BUILD 2018 Architecture Awards by AI Global Media

BUILD 2018 Architecture Awards

Best High-End Interior Design Studio - Los Angeles

BUILD Pioneer Award for Environmentally Conscious Architecture & Design: We invited Eric Chan to provide us with a fascinating insight into these projects

We invited Artur Nesterenko to tell us more about the firm and the innovative projects it creates.

Best Residential Architecture Firm - Wyoming & Best Luxury Residential Project (Wyoming): Granite Ridge Residence

JB ARCHITECTS & DESIGNERS LTD

Muka Arquitectura

Officium Design Engineering GmbH Livio Dellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oro Architetto

Diebel and Company I Architects

Aisaka Architects Atelier

Welcome to the BUILD 2018 Architecture Awards Now celebrating its fourth year, the prestigious Architecture Awards return in 2018 to recognise and acknowledge the outstanding works conducted by imaginative designers, engineers and visionaries, whose inspiring and memorable designs and structures enhance our horizons. Focusing on a myriad of disciplines, our awards will strive to recognise and pay tribute to all who fall under the scope of Architecture. As energy efficiency and sustainability have become increasingly vital to modern designs, we will also pay homage to those who continue to design the healthiest and cleanest structures, with an added impetus on creating environmentally safe and friendly buildings. Hannah Stevenson, Editor Phone: +44 (0) 203 970 0082 Email: h.stevenson@aiglobalmedialtd.com Website: www.build-review.com AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility.

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Contents 6. Best High-End Interior Design Studio - Los Angeles - Archillusion Design 8. Best Residential Architecture Firm – Wyoming & Best Luxury Residential Project (Wyoming): Granite Ridge Residence - Ward+Blake Architects 10. Best Architectural Design Company 2018 – Hampshire - Alresford Design & Build 11. Best Full-Service International Architecture Firm - West Coast USA & Best Luxury Californian Residential Project: Wrightview - Ames Peterson 12. Best Full-Service Design Studio – Miami - Bigtime Design Studios 13. Best High-End Residential Architecture Firm – Austria - BKK-3 14. Recognised Leader in Nano House Design – Europe - Blichfeldt Architects 16. Best Architectural Design Practice 2018 – North West England & Best Cumbrian Residential Extension Project: Rawe Cottage - Chetham Architecture Design 18. Best German Early-Education Design Project: It takes Two To Tango - Christoph Hesse Architekten 20. Best Interior Design Company 2018 - East Anglia - Coulby Interiors 22. Best Luxury Design / Build Company 2018 - South West London - Create Bespoke Beauty Ltd 24. Best Commercial Architecture & Design Firm 2018 – Bermuda - De Mello & Associates 25. Best Lighting Design Firm 2018 – Germany - Die Welle 26. Best Multi-Disciplinary Architecture Firm – Spain - Dominguez Sanz + Enrich 27. Best Sustainable Residential Architecture Studio 2018 – Germany & Best Eco-Friendly Residential Project: Stern des Suedens - Fabi Architekten bda 28. Best 3D Visualisation Studio 2018 – Sweden - Fabulous & Amazing Works AB 30. Most Trusted Full-Service Architecture Firm – Texas - Firmitas Design, LLC 31. Best Full Service Architecture Firm 2018 – The Americas - Gomez Vazquez International 32. Best Full-Service HVAC Contractor – Pittsburgh & Best HVAC Design/Build Project (Pennsylvania): NAMS Project & BUILD Award for Client Service Excellence 2018 - Gravener Heating & A/C 33. Architectural Planning Company of the Year 2018 – Austria - HOFRICHTER-RITTER Architects 34. Best Residential Architecture Practice - Midlands & Most Innovative Small Residential Development: Alder House - Hampton Architecture Ltd 36. Best Office Architecture & Interior Design Firm - Central Europe & Best Austrian Office Design Project: C&P Corporate Office - INNOCAD Architectur ZT GmbH 38. Best International Architecture & Engineering Firm 2018 – China - J.A.O. Design International Ltd. 39. Best Hotel Interior Design Project - Hong Kong: The Luxe Manor - JB ARCHITECTS & DESIGNERS LTD 40. Start-Up Design Firm of the Year - Spain/Lebanon & Most Inspiring Residential Project 2018: Columbine Residential Resort - JYH International Architects 41. Best Independent Kitchen & Interior Design Practice - East Midlands & Yorkshire & Best UK Living Space Design Project: Ablet - Kihini Kitchen Studio 42. Best Bespoke Kitchen Furniture Designers - South East England - Kitchen Art of Berkshire Ltd 44. Best Residential Architecture & Interiors Firm 2018 – Berlin & Best Modern Living Renovation Project: Reihenhaus von Bruno Taut - Lena Klanten Architect 46. Best for Industrial Building Projects 2018 – Italy - Livio Dell’oro Architetto 48. Best Sustainable Architecture Practice - North West England & Best Residential Apartments Conversion Project: Clarence Mill, Cheshire - LR-Design 50. Best Luxury Interior Design Boutique – EMEA & BUILD Excellence Award in Luxury Hospitality Interiors 2018 - M Atelier 52. Best Residential Architecture Studio – Southern England - MARLIN Design 54. Best Engineered Stones Installation Specialists – UK & Best Commercial Stone Installation Project: Cinnamon Kitchen Westgate Shopping Centre, Oxford - MKW Surfaces 56. Best Young Architecture Studio 2018 – Spain - Muka Arquitectura 58. Best Art & Museum Exhibition Design Firm 2018 – Germany - Neo.Studio

