Firm
Samuel Gordon Architects, P.C. specializes in private residential architecture, providing individual attention in the design of single-family homes. Our projects range from condos in Center City, Philadelphia to new homes & additions in the suburbs and the Jersey Shore.
The SGA Team
Samuel Gordon
Principal
Sam Gordon was born and raised in Philadelphia. After graduating with a degree in architecture from Temple University he moved to Long Beach Island, NJ. He has traveled around the world and visited over thirty countries.
His wife and two daughters mean the world to him. Architecture comes in second followed by travel, food, sailing, and skiing. Sam’s varied life experiences provide him with insight to solve his clients design needs.
Bob Ray
Associate
Bob Ray was raised and studied on Long Island, NY. He moved to Philadelphia to lead the early stages of computer documentation for an international interior and architectural firm. His own firm was founded in 1995. Bob has been director of documentation for Samuel Gordon Architects, PC since 2004.
David Lim
Associate
David Lim received his Bachelors in Architecture at Drexel University. Born in the fast-paced metropolis of Seoul and raised in Portland, the indie capital of hipsters and nature-lovers, he is focused on becoming an innovative, observant and authentic designer. He loves eating, learning, and experiencing life with family and friends, new or old.
Samuel Gordon
Principal
Sam Gordon was born and raised in Philadelphia. After graduating with a degree in architecture from Temple University he moved to Long Beach Island, NJ. He has traveled around the world and visited over thirty countries.
His wife and two daughters mean the world to him. Architecture comes in second followed by travel, food, sailing, and skiing. Sam’s varied life experiences provide him with insight to solve his clients design needs.
Bob Ray
Associate
Bob Ray was raised and studied on Long Island, NY. He moved to Philadelphia to lead the early stages of computer documentation for an international interior and architectural firm. His own firm was founded in 1995. Bob has been director of documentation for Samuel Gordon Architects, PC since 2004.
David Lim
Apprentice Architect
David Lim is studying for a Bachelors in Architecture at Drexel University. Born in the fast-paced metropolis of Seoul and raised in Portland, the indie capital of hipsters and nature-lovers, he is focused on becoming an innovative, observant and authentic designer. He loves eating, learning, and experiencing life with family and friends, new or old.
The SGA Process
Programming
Through a detailed and specific interview with clients a program is developed. This program is created not only about what is said, but what the feeling of the project is meant to be. This gestalt is then transferred into a design that is the beginning of the project. Through a constant dialogue with the client the project is created.
Documentation
Detailed documentation is the key to successful construction of a project. At SGA the creation of construction drawings and specifications is the largest single phase of work on a project. We never stop searching for new ways to convey the information clearly. We are now incorporating three dimensional details and drone photography in our drawings.
Detail
Mies van der Rohe said ‘God is in the details.’ SGA designs and documents the details no matter how large or small. The details are what make a home special and gives each house a voice to speak to the occupants.
Construction
Having the architect on site during the entire construction process is the best way to ensure that the construction process goes according to plan. Early in Samuel Gordon’s career he realized he needed more of a visual connection between the drawings and construction. He left his desk and went to work in the field framing houses. That knowledge has stayed with him and allows him to speak the language of the building trades at every site visit.
Testimonials:
Sam designed and orchestrated the construction of our beach house on Long Beach Island, NJ. Simply stated: Sam’s design far exceeded our expectations and it was kept within the budget! Sam listened to the general principles of what we were looking for in the design and put together a plan that we didn’t think was architecturally possible given the strict rule of building within the footprint of the previous property that was destroyed in a fire. Every detail, no matter large or small, was taken into consideration.
My wife and I met Sam when he was working for another Architect firm on Long Beach Island. I saw some of his design work and was very intrigued by how he planned out the floor plan to suit the personality of his clients. My wife, who is an artist, saw a genius in Sam that I could not see at the time we hired him to renovate our home that we built in 1979. He did a fabulous job in taking both of our ideas and placing them into our new home. I have recommended him to others friends and business associates because he thinks out the project and works within your budget.
Selected Works:
