We Are Upstate NY With Architectural Visionary Andrew Wright

Wright Companies, the premier design-build firm led by architect Andrew Wright and his partner-wife, Sonia Lemus-Wright, have been inspiring and fulfilling their clients’ desires for “green architecture” since 1986, providing environmentally-responsive design and building solutions for top quality, sustainably-built homes, workspaces and residential and commercial developments. From thoughtful small additions and renovations to large, complex new buildings, Wright Cos’ offers a full spectrum of advisory services, including property selection and purchase, community engagement, financing, construction and interior design.

Andrew’s commitment to environmental responsibility, innovation, and intentionality has helped lead the charge, emphasizing the importance of incorporating sustainable strategies into design excellence. Unsurprisingly, Wright Cos was awarded the prestigious Green Business Certificate Of Recognition last year by the Office of the Ulster County Executive for their excellence in custom and carbon-neutral local projects.

Wright Cos’ innovative projects have come to life in the Hudson Valley, the Tri-State Region, the continental United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands and abroad, where they’re helping to promote and create greater environmental responsibility and a greener future.

Read our exclusive interview with Andrew Wright below to learn more about this architectural visionary, design and energy trailblazer…

INSIDE+OUT: Where are you originally from, and how did you wind up in the Hudson Valley?

Andrew Wright: Born in Chicago. Spent college in Iowa and grad school in St.Louis, but my family was originally from NYC, so I moved out east in 1983. Once I opened my practice in 1986, I was asked to work on a house in Stone Ridge, NY and fell in love with the area.

What inspired your interest in architecture, and what was your journey to get here?

I have always had an interest in buildings. Spent many summers in Europe, where I was continually fascinated with the history of architecture. Growing up in Chicago, we lived very close to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House, which mystified me the first time I walked by it. I was hooked.

How does aesthetics influence you professionally and personally?

I was taught by Bill Bowersox (an architect I worked for in St. Louis) that anyone can make an 80-85% solution in the design of a project. It is the ones who go for the 90-95% solution that never have regrets. People spend a lot of money on us; make it the best you can.

Your company has three lines of business. How did they evolve and how are they connected? Do you have a central focus?

When I opened our company, I wanted to do Design/Build only. This means we managed the construction of our projects as well as designed them. This method gave greater control of the final product. It allowed clients to make changes without major delays and, most importantly, removed the failed format of the Owner/Architect/Contractor that, more often than not, ended in conflict over money and time. We added Property Management when development projects were added to the portfolio. Our focus has always been to solve the client’s problem, build it to last, be sustainable and make it interesting.

Tell us more about your services and your different project types.

We offer one-stop shopping for clients, which means we have to deliver.

As an architect, would you say you have a particular style?

No, we love many styles. Think of it as an outfit. Would you wear the same thing every day? Variety is the spice of life.

You were contracted to work on a stunning English manor estate in Orange County, where you created the largest residential micro-grid on Earth. Tell us more about this project and how it has influenced your work.

The objective of this project was to go net-zero energy (create as much energy as you use). While creating the sustainable package, it became apparent that the local utility company’s infrastructure could not handle our solar energy output (290KW) and requested we pay them $750,000 so they could rebuild their infrastructure. Instead, we bought batteries for about ⅓ of that cost and went offline. The greatest joy is what we learned about the newest technologies worldwide that help us make it 100% reliable. Most microgrids were 70-80% reliable at that time.

Read More about this project HERE.

Who is your ideal client?  Do you work with contractors, homeowners; residential or commercial?

We work with everyone listed and more. Because of our diversity, we do everything from consulting to taking on projects, from real estate purchases to interior design. The ideal client is one that, when they change their mind, they don’t make others pay for it… some do not understand that concept.

What are some of your favorite projects to date?

A geothermal well inside a historic brownstone and the large microgrid are the most satisfying from an accomplishment viewpoint, but we have many homes and commercial buildings that came out very nice. They are like children. They drive you crazy while you’re working on them, but once they leave home, you cannot help but love them.

What is one question you’re constantly asked or the biggest misconception about your business or what you do?

“How much will your services cost?” This is the question most asked. We work hourly, so we cost as much as you want us to work with you. It is truly the most transparent way to operate. Those who understand this have been clients and friends for decades.

How do you grow your business, and how do your clients find you?  Do you leverage social media to get work, and how is that working for you?

90% of our work is from our clients, either through referrals or repeat work for them. Social media brings us many inquiries, but most are too small or too far away to consider. Our objective is to be part of your network that can show the World what we can do. We are more than just architects. We are your problem solver.

What is the most rewarding and most challenging part of your job?

The reward is succeeding in helping our clients. This is also the most challenging. It can be difficult at times to help people know what they want and need. It’s a combination of psychology and reality. Never dull.

Are there any new developments or upcoming projects you’d like to share?

We have a couple of sustainable mixed-use projects in the Hudson Valley in the works. Our objective is to bring quality market-rate rentals, which will be as close as possible to net zero.

What is it about the Hudson Valley that makes it unique to live + work here?

The area gives you all four seasons, water and endless natural beauty.

What impact does your business strive to have on your community?

To help people save energy, not waste materials and improve their lives.

What local businesses do you rely on to be successful?

The local craftsmen and, for our family, local farms.

What is missing in the area that you wish we had?

At this point in my life, nothing.

Tell us something about yourself that people might be surprised to know.

I spent over 20 years competing and teaching martial arts. It helped me focus and learn. I also have worked in construction since I was very young and was able to learn from gifted tradesmen. It gave me a great advantage in working with contractors to build our projects to the best of their ability.

What is your current state of mind?

I am blessed to be with a partner who will take our ideas and businesses much further and with greater impact than I ever imagined.

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