Grounded in a modern discipline VERSE Works is rooted in time, place, form and function. The studio’s services include new construction, renovations, additions, site planning, master planning and interior design.
Good design should create a sense of serenity between nature and form that is achieved through a balance of design, discovery, construction, and craft.
Good design is well versed.
the STUDIO
Rigorous attention to detail is given to every project regardless of scale. The ideal approach is parsed from a thorough investigation of the project’s parameters included but not limited to site, context, environment, budget, schedule, means and materials all of which are melded into a comprehensive formal, site specific response fully considerate of the client’s needs, wants and means.
the PEOPLE
VERSE Works collaborates with an integral host of engineers, builders, makers, interior designers, and decorators to create unique, design driven responses for their clients.
Every project takes a village.
Vanessa Shafer, Principal
Vanessa received her M.Arch 1 from Yale University and her BA in Art History from Trinity College. She began her career working for the renowned architectural firm Gwathmey Siegel & Associates Architects where she worked closely with Gwathmey on several of his major commissions later in his career. She was on the project team for Yale’s Jeffrey Loria Center for History of Art and Renovation to Paul Rudolph Hall, where Gwathmey Siegel was commissioned with renovating and adding to the A+A Building, one of Rudolph’s most beloved masterpieces, as well as for the expansion of Glenstone, an art museum housing one of the world’s most significant private art collections. Additionally, Shafer had the opportunity to work closely with Gwathmey on numerous apartments and houses. Her focus on residential work began via Gwathmey’s close mentoring, working on homes in NYC, the Hamptons, Aspen, LA, and St. Barths. She absorbed from Gwathmey that architecture was never just an envelope but a formal integrative response to a parti that should resonate throughout the whole.
Upon Gwathmey’s passing Vanessa joined Kang Modern, carrying on several of Gwathmey’s projects. Eventually, Vanessa returned home, to the Hudson Valley, with her husband and two daughters where she established VERSE Works and recently founded VERSE Work/Shop.
VERSE Work/Shop is a curated collection of contemporary artists and makers. Located in the village of Red Hook, VERSE showcases the high level of craft, art and design brewing in and amongst the Hudson Valley which VERSE Works is grateful to be a part of.
