In the world of architecture, the future of building design must go beyond meeting today’s requirements — it’s about ensuring structures remain functional, relevant and sustainable in decades to come. One way to do this is by adopting the “duffle bag approach”, which prioritizes versatility over hyper-specificity.

When we design buildings, it’s tempting to focus on immediate needs, shaping spaces solely around their current functions. However, this can limit their long-term adaptability, leaving future users confined by outdated layouts. By thinking more broadly — considering what a building could become in 100 years — we create opportunities for adaptive reuse. This approach doesn’t discount present needs but adds a layer of future flexibility that benefits owners and occupants alike.

Built in 1928 as a commercial bakery, we re-envisioned this 125K gsf space as a community destination – complete with a market, offices and co-working spaces, as well as a rooftop event space. By breathing new life into historical properties through adaptive reuse, we not only embrace their distinctive qualities, but also weave them into the fabric of the future. This ensures these irreplaceable structures continue to serve our communities for generations to come.

The story of Ozanam Inn is one of serving those most in need within our community – homeless Veterans and neighbors. I'm thrilled to share that SNDBX is partnering with St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) to create Louisville's first fully accessible short-term homeless shelter!

Adaptive reuse, compared to ground-up development, is the most sustainable option for most projects.

Thinking long-term isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for the wise stewardship of fiscal and material resources. We design for ripples of positive impact, ensuring your project and organization stay relevant, resilient and resonant for generations to come.

We believe a well-defined space serves its functional purpose, but also inspires creativity and innovation, as well as enhances well-being and productivity.

SNDBX is a place for collaboration and imaginative play where simple and direct solutions are created. A place where you can experiment with scenarios and test-fit solutions until you discover what works best. We’re not just designing buildings, we are making a positive impact on our clients’ lives, businesses, and the community.

Junior Achievement Inspire video with Christopher Manzo. Promoting JA Inspire 2021 Virtual event!