On Our Mind

SNDBX Design Collaborative news and ideas.

Christopher Manzo Christopher Manzo

Why Hire an Architect? It’s About More Than Just Drawings

Hiring an architect isn’t just about getting a set of drawings — it’s about unlocking the full potential of your space. At SNDBX Design Collaborative, we listen deeply, solve creatively, and design with purpose. From translating your vision into reality to navigating technical complexities, architects bring clarity, value, and impact to every project. Whether you're building new or reimagining existing spaces, thoughtful design can elevate your experience and create lasting change.

Read More
Christopher Manzo Christopher Manzo

Future-Proofing Buildings for Tomorrow's Needs 

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 However, this can limit their long-term adaptability, leaving future users confined by outdated layouts.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.

Read More
Christopher Manzo Christopher Manzo

Project Spotlight: The Bakery

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.

Read More
Christopher Manzo Christopher Manzo

Project Spotlight: St. Vincent de Paul Ozanam Inn

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!

Read More
Christopher Manzo Christopher Manzo

Future-Proofing Spaces: How SNDBX Designs for Tomorrow

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.

Read More

Our Work