373
Woody Friese Architecture
FT LAUDERDALE, FL
According to Woody Friese, architecture must be viewed as living
art. Growing up, he idolized modern architects such as Richard Meier
and Frank Gehry for their abstract approach, and knew he'd found
his passion when he took his first drafting class at 13. He wanted, like
these men before him, to create structures for generations of people to
appreciate. In 1993, he completed school from the University of South
Florida as the youngest student with a master's degree in architecture
and opened his own award-winning firm, Friese Design Group, four years
later.
But a catastrophic ATV accident in 2005 left Woody a quadriplegic. He
closed his firm and spent the next six years undergoing intensive physical
and occupational therapy, eventually regaining the use of his hands
and—thanks to a close friend and colleague—returned to the work that
he loves. He joined VDG Architecture as the principal architect and lead
designer in 2011. Now working under his own firm again, Woody offers
his clients complete architectural design and site planning utilizing the
latest 3D walk-through technology. With this, homeowners can see their
future house and experience Woody's distinct artistic modern design
before it's even built.
With the theory that "A unique design for an innovative mind," Woody
believes you cannot have impressive architecture without bold clients.
He understands that a truly great residence not only projects a vibrant
impression but works well for the people that live there. Watching his
clients settle into their new living work of art is his greatest joy.