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60. Specialist Architecture & Engineering Company of the Year 2018 – Germany - Officium Design Engineering GmbH 62. Multi-Disciplinary Architecture & Design Firm of the Year 2018 – Italy -Malaysia & Architect of the Year 2018: Paolo Cucchi – Italy – Malaysia - PCA Architecture sdn bhd 64. Best Residential Architecture & Interior Design Firm - South England - PEEK Architecture + Design 66. Best Full-Service Residential Design Firm 2018 – Canada & Best Canadian Modern-Living Project: Beresford Avenue 283 - Ph.D. Design Inc. 67. Most Innovative Natural Lighting Solution: Suntuitive® Dynamic Glass - Pleotint L.L.C 68. Best High-End Residential Architecture Practice – London - Prestige Architects 69. Best Residential Design & Development Firm – UK - R3Design Developments Ltd 70. Mixed-Use Architect of the Year 2018 - New York - Robert Stanziale, Architect, PC 71. Best Contemporary Home Design Practice – Arizona - Robinette Architects, Inc. 72. Most Innovative Interior Design Practice - Southern England - Sara Slade Interiors 74. Best International Architectural Planning Company 2018 & Best Energy-Efficient Office Project: Innovation Center - SBA Architektur und Stadtebau 76. Best Architectural Ironmongery Company - South East England - SDS London Ltd 78. Best Healthcare Architecture Design Consultancy 2018 - Republic of Ireland - Taylor Architects 80. Timber Architecture Consultants of the Year 2018 – Europe - Timber Design Initiatives 82. Best Interior Design & Architect Firm 2018 – Singapore - TOPOS Architects Pte Ltd 83. Most Client Focused Architectural Design Firm 2018 – Germany - Ueberholz GmbH 84. Most Innovative Architectural Design Firm 2018 – China & Award for Excellence in Large Scale Commercial Developments 2018 – WoWA 85. Most Progressive Architectural Firm 2018 – Iceland & Best Icelandic Corporate Office Design Project: Vodaphone HQ - Yrki arkitektar ehf 86. Best Commercial Interior Design Boutique – London & Award for Excellence in Refurb Project Management - Aylaa Exclusive 88. Architect and Interior Designer of the Year 2018: Annupha Reddy Sarasam – India - DE-TALES Design Studio 90. BUILD Pioneer Award for Environmentally Conscious Architecture & Design - Eric Design Architect Limited 92. Recognised Leaders in Golf Architecture & Design 2018 - Golf Optimum 94. Luxury Urban Housing Designer of the Year 2018 – USA - Optima, Inc. 96. Most Dynamic Architecture Practice 2018 - West Midlands - Building Design Group Ltd. 98. Residential Architects of the Year 2018 - San Francisco Bay Area - Diebel and Company I Architects 99. Best for Nursery & Educational Architecture – Japan - Aisaka Architects Atelier 100. Best Healthcare Architecture Firm 2018 – USA & Best Hospital Project (USA): Phoenix Children’s Hospital - West Pavilion - Hobbs + Black Associates, Inc. 102. Best Residential Interior Design Firm 2018 – London - Jam Space 104. Best Sustainable Design Practice 2018 – UK & Best East Midlands Residential Architecture Project: Marsh Flatts Farm - Justin Smith Architects 106. Best for Hospitality Architecture & Design 2018 – Germany - KITZIG Interior Design 108. Most Innovative Interior Design Studio – London - Laroya & Co 110. Workplace Design Consultancy of the Year 2018 – UK - MCM Architecture Ltd 112. Rex Hawkesworth 113. Best Home Renovation & Extension Design Practice - South England - Sarah Breeze RIBA 114. Best Bavarian Interior Design Firm 2018 – Germany - Stephan Maria Lang Architektengesellschaft mbH 115. Best Interior Design Studio – Hawaii - Archipelago Hawaii Luxury Home Designs 116. Most Innovative Architecture Firm 2018 Basque Country - Barru Arkitektura 118. Best Full-Service Architecture Practice - South England - Alice Poole Architects 120. Best Emerging Boutique Architecture & Design Studio 2018 - China & Best Restaurant Interior Design Project: Boteco, Shanghai - STUDIO DOHO 122. Urbanism & Design Studio of the Year 2018 – Austria & Best Contemporary Residential & Commercial Design Project: Retro67, Beirut, Lebanon - Andrea Vattovani Architecture ZT GmbH

