Modus Studio

Last month, Eco Modern Flats was a stop on the Congress for the New Urbanism tour. It's been thirteen years since the project was completed, and moments like that remind us why the work mattered.

Four apartment buildings originally built in 1968 were preserved rather than demolished. By keeping the existing precast concrete and block foundations, the project reduced its carbon footprint before a single new material was added. It went on to earn the first LEED for Homes Multifamily Platinum certification in Arkansas.

Rainwater harvesting. Rooftop living spaces. Native landscaping. Steel-and-cedar armatures that turned underutilized corners of the site into places people actually want to be. 12 awards later, it's still doing what good design should — serving the people who live there.


Wind River Congress for the New Urbanism ECO Modern Flats Specialized Real Estate Group University of Arkansas Downtown Fayetteville Coalition

This month, we had the privilege of celebrating a remarkable milestone.

Chris Baribeau was officially inducted into the AIA College of Fellows during the Investiture Ceremony at AIA26 in San Diego. Fellowship is one of the highest honors bestowed by the American Institute of Architects, recognizing architects who have made a significant impact on the profession and society.

For those of us at modus, this recognition reflects what we've long known to be true. Chris is a designer, mentor, and advocate for creating meaningful places that strengthen communities.

Congratulations, Chris, on this well-deserved honor! We are proud to celebrate this achievement and grateful for the leadership and inspiration you bring to our studio every day.


The American Institute of Architects

A closer look at the Forest Amplifier model, developed in our in-house fabrication shop.

Working alongside the design team, the model was used to study structure, refine the spanning “truss,” and better understand how the system would come together at full scale. The triangulated webbing form is inspired by fractal patterns in crystal formations, translating nature into a structural language.

From digital modeling to hands-on fabrication, this process allowed for careful testing of spacing, joinery, and assembly before it reaches the site.

Bridges Museum of American Art Amazeum Walton Family Foundation