his childhood with an affi nity for coastal architecture and its simple elegance. With their extensive family backgrounds in architecture, they were destined to become architects. e duo parted ways a er school, Daniel focusing on urban redevelopment and large-scale retail projects in the northeast region, and Jason working for Daniel Romualdez Architects, Architect Digest's Top 100 Design Firms for properties in NYC and the Hamptons. However, they ultimately found themselves called back to the Jersey Shore. A er predominantly working in the Asbury Park, Brielle, and Fort Monmouth areas, they're now bringing their work to Seaside Heights. VUE Magazine had the opportunity to sit down with the co-founders to discuss their upcoming renovation projects for Seaside Heights. "We came onto the scene a er Hurricane Sandy and a fi re a year later had decimated the coastal area. e fi re alone destroyed a lot of the local businesses and residences at the Funtown Pier which was a shame because there was this beautiful beach right there in one's backyard yet it was being overshadowed by the state of the surrounding area," said Jason. "My philosophy is that architecture should refl ect its surrounding environment in its design and structure. Even before the accidents, growing up, my family and I always visited Seaside Heights and I always thought it was such a shame that the beauty of the water and the sandy beaches were being overshadowed by the state of the local area. A lot of the buildings were old, dilapidated, and looked abandoned so you didn't see a lot of foot traffi c in those areas compared to Belmar or Asbury Park. Daniel and I were planning to do something in the area but when Hurricane Sandy and the great fi re occurred, the devastation was the opportunity for us to help the communities we were raised in and re-develop the area into a place that would highlight its beautiful environment." VUE ON | ARCHITECTURE VUENJ.COM 83

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