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Best High-End Interior Design Studio - Los Angeles

Archillusion Design is a design-build company based in Los Angeles, that consists of passionate thinkers, visionary designers, architects and builders versed in a variety of markets and building typologies. We invited Artur Nesterenko to tell us more about the firm and the innovative projects it creates. rawing on the vast expertise and experience of its multidisciplinary team, Archillusion Design operates within the fields of architecture, interior design, real estate development, product design, research and technology. The outcome of this integrated process is sophisticated, powerful, high-performance buildings that enrich their surroundings. Artur elaborates on how he and his team work to create truly incredible structures that will enrich the lives of those who use them.

“Here at Archillusion Design, our team is characterized by true collaboration, open information sharing, value-based decision making, entrepreneurial thinking, and proficient use of technology to elevate design. Thanks to this approach, when we work on our projects, we concentrate on all the design points. These include the environment, location, scale, natural light, and circulation. The most significant aspect of our designs is the search for the emotional meaning of the space. This method allows us to bridge the gap between nature, architecture and the bodies that will inhabit this space.

“Additionally, technology is the most critical tool that we use to elevate our designs. Our team at Archillusion Design developed new algorithms that use artificial intelligence to evaluate, optimize and deploy predictive design solutions by analysing available data sources to improve our built environment.” To demonstrate the effectiveness of this integrated, technology focused approach, Artur explores one of the firm’s ongoing projects and how he and his team are working together with their client to ensure success for everyone involved.

“Our latest project is a unique chain of boutique resorts called CasaPlutonia. At this moment, we are developing five exclusive resorts, one of which is currently under construction. Located in the Mojave Desert, California, the first CasaPlutonia resort presented us with the challenge to provide a connection between the natural desert world and the interior space. “Solving this challenge helped us to create a link between nature, human, and architecture. Our team frequently visited the desert in search of inspiration, while analysing and documenting material on plants, trees, rocks, natural resources, and animals. The outcome of this research was an interior space that works with architectural elements, natural light, materiality, and sound that guides visitors on a journey through the resort, both intellectually and physically, where the narrative pushes and pulls at different emotions.” With regards to the future, Artur foresees Archillusion Design adapting around the developments it sees in the housing market in its region to support the local community and craft something truly spectacular, as he is proud to conclude.

“Today, the housing shortage in the City of Los Angeles is a known fact. Existing apartment buildings are designed and built in the last century are far from serving 21st-century lifestyles and trends. As a result, architecture needs to be designed with more creative and environmentally friendly approach to counter new economic and environmental realities of our times. Our firm is working with real estate companies in the Los Angeles region to develop new solutions for creative live/work apartment buildings that would provide environmentally safe design, with parks and playgrounds within the property of the complex. This will offer us many exciting opportunities to drive change for our city, and we look forward to taking advantage of these.”

