Local firm turns architecture projects into Great Adventure

Joe Dungan, founder of Great Adventure Architects, regards the company's architects as a team of problem solvers. Dungan opened for business in September 2000 and recruited three additional architects to his firm in September 2002.

The reinvented firm recently opened for business in a downtown location at 301 W. Walnut St.

"Being able to walk to any number of restaurants with clients is a definite perk, plus there's a lot of foot traffic. Everyone stops and looks in, so we get a lot of exposure and name recognition," Dungan said. "Visibility is always a good thing. It's a spot where you can really engage your community. We'd love to be a good neighbor and work on buildings downtown."

The firm focuses on an unconventional approach to the business of architecture.

"Our name is nontraditional," Dungan said. "We wanted to really capture the idea of what we really do: take people's visions and ideas and put substance to them. To me, the great adventure' is being the spark that takes an idea to a reality."

He and his associates designed their workspace to fit their purposes, "If you have a name like Great Adventure Architects, you had better have a great design delivery process. We made the room fit what we are doing, as opposed to just going to a room," said Dungan.

Graduate architect Richard Hughen said one of the problems with the common practice of architecture is the client's lack of involvement.

"Clients become frustrated with the typical process," Hughen said. "They come in and talk to you, go away and when they come back you have some drawings for them. They don't get to see the excitement or magic that went into those drawings. Our office is set up to allow their inclusion in their projects."

The group's recent projects have included the creation of the Welcome Center for the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, residential work in the upcoming Saddlebrooke development, and the design for four "escape" cabins showcased at the Home Builders Association's Home Show.

When working on such projects, Dungan said the firm tries to focus on coordinating the details with the big picture.

"With design the process is to go from the big picture to the little picture and make the little problems match your solution to the big ones," said Dungan.

Ross Summers, executive vice president of the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, said Great Adventure's design of the new Welcome Center is the solution to several problems.

"We wanted to create a new and brighter place for our visitors, and I think we've come out with a quality product as a result of working with this firm," said Summers.

The firm plans on expanding its repertoire to gain expertise in all architectural fields, particularly themed retail, hospitality and resorts.

"I think ultimately (Dungan) is trying to create a professional team that is capable of tackling just about any type of project, that can reach into any of the various fields of architecture and be able to do just about anything," said architect Thomas Laskaris.

Added architect Aaron King: "He definitely has a vision for where he wants this firm to go and none of us would be here if we did not share in that vision."