WHAT WE BELIEVE
A FEW THOUGHTS ON ARCHITECTURE,
WHAT WE THINK IT CAN BE,
AND WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO
WHAT WE THINK IT CAN BE,
AND WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO
1. We believe in modernism, in the original sense of the word: embracing visions and ways of thinking that reflect the realities and hopes of the modern world. This can mean a house that looks “modern,” but it doesn’t have to. It can also mean putting a window where you can watch your birdfeeder from your favorite chair, rethinking what a Family Room is once your kids have grown, or crafting a display for your collection of vintage saltshakers. It is an act of self-examination that can lead to new and beautiful solutions.
2. We believe that every client, every site, and every project, is unique. This means there is no one-size-fits-all process. Rather, the act of dreaming up a space, shaping it and bringing it into the world can take many forms. Sometimes it is as simple as a conversation. Sometimes it’s stacks of sketches, models, plans and details. We are flexible in the way we work, tailoring the process so that it best suits the needs of the client, their budget, their timeframe and their goals.
3. Talking about architecture can be hard. Not everyone has the vocabulary to describe what it is they want, even if they know it when they see it. We believe that a huge part of an architect’s job is to listen. To read between the lines and ask the right questions. Ultimately, we act as translators, giving built form to our clients’ ideas. And if you don’t have any ideas, not to worry. We have plenty we can lend you.
4. We believe that architecture is a community service. It is meant to give back to the community, and to the lives of the people who live and work in our buildings. As the background of our daily lives, it shapes what we see and how we move. Accordingly, good architecture should always put people first. We believe buildings should be good citizens.
5. We love builders. And artisans. And the men and women who dig our foundations, install our plumbing, and mill our lumber. Building is a team sport and we believe that the best buildings are the result of the best teams, where everyone is respected and valued for the expertise that they bring.
6. We believe that making things should be fun. Of course, no project is without its challenges. There are moments of stress, and frustration, and doubt. Building is, after all, a huge expenditure and there’s a lot at stake. But we believe that should never overshadow the sense of child-like awe of watching an idea turn into a three-dimensional reality that you can walk around in and live in.
A FEW THOUGHTS ON ARCHITECTURE,
WHAT WE THINK IT CAN BE,
AND WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO
WHAT WE THINK IT CAN BE,
AND WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO
2. We believe that every client, every site, and every project, is unique. This means there is no one-size-fits-all process. Rather, the act of dreaming up a space, shaping it and bringing it into the world can take many forms. Sometimes it is as simple as a conversation. Sometimes it’s stacks of sketches, models, plans and details. We are flexible in the way we work, tailoring the process so that it best suits the needs of the client, their budget, their timeframe and their goals.
4. We believe that architecture is a community service. It is meant to give back to the community, and to the lives of the people who live and work in our buildings. As the background of our daily lives, it shapes what we see and how we move. Accordingly, good architecture should always put people first. We believe buildings should be good citizens.
6. We believe that making things should be fun. Of course, no project is without its challenges. There are moments of stress, and frustration, and doubt. Building is, after all, a huge expenditure and there’s a lot at stake. But we believe that should never overshadow the sense of child-like awe of watching an idea turn into a three-dimensional reality that you can walk around in and live in.
1. We believe in modernism, in the original sense of the word: embracing visions and ways of thinking that reflect the realities and hopes of the modern world. This can mean a house that looks “modern,” but it doesn’t have to. It can also mean putting a window where you can watch your birdfeeder from your favorite chair, rethinking what a Family Room is once your kids have grown, or crafting a display for your collection of vintage saltshakers. It is an act of self-examination that can lead to new and beautiful solutions.
3. Talking about architecture can be hard. Not everyone has the vocabulary to describe what it is they want, even if they know it when they see it. We believe that a huge part of an architect’s job is to listen. To read between the lines and ask the right questions. Ultimately, we act as translators, giving built form to our clients’ ideas. And if you don’t have any ideas, not to worry. We have plenty we can lend you.
5. We love builders. And artisans. And the men and women who dig our foundations, install our plumbing, and mill our lumber. Building is a team sport and we believe that the best buildings are the result of the best teams, where everyone is respected and valued for the expertise that they bring.
WHO WE ARE
MISTY KAPLAN
A Vermont native, Misty knew from an early age that she wanted to be an architect. She graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University in 1998. After a brief stint working in construction, she set out for California. There, she lived in San Francisco for ten years, and Los Angeles for ten more years, working for multiple prestigious architecture firms along the way, including Marmol Radziner and Killefer Flammang Architects. She began her own architectural design consultation business in 2017, and in 2018 moved herself, her pets, and her business back to Burlington, Vermont where she now lives and practices.
Drawing from her roots in the New England vernacular of simple and structured farmhouses and barns, from her training in Mid Century Modernism, and her love of New California indoor-outdoor architecture, Misty brings a unique sensibility to her work. With more than 22 years of experience ranging from single family homes to commercial build-outs to multi-family and mixed use projects, Misty is excited to bring her technical expertise, construction knowledge and passion for excellent design back to Vermont.
WHAT WE DO
fifth wall architecture
The term "fourth wall" comes from the theater, where the three surrounding walls enclose the stage while an invisible fourth wall is an imaginary wall that separates the story from the real world. It acts like a one-way mirror: the audience can see and comprehend the story, but the story cannot comprehend the existence of the audience. It is the mystical element that gives life to a story.
Fifth Wall Architecture believes that good architecture is more than a stage set, more than just the four walls that surround a room. It is also the invisible and the ephemeral that give life to a space. It is the feeling that you can't quite put words to, but makes someplace feel like home. We are always seeking to create that elusive “fifth wall.”
Founded in 2017 by Misty Kaplan, Fifth Wall Architecture is a multi-disciplinary architecture and design firm with a focus on creating livable design tailored to the people who use it. Our services include consultation, feasability studies, planning, permitting, and construction administration for both new construction and renovations.