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Company: Archillusion Design | Contact: Artur Nesterenko Phone: +1.818.497.0256 | Instagram: @archillusion Website: www.archillusion.com

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Best Residential Architecture Firm – Wyoming & Best Luxury Residential Project (Wyoming): Granite Ridge Residence

Ward+Blake Architects was built on a distinctive vision: Be provocative in thought, flexible in nature, and disciplined in execution. Following their success in BUILD’s 2018 Architecture Awards, Amanda Green provides us with an insight into the firm, highlighting their innovate ways and how they strive to achieve excellence in the work they do. stablished in 1996, Ward+Blake has received recognition for architecture that is sensitive to its environment and successfully integrated with its surroundings. The firm creates buildings that are bioclimatically responsible, honestly expressed, technologically sound and artfully crafted. Amanda outlines the firm’s pride in its incredible success.

“On the topic of success, Ward+Blake Architects are extremely pleased to be the recipients of the 2018 Build Architecture Awards. As we are a small firm in the Rocky Mountains in western Wyoming, it is especially gratifying to receive recognition of our work. We think the work speaks to specifics regarding geographic location, climate, and culture, and we always begin designing with these aspects in mind.” Ward+Blake offers full Architectural design services for residential and commercial projects of any scale. The firm focuses on site-specific design, energy conservation, and beauty derived from materiality and accommodation of its client’s needs. Their clientele is international, from all walks of life. The Granite Ridge Residence provided a veritable smorgasbord of design challenges, ranging from an irregularly shaped site that rises sharply from the front to the back, to a microclimate located at the base of Rendezvous Mountain that regularly produces annual snowfalls of two to three meters. Ward+Blake explored new to the area materials, such as board-formed concrete as an alternative to a masonry veneer, as it has the visual strength to stand up to the rugged alpine environment, while providing a subtle texture which catches the light filtering through the trees. The cedar cladding upstairs is a variation of indigenous log structures one encounters in the mountains, with the fine finish on the wood being a counterpoint to rustic native log work. The concrete form of the garage provides a strong foreground while the strength and rigidity of the material provides resistance to earthquake forces typically found in this location.

“Our design process begins with client input, it is then filtered by physical demands presented by the site and is further informed by elements found in the local building culture. This implies a linear progression, but, these pursuits happen simultaneously, and the hierarchy of design elements gradually sort themselves out” explains Tom Ward. Obviously, this process is initially chaotic, but order is established once the hierarchy is set. In mid-process the technology demanded by the

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design solution becomes apparent and it is then incumbent to solve these challenges while retaining the integrity of the initial design. This is where the rubber hits the road and an area where the firm feels they excel. While design is the foremost priority at Ward+Blake Architects, they feel that building science should never take a backseat as to how well the building serves its end user is a critical measure of a projects success. There is an absolute need to provide a reliable, efficient and comfortable environment and that never is given casual attention. The firm takes a conservative approach to Green Architecture such as utilizing ground source heat pumps as an elegant way to heat and cool a building. Using latent heat found in both the earth’s crust and ground water is a very satisfying and cost-effective way to reduce energy consumption. Components such as super insulated building envelopes, high efficiency glass, and heat recovery ventilation systems retain energy used with in the structures and make their buildings use a fraction of the energy required only ten years ago.

“Our process is the same whether we are working in a rural or an urban context, in that we are always looking to place our structures in such a way that they speak to their location and respond to specifics of their site.” says Mr. Ward. Tom goes on the explain “we are practicing in a relatively undeveloped portion of the country, the building vernacular is being challenged by building typology informed by technology and definitively toward modernism, and we are always attempting to fuse these influences with some of the building techniques that have been utilised here since people started homesteading in this area at the turn of the last century. The original homesteading settlers used cuts of sod as roofing to shelter themselves from the elements. This material was used because it was expedient to do so. We now use it for more conceptual reasons. It still shelters the structures from the elements, but it also slows the percolation of storm water runoff reducing the destructive effects of erosion. It places a building firmly onto its site by using native plant material. These plants also respond to environmental conditions such as rain fall, and the passing of the seasons, thus providing a dynamic quality to the structures. This design sensitivity is augmented using state of the art communication, data processing and mechanical systems, so that no function of the house harks back to before the last century!” Principal Mitch Blake explains “Technology has been a real boon to our industry in that we are able to communicate with clients and fabricators all over the world to ensure first that the design meets our

