Contemporary Shipping Container Architecture

Imagine if… your next home was a shipping container
A cozy sea container house in woods

This conversation is about you.

Hey there, hold on to your hat! Sure, we could chatter endlessly about how mind-blowingly talented we are or boast about our eons of collective experience that might make you feel like you've stumbled into the Hall of Fame, but let’s not bore you to tears with all that chest-thumping archi-babble. Nah, you're here for the good stuff.

We're not your run-of-the-mill architectural design studio. We're more like a funky fusion of design and construction. While we may not specialize in the creation of containers or the forging of steel, our intimacy with these containers runs deep. We've immersed ourselves in a wealth of knowledge—understanding their costs, identifying their optimal utilization, and navigating the intricate web of regulations, but most enchanting of all, we've unveiled the extraordinary versatility inherent in shipping containers.

Are you a budding artist in need of a budget-friendly, personalized studio? Or maybe you're a home owner on a quest to create a cosy nest that's all about you, with a dash of practicality. Perhaps you're a micro-business owner with a head full of dreams but no appetite for bricks and mortar. Heck, even if you're looking for a seamless journey from design to construction, we've got you covered.

We like to think of ourselves as the unique key that fits perfectly into the puzzle of your project. You see, enthusiasts of container construction are a rather special breed, and you, have ventured into our digital sanctuary of shipping containers.

Are you a budding artist in need of a budget-friendly, personalized studio? Or maybe you're a home owner on a quest to create a cosy nest that's all about you, with a dash of practicality. Perhaps you're a micro-business owner with a head full of dreams but no appetite for bricks and mortar. Heck, even if you're looking for a seamless journey from design to construction, we've got you covered.

Sharon Webster , scewebster@yahoo.com 
Great architects are artists, visionaries, have a great sense of responsibility, are empaths and are continuously curious.  The Atelier 7 architectural firm offers all of that and more.  Tony & Sharon of Atelier 7 understand that building a home is an extremely personal process, requiring the client to tap into their authentic selves; the design process a journey to self-awareness.  I am forever appreciative of them always being available for the phone/email/test/SMS to listen or view my ideas (good, bad and sometimes straight crazy).  Compiling my ideas, distilling them and project managing my build as if it were their own personal build.  I now have a home that is going forward is the lived expression of who I see myself to be.  I feel truly privileged having Atelier 7 as the partner on my project.  Thank you for making
The Makings real.

Let’s talk straight—homes aren’t all cut from the same cloth (I mean literally speaking, they aren’t cut from cloth at all!). Our mission is to create housing that's easy on the pocket without sacrificing quality. Part of that mission involves ensuring the home is cost-effective to run. We make this happen by focusing on efficient design, and smart specifications, and diving deep into technology to make it all tick. Sounds good so far?

The only thing we ask is that you come to us with a soft spot for snazzy modern architecture and all things cool and contemporary in design. Ready to create some architectural wonders together?

A small container house in woods
A family relaxing in a sea container house

The process of building a sea container home with us.

Pre-Design

This is an information gathering and processing phase. Before we start to design, we collect all the information about the project to use in developing the design. We will work together to identify project goals, program, site constraints, opportunities and develop the project roadmap. This includes information about the site, any existing structure(s), codes, deed restrictions, site utilities, access, budget, schedule, and spatial program.

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Ideas, Exploration, Reality

This is where the rough shape of the building and the ideas are formed. We begin by drafting a narrative for the project, called a ‘parti’, which we’ll reference throughout the project. This seed idea is used to help us make decisions as the project becomes more detailed and better defined. It’s a rulebook of sorts.  Conceptual estimates and duration timelines are also developed, along with fabricator and contractor sources.

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The Instruction Manual

This phase fixes all of the information about the house into a detailed set of drawings and specifications that will be used by the Contractor and/or Fabricator for pricing and construction. Think of it as an instruction manual. Before beginning, we’ll discuss whether you’d like to pursue a bid price contract or a negotiated contract; field or factory fabrication and we’ll craft the drawings and level of detail in those drawings based on those decisions.

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Getting It Built

After the contract is awarded and construction begins, we act as your agent on-site, monitor progress, review applications for payment, and ensure conformance with the contract documents. We don’t tell the contractor how to do his work; We just make sure he’s doing the things he’s contractually promised to do. Upon substantial completion of construction, we will review the work with you and verify any work to be completed or corrected by the contractor before final payment.

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Atelier7 is a full-service sea containers architecture firm.

Design Consultation

The discovery phase. We work together to identify project goals and programs, understand site constraints and opportunities, and form a project road map.

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Budgeting The Project

Budgeting the costs of design and construction is an essential first step to help you avoid surprises and frustration. We will work with you to develop the construction cost and manage the budget throughout the course of the project.

Agency Approvals And Permitting

We are experts at working with local and state jurisdictions in determining the best pathway towards obtaining approval on your container project.  Our goal is to make this an enjoyable process and take the burden of negotiating with building and planning officials away from you.

Documentation

We are a full-service architectural practice using an assortment of digital tools and processes to develop detailed drawings, renderings, specifications, and contracts to build your custom home. With over 30 years of documentation experience and collaborative relationships with major container fabricators, we bring the necessary skill set to accomplish any task.

Handover

We work with you, the contractor, and the permitting agencies and finalize the completion and occupancy of your new home.  From inspection services, warranty cataloging, and final payments to contractors and sub-contractors, we work to ensure a turn-key delivery of your custom sea container home.

Meet our
team

As an architect, designer, developer, our job is to solve design problems and help bring your ideas to reality. We turn recycled shipping containers into tailor-made spaces - new single-family homes, new multi-family, commercial buildings, retail, urban infill, and temporary structures.

Flexible architecture for any dreams and sizes

View all projects

46 Years

Experience

238

Projects

55

Shipping Container Projects

Ask us a question or schedule a consultation call

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Office address

352 University Ave. SW, Suite W128
Atlanta, Georgia 30310

Mailing address

2321 Delverton Dr.
Dunwoody, Georgia 30338