Before it became a critically praised Architectural design practice with commissions around the globe, ARCHIPELAGOS was a small home-based studio in Astoria working primarily on hospitality interiors. Hospitality design was a natural extension of the founding partner's work experience and social connections in the hospitality industry. In 2014, we established A2 as an independent studio with new staff and partners, infusing it with new energy and fresh creativity. (OK, we don't really like change so most of the “new” people are either old friends or collaborators.) With their substantial experience in hospitality, commercial and residential design we are ready for the next chapter and expansion of our portfolio with projects of deeper complexity, diverse typologies and larger scale. Our hope is that in the process we will still remain “willful outsiders”.