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Contact: Amanda Green Company: Ward+Blake Architects Address: 200 E. Broadway, Jackson, Wyoming, 83002, USA Telephone: 001 307 733 6867 Web Address: www.wardblakearchitects.com

client’s requirements, and that there is tech available to produce and optimise each component of the finished design. We utilise BIM in the production of the construction documents, and it isn’t uncommon to see electronic notepads replacing paper drawings on our jobsites. VR is the way of the future and modeling the building inclusive of its systems will become commonplace, while design, engineering, and construction time frames will become compressed. Certain building systems will become modularised, resulting in the use of standardised components.” Tom Ward interjects “Hopefully someone will invent a new less cumbersome method of mixing and delivering concrete!” Ward+Blake feels the goal of utilising this science and technology is to create better Architecture. The science and technology alone are not enough. Tom and Mitch agree that “Great architecture still requires an insightful use of intuition and an understanding of the inherent need for shelter and accommodation. The architype doesn’t require re-invention, nor does it require pedantic references to the past. We feel great architecture lies in the grey zone where the two intersect. Breaking the box regarding architype and formulaic design will always produce a more relevant building.” Tom continues “Fortunately for us people still respond to natural light, great views, human scale, texture, colour and the myriad of other sensory inputs that compose the kaleidoscope of life. Thus, siting a building is still the first important set of decisions to make. This includes understanding the determinants that inform a buildings design, such as topography, view corridors, solar exposure, directions of prevailing winds, location of storm paths, type and season of precipitation, analysing these elements relative to a client’s, building program are first steps employed by Ward+Blake Architects before pen touches paper or mouse touches pad.”

being mindful of an ability of the structure to evolve over time by being adaptable as ownership or technology changes over time. These ideas return to the design criteria governed by budget requiring the budget be analysed with respect to initial cost as well as life-cycle cost over time. We feel this conversation circles back to the Green content in a building’s design and specification.” Overall, the firm has success, but is keen to draw on the past to improve itself even further over the years to come. In the 1960’s, Erich Fromme coined a word that is being used more frequently these days. The word is Biophilic. It describes a hypothetical need interact or be closely associated with other forms of life in nature. This concept is gaining traction across the globe as an example of increasing awareness of the effect of humanity on the capacity of the earth’s ability to sustain life. The principles of design embodied by the work of Ward+Blake attempts to address this idea by rooting a building to its site and providing tangible links from the Architecture to the Land. They think it will provide a sense of wellness along with tangible returns in building ownership. A healthy mind, a healthy body and a healthy pocketbook are lofty goals to try and achieve by as humble a profession as Architecture, but they are worth accomplishing as far as Ward+Blake is concerned, and their goal is to accomplish this one building at a time.

Tom and Mitch go on to discuss that “as the building design fleshes out, discussions take place that establish various quality, performance and cost issues. Invariably, the concept of Green Design parameters works their way into the conversation. Metrics are applied, and appropriate technologies to employ are established. We try to consider a notion of Green Design into a project that does not have any known metric that can be applied-quality. We think of the quality of a building affects the life span of a building. What could be Greener and more planet respective that a structure that avoids being placed in a landfill after only a generation of use? Bestowing a building with this sense of quality in design as well as materiality will help keep it out of a landfill, as will

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Company: Alresford Design & Build Contact: Gary White Address: 1A Bakehouse Yard, West Street, Alresford, Hants SO24 9AU. Website: www.alresforddesignandbuild.co.uk

Best Architectural Design Company 2018 - Hampshire

Alresford Design & Build is a creative architectural design specialist. We invited Senior Design Consultant Gary White to tell us more about the firm and the range of projects it undertakes. ounded on providing a personal high-level service for the residential house market, Alresford Design & Build offers a range of design, planning and building solutions to meet the needs of its valued clients. Gary shares the firm mission and how he works to achieve this.

This approach has been successful, and today the firm boasts a wide range of projects whose outcomes have met the clients’ needs and exceeded their expectations. Gary shares an example of one such success story and explores how he combined his expertise with the requirements of the client to create a truly unique outcome.

