Two-Decade Bond Sparks Innovative Architectural Alliance
Matt Sargent and Chris Hosford Turn Their 20 Year Friendship into a Productive Collaboration
Like many young architects, Chris Hosford and Matt Sargent learned their trade by working for an established architectural firm early in their careers – in this case Hickox Williams Architects (HWA) in Boston – before becoming principals of their own firms. Chris and HWA colleague Carol Marsh co-founded Helios Design Group in 2005, while Matt ended up at Island Architects in Richmond, VA, eventually becoming a partner.
Matt Sargent, Island Architects, and Chris Hosford, Helios Design Group.
With similar design sensibilities and client-driven priorities in their respective core values, Chris and Matt kept in touch over the years, referring projects to one another from time to time. In 2018, Chris took on a prominent role in a coastal commission project with Island Architects on Kiawah Island.
“Working on that project together proved that our styles meshed well,” says Chris. “We like working together because there’s no ego,” Matt adds. Both architects enjoy working with homeowners and solving design challenges in creative and innovative ways. “We have an empathy for the way our clients live, and we’re both good listeners,” Matt explains.
Then another commission in York, Maine turned out to be the project that moved the collaboration to the next level, and spurred Island Architects to hang a shingle in Boston at the Helios Design Group office in the South End.
Chris and Matt at the York, Maine project site in July.
The seamless collaboration of the Island Architects and Helios Design Group teams with the contractor, Ben Fuller, owner of Fleet Builders, and the design-savvy clients has been a win-win. The HDG interior design studio is leading the selections for the 5,000 square foot extensive renovation. Matt and project manager Keith Murphy visit at least once a month, conducting site visits along with team meetings, and virtual meetings as needed. The teams clearly enjoy working together.
SEPARATE FIRMS, ONE VISION
While the two entities will carry on as separate firms and brands, the goal is to continue collaborating on a variety of projects from new construction to renovations and additions along the eastern seaboard. Island Architects has become known for their coastal projects, although they’ve also designed homes in suburbs like Carlisle, Wellesley and Cohasset in Massachusetts, Princeton, New Jersey, and outside of Richmond, Virginia. Helios Design Group has a more diverse portfolio with additions, renovations and new construction from a New Hampshire ski house to a Chestnut Hill kitchen addition and Jamaica Plain two-family renovation to a historic home renovation in Dedham, plus hospitality projects in Boston and Jamaica Plain.
“It’s all about the relationships you create with people,” Chris says. “There’s real satisfaction in working to make a client’s vision material.”