One of The Launch Place's Clients Opens Office in Downtown Danville
BY VICKY MORRISON
Work It, SoVa newsadvance.com
Solex Architecture formally opened its new office on Craghead Street on Thursday.
Licensed in Virginia and North Carolina, Solex offers design services for all aspects of building. Owner and architect Jeff Bond said its services are not limited to building structures. For example, the firm is developing plans for an outdoor kitchen.
All types of clients are accepted. Solex has worked with private homeowners, developers, contractors, government entities and other architecture engineers. It has worked on a variety of projects, from kitchen remodeling to bathroom renovation.
Bond said the new location is beneficial for the firm. “It’s always great to have a storefront, especially in a downtown environment where you can get foot traffic and vehicular traffic.”
On a personal level, Bond appreciated the historic yet modern River District area as an ideal home for the business. Solex has worked on several historic rehabilitation projects.
“I have a strong interest in historical preservation and all of the revitalization not only in Danville but in other areas. Being in a downtown environment really complements our architectural work.”
Bond explained at the ribbon cutting that his inspiration for becoming an architect started in his youth. “I grew up around residential remodeling and additions and do-it-yourself projects,” he said.
Travel influenced his interest in the field, too, he said. Bond traveled around the world and saw every state in the U.S. “One thing that brought to light was how the built environment can create communities,” he said.
Born and raised in Gretna, Bond returned home after graduating from Virginia Tech. Bond had an internship and later a full time job at Dewberry. He now lives in Danville.
Designer Kevin Worsham works alongside Bond to collaborate on projects. He was born and still lives in Gretna, as well.
Mayor Sherman Saunders, Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors Jesse Barksdale and council members attended the ceremony.
Solex, which is short for “solution exploration,” opened in November. It originally leased an office space in the Launch Place incubator. The Launch Place provided Solex with its services by aiding their business plan development.
The new 800-square-foot office space is being leased from Remington Professional Buildings. The business moved in May. Bond said that a ribbon cutting was held now because they finally have settled into the space.