“Here at Alresford Design & Build, our mission is to provide a high standard of service. I find this is achieved by having a technical construction background and providing a personal service to my clients. I draw on this to support every client, and begin each project by listening carefully to the client’s brief, and then utilising my experience to advise them on the opportunities that they may not be aware of. I then work hard on the designs and utilise my knowledge to approach the constraints and opportunities that we are confronted with throughout a project.”

“My latest project was to provide a house buyer with a contemporized and highly sustainable approach to an existing late 80’s early 90’s property set in 16 acres of outstanding Hampshire countryside. The owners brief was to provide a sustainable home whilst exploring the contemporary design options available to the existing structure and its setting within the countryside. This has been achieved by major internal structural alterations, obtaining planning approval to for a two storey fully glazed gabled entrance central to the front elevations, with a new internal enclosed spiral staircase adding architectural interest and a focal point to the property when entering.

“The wonderful views across the upper Bighton Forestry Belt of Hampshire can be seen from deep within the property especially from the first-floor gallery landing overlooking the spiral staircase. The low emissive glazing to the entrance and the rest of the property will reflect the surrounding countryside when approached from the outside. Sustainability is achieved by installing a Ground Source Heat pump, Roof mounted Solar Hot Water Panels and Photovoltaic Panels to the South facing rear of the property.” Ultimately, Alresford Design & Build has achieved incredible success over recent years, and going forward Gary and his team will focus on continuing to develop their service offering to ensure the firm’s ongoing growth and success.

“Moving forward, my focus is on continuing to learn about the designbuild market to enhance my knowledge, which will help me to utilise new technologies, explore greater design opportunities, continue to maintain a person service and to create valuable living spaces for my future clients.”

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Company: Ames Peterson International Contact: Shawn Peterson Address: 9255 W. Sunset Blvd., Suite 1000, West Hollywood, CA 90069 Phone: 424-278-1125 Web Address: www.amespeterson.com

Best Full-Service International Architecture Firm - West Coast USA & Best Luxury Californian Residential Project: Wrightview

Ames Peterson International is a full-service firm working with developers and property owners around the world to design commercial, residential, multi-family, and mixed-use projects. Co-Founder Shawn Peterson talks us through the firm and the range of services it provides. mes Peterson International is the partnership of Shane Ames and Shawn Peterson, and the team is on a mission to transform properties into environments that feel effortlessly elegant. The firm’s unique designs can be found across six continents, 30 countries, and over 40 US states. Shawn explores the secrets behind this incredible success and how the company works to ensure clients always receive the support and service they expect.

the drive and its supporting stone columns give it a sense of strength and prominence that define its entry. We are incredibly proud of the success of this project, and thank Jason Green of 2Form for trusting us to bring his design to life. Ames Peterson looks forward to undertaking even more successful projects with 2Form over the coming years.”

“As a modern firm, here at Ames Peterson International we are 100% digital, using the latest software to develop plans, create realistic renderings, and host virtual meetings with clients, vendors, and contractors. We encourage our clients to utilize social photo sharing websites to develop a portfolio of the exact aesthetic they prefer, which is then reviewed during our virtual meetings. “To make sure that every client gets the most out of our partnership we work closely with our clients during all phases of the project, and oversee every detail from wish list to punch list. This level of attention ensures our clients receive the results they expect and deserve. We believe in open, honest communication with our clients and vendors for fast conflict resolution.” In his concluding comments Shawn outlines the firm’s Wrightview project which the judges for the Architecture Awards singled out for recognition, and shares how the firm worked to ensure that the project was a triumph.

“The Wrightview project was a labor of love between Ames Peterson and Jason Green at 2Form. Jason came to us with a vision to do an addition and remodel on a traditional home, converting it into a stunning modern oasis with an open-floor plan and contemporary finishes. Helping him design and permit a modern home that fit aesthetically in a traditional neighborhood was a challenge, but our team rose to the occasion. The result is a magnificent, modern update to a single-level shed roof home. The sweeping rooflines of the house come towards you as you approach

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Company: Bigtime Design Studios Contact: Callin Fortis Address: 8425 Biscayne Blvd. Suite 2, Miami, Florida, 33138, USA Phone: 001 305 758 4566 Website: www.bigtimedesignstudios.com

Best Full-Service Design Studio - Miami

Bigtime Design Studios is a Miami-based boutique hospitality design firm focused on hotel design, restaurant design, and nightclub design with projects spanning the globe, as we discover when we profile the practice.

ward winning Bigtime Design Studios provides a seamless combination of design, environmental art, fashion, music, branding and creativity. As a result of this innovative approach, Bigtime Design is most known for high concept, high style public space environments.

