Description

The architecture of George Nikolajevich exhibits a remarkable balance between restraint and expression. Working in St. Louis, far from the country’s coasts of architectural fashion, he has created a body of work that delivers modernist èlan and formal invention.

The nature of Nikolajevich’s work flows from his position as a design principal of Cannon Design. Nikolajevich has been encouraged to carve out a special niche, turning his strength into a firm strength. In the process, he has designed an impressive number of buildings that combine a sense of Midwestern thrift and practicality with a flair for sophisticated design. His architecture has developed a growing affinity to that of the great architects Erik Gunnar Asplund and Alvar Aalto. Like Asplund’s work, Nikolajevich’s buildings have a quiet sculptural quality that impresses us with their economy of means. Sometimes less is, indeed, more. And like Aalto, Nikolajevich has demonstrated a humanist’s touch with simple materials.

Nikolajevich’s architecture demands your attention without hitting you over the head with architectural devices. At the same time, his buildings are easy to like; their warm brickwork, comfortable scale, and seductive formal gestures welcome everyone inside. While some modernist buildings are proud and aloof, Nikolajevich’s works are proud and inviting.