BEFORE DESIGN, DEFINE THE PROBLEM
It is better to prepare and plan under calm waters than navigate and re-work poorly considered issues during the white water rapids of construction. Yet, we see so many people do just that.
Our approach to an architectural 'problem' initially begins with integrated planning and pre-design assessments to confirm requirements and provide project clarity. Our iterative and flexible process seeks to define key objectives to be solved later through the process of design only after a streamlined exploration directly with our clients. Rather than begin with only a few metrics - cost and square footage - we back up and ask intrinsic questions. This moment of pre-design and planning investigation sets a course to illicit the "why, what, where and how" of building design. In this way our team supports a planning process by delivering a well considered strategy before charging ahead without a building program or framework to begin any form of design (or solution making) activities. This effort proves to be of great value over the course of a project - especially when a lack of planning work entails beginning the design process over again at significant cost to clients. We define, then design and do it right the first time.
WE SEARCH FOR DESIGN OPPORTUNITIES RATHER THAN PREDICT THEM
Our working process aims to flesh out design opportunities from project constraints in order to discern the most appropriate solutions for our clients. Ultimately each project must address the very people who will occupy and experience the built work. We are not married to pre-conceived ideas and intentionally call convention into question in an attempt to produce divergent and provocative architectural solutions. We first ask the right questions, rather than predict answers. This approach to making architecture enables people to experience lasting value in our community places and achieve buildings that invigorate daily urban life.
WE THINK AT A VARIETY OF SCALES
We apply what we learn from one project to the next, providing further insight to our growing client base. This diversity of experience keeps us engaged with commissions that include private houses or pavillions in remote areas to larger scale mixed use developments that transform an entire precinct of buildings or campuses. In addition, the relationships we examine are characterized by an informed response to our physical needs and environment. Some of these attributes include landscape or site, an understanding of pervasive cultural attitudes, technology, economics, social relativity, client program, building use and systems, or methods and materials, to name only a few.
WE VALUE TECHNICAL PROFICENCY
We value 'architectural effectiveness' and invest in making a proficient understanding of new construction methods, materials research and emerging modalities of project implementation for better building outcomes and performance. We understand that in order for architecture to be a successful or comprehensive design the achievement of three main criteria - necessity, use (function) and beauty - are essential.