Designers are drawn to stylish visuals that command attention and leave a lasting impression, as the firm’s primary goal is always thoughtful solutions that effectively communicate the essential spirit of space. The team constantly strive for design that not only exudes style, but is also functional and consistent with the brand experience. The thread that binds all good design whether a custom piece of mill work, a watch or an exclusive hospitality environment is a unique expression of each client’s message delivered in a practical, scalable format. The studio’s recent projects include a re-imagining of the iconic Postcard Inn Resort in Islamorada, Florida, which included all public space and F&B on the property as well as the guest rooms and private cottages. The Queue blurs the line as a modern uptake on residential apartment living that embraces a unique, boutique hotel vibe. Other notable award winning projects include Boatyard Restaurant, Washington Park Hotel on Miami Beach, Township Restaurant, and Taste Kitchen on Las Olas Boulevard. Additionally, the firm has also completed a rooftop food and beverage concept that was first to market in Fort Lauderdale. This innovative project was nominated for an HD Award and currently a Restaurant & Bar Awards Shortlisted entrant amongst some of the best firms in the business. Some of the challenges where logistic, such as how to create “interior architecture” in an exterior space. To achieve this, the firm designed a massive steel keyhole structure that could not be assembled on site but had to be craned to the roof. Creating an exterior garden concept with an urban sensibility complete with a “Central Park” and intimate zones to create circulation in an otherwise massive typical building rooftop.

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Bigtime has also completed numerous nightclub, bar and restaurant projects including, the iconic nightclub brand crobar, Cameo Miami, Gatecrasher UK, Ristorante Angelina, Exit, Frank’s, Glow, Hi Tops, Kaboom, Neo, Oo-La-La!, Tequila Roadhouse, Vinyl, America’s Backyard and Watusi. The common thread in all of the firm’s work is the sociology of good design. As part of its commitment to creating excellence, Big Time Design is a collaborative studio: a team of creative artists, consultants, designers, and nightlife/hospitality experts and tastemakers. The studio utilizes a unique design ethos where oversized objects create the experience, while the human-size details evoke a personal connection and create a lasting memory. Looking ahead, Bigtime Design Studios has a bright future ahead as it continues to create innovative projects that will amaze and inspire.

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Company: BKK-3 Contact: Arch. Franz Sumnitsch Address: Missindorfstrasse 10/4, A-1140 Wien, Austria Email: mail@bkk-3.com Website: www.bkk-3.com

Best High-End Residential Architecture Firm - Austria

BKK-3 is an innovative Austrian architecture firm dedicated to creating innovative solutions for its clients. We profile the firm to find out more and explore the secrets behind the success that it has achieved since inception.

KK-3 offers a range of services to clients across the commercial and residential markets. The firm also undertakes a range of cultural and master planning projects, contributing to the infrastructure of some of Austria’s key cities.

Working collaboratively, the firm aims to create architecture that is codeterminative, interactive and fun. Housing satisfaction in BKK-3’s properties is above average and based on the team’s understanding of actual user needs.

cities designed with short distances to and from each building, as well as meaningful content and innovative ideas for urban design. Operating from two offices, one in Vienna and one in Hamburg, the firm serves a range of clients across Germany and Austria, creating innovative buildings, cities and infrastructure that will stand the test of time. Overall, BKK-3’s with its architecture is achieving responsible planning for the future, as well as intergenerational planning so that the future of the planet looks as bright as that of the company.

When creating infrastructure and cultural projects, the firm aims for its cities to be compact, formative and inspiring. The team are planning for

Date: November 01, 2016 | Category: VIE, 2016, Competition, Masterplan

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Company: Blichfeldt Architects PassiveHouse & BTB Feng shui Designers Address: Wesselsgade. 5, 2200 Copenhagne N, Denmark Phone: +45 317 300 70 Website: blichfeldt-arkitekter.dk

Recognised Leader in Nano House Design - Europe

Blichfeldt Architects offers its clients the very latest solutions and the highest possible quality of architectural design services. We profile the firm to find out more about how it has come to epitomise Danish style and innovation.

lichfeldt Architects undertakes a wide range of projects and project management work in the construction of well-known building projects, specialising in the renovation of commercial buildings, property and housing in central Copenhagen.

