Form4 Architecture

Form4 Architecture believes architecture is the art of giving form to ideas. The award-winning firm specializes in creating environments, whether for tech offices, mixed-use developments, or residences, that respond as equally to the topography of a site as they do to the people they serve. Form4 creates formal expressions that are not only poetically moving and conceptually thoughtful, but also reflective of the client's values and goals. As collaborative partners in the design process, the principals of Form4 Architecture-Robert J. Giannini, John Marx, AIA, Paul Ferro, AIA, and James Tefend-are personally involved with every project from concept to completion, bringing the collective wealth of years of expertise and knowledge to each client's vision. Since 1998, the firm has built a rich portfolio of award-winning work for national and international clients within diverse market sectors. Robert J. Giannini, Co-Founder and Principal, has more than 34 years of successful architectural experience. Formerly with Dowler-Gruman Architects and DES Architects, he has held multiple leadership roles in project design and execution. His expertise extends to sustainable design of LEED Platinum and net-zero electric buildings. He received both Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees in Architecture from the University of California at Berkeley. John Marx, AIA, Co-Founder and Design Principal, is responsible for developing Form4 Architecture's design vision and philosophical language. Prior to cofounding Form4 Architecture in 1998, he was a design director at KMD Architects. His first book, Wandering the Garden of Technology and Passion (Balcony Press, 2012), is a study of digital design that explores two decades of his international and national design work. In 2016, he exhibited his work at the Venice Biennale of Architecture in the Global Art Affairs Foundation exhibition titled "Time-Space-Existence. He received his Bachelor of Science in Architecture Studies with High Honors from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Paul Ferro, AIA, Co-Founder and Principal, is committed to creating welcoming project environments, and ensuring that concepts and goals are carried through and ultimately realized. His expertise ranges from office shells and interiors, to athletic facilities and retail/mixed-use, as well as residential projects. Before co-founding Form4 Architecture in 1998, he was project designer for Dowler-Gruman Architects. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of California at Berkeley. James Tefend, Principal, has led a wide range of projects including corporate office campuses, commercial retail centers, educational facilities, libraries, municipal transportation centers, fitness resorts, and places of worship. He received a Bachelor of Art in Architecture from Washington University, St. Louis, and a Master of Architecture from Georgia Institute of Technology.