DESIGN TEAM

Meet Matt and Frank, Co-Founders who go way back to their first association as student and professor at Southern Polytechnic State University (now KSU). At Southern Polytechnic, Frank acted as lead design instructor toward the school’s initial accreditation and ended up creating a new kind of studio environment there. During those 5 years of instruction, Matt gravitated toward the balanced approach to design and practice emphasized there. This guided him toward design-build, project management positions. As careers and life paths seasoned, the former student and professor came together as partners 22 years later in 2018 to form SVX Architects.

The collective resources and 55+ years of experience of these two architects has developed into an extraordinarily dynamic resource for clients who are seeking that impeccable architectural solution. SVX provides a vast breadth of expertise in all architectural phases: programming, sketching, schematic design, visual presentation, planning, construction drawings, permit processes, and construction administration. Their intent is to build confidence and trust in the client who dreams to fully realize the potential in their project toward an edifice of functional art.

Currently, we have custom projects in various stages of design and construction in Florida and Georgia. You can view them in our Sketchbook section. Please visit the Coastal and Urban pages to view completed projects.

Frank Venning, Architect & Co-Founder

Frank Venning has over 30 years of experience in architecture, design, construction and real estate development. Frank began his career as a licensed architect and has worked in New York, Georgia, Florida and Michigan with such renowned firms as Emilio Ambasz and Associates. Ambasz and Associates was an award-winning trailblazer for green architecture and a pioneer linking the relationship between buildings and nature. Frank also worked with renowned innovative modernists Mack Scogin, Merrill Elam, and with such titans of architecture and design: SOM, RTKL, and Herman Miller, Inc. Frank subsequently started his own architectural design firm in Atlanta, which transitioned into a design-build company, Venning & Merritt Architecture and Construction. They specialized in residential infill development, including historic rehab, contemporary custom homes, traditional single-family homes and subdivisions. Frank later expanded this design-build business into Virginia and South Carolina as well. Joining forces with former student and veteran architect Matt Steinberg, Frank is currently a co-founder in the firm SVX Architects LLC, with offices in Atlanta and Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

Through these ventures, Frank has completed dozens of residences and won national awards for his work such as Architectural Record Interior of the Year and Progressive Architecture Awards. Frank’s work has been recognized by the Atlanta Urban Design Commission, Southeast Regional AIA and the Georgia AIA. It has been published in books and journals such as Architectural Record and Progressive Architecture magazines.

In addition to his architecture and development practice, Frank has been a professor of architecture and studio critic at several colleges and universities, including the University of Miami in Florida, the Georgia Institute of Technology, Auburn University, Principia College and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VPISU). At Southern Polytechnic State University (now KSU), Frank was an Associate Professor and acted as the lead design instructor toward the school’s initial accreditation.

Frank has a Master of Design Studies from Harvard University, a Master of Architecture from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, a Master of Planning and Urban Design from the University of Virginia and a dual Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art and Business Administration from Principia College.

ACHIEVEMENTS & RECOGNITION:

•  Architectural Record Interior of the Year and Progressive Architecture Awards
•  Atlanta Urban Design Commission, Southeast Regional AIA, and Georgia AIA
•  Published books and journals, including Architectural Record and Progressive Architecture magazines.
•  Award: Honor Award AIA South Atlantic Region 1996
•  Award: Merit Award AIA Georgia 2021
•  Award: Annual Record Interiors Architectural Record 1995

EDUCATION:

•  Master of Architecture from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
•  Master of Planning and Urban Design from the University of Virginia
•  Dual Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art and Business Administration from Principia College

Matt Steinberg, AIA, NCARB, & Co-Founder

Matt Steinberg brings over 30 years experience designing and managing a variety of project types throughout the country from retail and office developments to industrial manufacturing, federal government and residential projects. Throughout his career, Matt worked with several Atlanta design firms on notable projects like Turner Field for the 1996 Olympics and the Braves. He also worked on UGA’s Stadium Skyloft, and Georgia Tech’s Football Meeting Rooms. His interest in development led to working with design-build companies gaining expertise in single-source project delivery solutions from concept to completion in fast paced, collaborative work environments alongside construction team members. His experiences, leadership and focus on detail are testament to his dedication and commitment to delivering excellence in design for both the client and the built environment!

In 2018, Matt began working on a residential side project in South Carolina with Frank, his former professor and friend from years past. That project kindled his desire to leave the corporate path and blaze a new one together with Frank. They wanted to build a design practice with a balanced approach to creativity and technology. Hence, SVX Architects was forged.

What began for Matt in his youth as a solely intuitive approach to architecture is now a passionate interest in creating authentic architecture that, as it becomes a reality through the design process, can sustain its artistic beginning.

“A city is the place of availabilities. It is the place where a small boy, as he walks through it, may see something that will tell him what he wants to do his whole life.” – Louis Kahn

EDUCATION:

•  Southern Polytechnic State University (Kennesaw State University), Bachelor of Architecture, 1996
•  Design-Build Studio: SPSU, 1995: Wunderkammer Home Office – William Carpenter, FAIA
•  US Army Veteran, Armored Cavalry Reconnaissance Scout, 1988

REGISTRATIONS:

•  Georgia, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina

MEMBERSHIPS:

•  American Institute of Architects (AIA)
•  National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)

AWARDS

•  AIA Georgia 2021 Merit Award