FIRM PROFILE
Jibe Design, an award-winning firm creating architecture which weds thoughtful design with environmentally responsible solutions.
Our work seeks to communicate elegance, wonder and an easeful clarity through the honest and inventive use of materials and a sensitivity to location. We study how a project will be used in order to creatively organize the various uses into a smoothly functional whole. Recognizing the environmental impact of construction, we seek healthful design solutions. Jibe Design creates architecture driven by both a lyrical sense of space, and the needs and aspirations of the user. Our extensive construction experience allows our services to extend beyond a typical architecture firm's role in construction administration. We keep abreast of innovations in materials, construction techniques, and sustainability to provide our clients with a finely honed and efficient design.
OUR SERVICES
Commercial, Residential, and Institutional New Construction
Adaptive Reuse and Renovation
Commercial Interiors
Programming and Masterplanning
Landscape and Garden Design
LEED Consulting
WORK PROCESS: Responsive attention
Jibe Design's work ranges in scale from multi-unit housing to retail displays. Whatever the project scope, the initial stage of each new project involves questioning and research to develop a clear understanding of the parameters of the design problem. Once versed in the issues, we conceive multiple schematic solutions. Receptive to direction from our clients, we firmly believe that collaboration adds richness to a project. We also recognize that clear leadership brings strength and unity to a design and so guide our projects with a sure hand.
SUSTAINABILITY: Acknowledging impact
Jibe Design creates buildings that minimize harmful environmental impact. We carefully compare options of HVAC and water management systems against energy savings - options of wall finishes against air quality, downstream material disposal, and upstream production impact. A successful sustainable building negotiates a complex matrix of decisions regarding budget, energy savings, air quality, material production, and waste disposal. Our continued research keeps us on the sustainable industry front lines.
TEAMWORK: Consultants on board
Adept managers, Jibe Design assembles strong teams of leading consultants. The right team amplifies the expertise of the individual players and allows for the creation of sophisticated and highly specialized facilities. We have ties to a variety of specialists in every field.
With deep roots in construction, Jibe Design confidently manages building costs and completion in cooperative accord with the General Contractor.
Once clear lines of communication have been established and a project's direction fully approved, we combine our analytical skills with our artistic prowess to create a highly functional and fluidly articulated building.
PEOPLE
JULIET WHELAN, LEED AP
Principal
Juliet founded Jibe Design in 2005 and brings twenty years of professional experience to the firm's leadership. Her design work explores the juncture of clean utility and spatial artistry. She recognizes that she must not only calibrate a building’s visual and functional impact but also it’s impact on the larger environment; and so she seeks green design solutions. The process through which she finds coherent form involves directed collaboration, solitary research, and capricious insight. Jibe Design is a registered Woman Business Enterprise in PA, DE, and NJ.
ROBERT BATZ
Planning and Design
With a Masters in Urban Planning, Bob brings a holistic vision to Jibe's business structure planning and implementation. Currently in the midst of a love affair with this city, he enjoys playing a management role for interesting projects that contribute to Philly's success and growth.
RECOGNITION
Philadelphia’s Full-Scope Residential Architect, Best of Houzz 2019
Project Winner, Groundbreaker Award for Sustainable Construction, Barry Recreation Center, 2018
Third Place Winner, Commercial Walls Project of the Year, Atas Metal Panels, 2018
First Place Winning Entry, Sustainable Adaptive Reuse, Orinoka Civic House, 2013
Leverage: Strengthening Neighborhoods Through Design. Book published by Community Design Collaborative. 2011
Grey Area: Provocations on the Future of Preservation. Catalog published by Design Philadelphia. 2011
Honor Award, American Institute of Architects, Philadelphia Chapter, Markoe Street Housing. 2010
Community Design Award. Community Design Collaborative, Law Firm Project. 2010
Fertile Ground. Group exhibit of 12 innovative Philadelphia firms. 2009
First Place Winning Entry. Sustainable Housing Competition. Markoe Street Housing, 2008
Second Place Winning Entry, O'Henry/Dickenson Courtyard. 2008
PRESS
Houston House and Home, February 2005
Philadelphia Magazine, April 2007, "It's Easy Being Green"
CBS 3, April 20, 2007, "Green Homes"
Philadelphia Magazine, June 2007, "Where the Blooms Are"
South Philly Review, February 14, 2008, "Let There be Natural Light"
Philadelphia Home, Spring 2008, "Queen Village Courtyard"
Philadelphia Home, Summer 2008, "$7000 Bathroom"
Metro, Philadelphia, April 23, 2008, "Finding a Fresh Spin for Public Housing"
Metro, Philadelphia, June 26, 2008, "Re-Energizing Public Housing"
ABC 6, July 1, 2008, "Young Architect Wins Contest to Transform Neighborhood"
Residential Architect Online, July 15, 2008, "Sustainable Housing Design Wins Contest and Contract"
Residential Architect, August 2008, "Revitalizing Design"
Form, Pioneering Design, September/October 2008,"Sustained Effort"
Philadelphia Style, January/February 2009, "Inside My Life"
Philadelphia Inquirer, October 9, 2009, "Changing Skyline: Philadelphia architects offer some homegrown ideas"
Flying Kite Media, November 30, 2010, "Off-the-Grid Free Agent House tests limits of urban energy sovereignty "
Tiny House Design, December 8, 2010, "Free Agent House"
Grid, January, 2011, "Award Show" (p. 12)
Metropolis Point of View, March 28, 2012, "Beyond LEED"
Metropolis Point of View, April 30, 2012, "My Own Piece of Dirt"
Metropolis Point of View, June 7, 2012, "Coloring Outside the Lines"
Metropolis Point of View, April 1, 2013, "The Sexual Politics of Navigation"
Metropolis Point of View, August 20, 2013, "Eco-Concious Trade Show Architecture "
Residential Architect, July-August, 2013, "Architects' Choice "
Philadelphia Inquirer, March 1, 2014 , "Sure it's art, but it's also a Bike Rack "
Philadelphia Inquirer, April 12, 2014 , "Designer's aim for a better bike rack"
PlanPhilly, July 23, 2014, "Pinning future for New Kensington on Orinoka Mills reuse"
Hidden City Philadelphia, October 28, 2015, "NKCDC Elevates North Kensington With Orinoka Civic House"
Dwell Blog, September 16, 2016, "Pattern Play Inspired this Philadelphia Rowhouse Renovation"
WHYY, May 5, 2017, “Site Visit: Orinoka Civic House and walking tour with NKCDC”