Jul 10

Jul 10 Mark Foster Gage & Marc Clemenceau Bailly: Redefining Architecture for the Digital Age

Art, Culture, Fashion and Design, Architecture, Creative People

The Visionary Duo Behind Gage/Clemenceau Architects

Mark Foster Gage and Marc Clemenceau Bailly of Gage/Clemenceau Architects are pushing the boundaries of contemporary architecture, blending classical training with cutting-edge digital design. Based in New York’s Lower East Side, their firm has gained recognition for bold, technologically advanced projects that challenge conventional aesthetics. Both graduates of the University of Notre Dame, Gage and Bailly began their careers in high-end classical architecture before shifting toward digital technologies, robotics, and avant-garde design.

"We lost interest in the rigid nuances of classical architecture and wanted to bring flavor back to the blandness of contemporary design."

Breaking into the industry wasn’t easy. Unlike in Europe, where young architects often receive small government commissions, American firms face a "chicken-and-egg" dilemma:

"If you want to design a library, clients ask for 10 previous libraries you’ve built. How do you get your first library? It’s an impossible cycle."

The duo draws inspiration from historical design revolutions:

The Renaissance (15th century)
Industrial Revolution (19th century)
Today’s digital revolution

"Every industry—cars, fashion, graphic design—has embraced digital tools. Architecture is late to the game, so we look beyond our field for ideas."

A conversation with Chris Bangle (former BMW design chief) even influenced their Estonian Academy of the Arts project.

Standout Projects

Stockholm Public Library competition entry
Finalist for MoMA PS1’s Young Architects Program
Estonian Academy of the Arts
High-end private residences

"We only take projects we’re passionate about. Protecting design integrity is everything."

Dream Projects

Virgin Galactic Spaceport – "Space tourism demands entirely new architectural solutions."
A new White House – "The current one’s been irredeemably tainted."

Favorite NYC Haunts & Office Life

Lower East Side – "Density, diversity, and design culture—though it’s getting too trendy."
Their Norfolk Street storefront office once had Richard Gere, Ethan Hawke, and Don Cheadle nearby—"Sadly, none hired us!"

Upcoming Exhibitions & Publications

Architectural League of New York (through August)
Artists Space in SoHo (September)
"Performance Aesthetics" (Princeton Architectural Press) – A deep dive into how conceptual ideas shape physical design.