Additionally, the firm participates in design and development projects and develop new products when required in a construction process or in accordance with applicable legislation. The team have worked in particular with new forms of housing cooperation and with rational system solutions to create concrete structures, steel and glass structures. The team’s approach is holistic regardless of the nature, extent and condition of the assignment. Their focal point is focus on people and the good architecture. As such, the team focus on creating beautiful craftsmanship and find the best solutions within the framework of what is tuned and budgeted into the project economy. As part of this holistic approach, Founder Bo Blichfeldt is a Certified Feng Shui consultant, specialising in Healing Architecture. Healing architecture is a design concept that represents the vision that the architecture affects human wellbeing and that architecture can therefore contribute to strengthening and / or promoting a healing process of the individual. The basic idea is not that the architecture can cure alone, but that the architectural design expressed in the daylight quality, the atmosphere of the room, colors, sound and the ability to be private and safe can support the healing that takes place both physically and psychologically. Ultimately, through their projects, Blichfeldt Architects’s aims to enhance human well-being in a beautiful and well-functioning framework, and this will remain the firm’s ongoing focus as it looks towards a bright future filled with exciting opportunities. The team believes that ‘A housing must live up to the dreams of its owner - and work in everyday life’, and this is what it strives towards with every project it undertakes.

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Friede & Associates Global Excellence Awards Construction Contractor of the Year for Wisconsin - 2017

The Design-Build Team at Friede & Associates is proud to be the most awarded general contractor in Wisconsin.

500 Utility Court Reedsburg, Wisconsin 53959 608-524-4383 www.friede.com

The Excitement Is Building!ÂŽ

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Company: Chetham Architecture Design Contact: Tim Chetham Address: Tree Tops Studio, Arnside, Carnforth, Cumbria, LA5 0EG, UK Phone: 01524 761820 Website: www.chethamarchitecturedesign.co.uk

Best Architectural Design Practice 2018 – North West England & Best Cumbrian Residential Extension Project: Rawe Cottage

Chetham Architecture Design (CAD) is a small architectural practice, located on the edge of the Lake District National Park, between Kendal and Lancaster. WE profiled the firm as we go behind the scenes to find out more about the company’s ongoing success and current projects. ased in Cumbria, Chetham Architecture Design is registered with both the Architects Registration Board and the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists. The company specialises in bespoke extensions, conversions and alterations to existing buildings throughout Cumbria and Lancashire.

Brimming with expertise, CAD can provide the full-range of architectural services from conception through to completion, and Tim Chetham makes sure himself that clients are kept up-to-date throughout the whole process, operating with transparency and integrity. Versatile and adaptable, the firm’s offerings include Building Surveys, Planning Applications, Listed Building Consent, Building Regulations

Approval and Contract Administration. Adopting a personal approach to each individual case, Tim guides the clients through each stage of the building process, ensuring that customers’ expectations are constantly exceeded. Due to vast array of services that the firm offers, CAD’s projects range from barn conversions and renovations of historic buildings, to updating 1980’s bungalows, showing Tim’s adaptability, however, many projects are domestic extensions, on a tight budget. Tim told us how it feels to have been selected as the Best Architectural Design Practice 2018 in North West England, and also for working on the Best Cumbrian Residential Extension Project, Rawe Cottage.

“Honestly, it is nice to receive recognition for this type of work, which is often in the shadow of the larger and more glamorous projects featured in the architectural press. However, good design at this scale can make a real difference to both the occupants and the wider environment.” Evaluating the projects that he has undertaken since CAD was established, Tim tells us about two renovation projects that he is currently working on, and why they are interesting, particularly from the view of an architect.

“Currently, the architecture firm is involved with several renovation projects, including two 17th Century Farmhouses, and this is important to Tim, as historic properties such as these have often had many inappropriate alterations over the years, most of which need to be remedied. This can range from poor quality materials, which are damaging the existing fabric of the building, to the ‘stylistic’ errors of the time.” Making sure he always manages to reach the right result, Tim is careful that he is sympathetic to the historic nature of the property and setting, whilst making them suitable for modern living. In the cases of the projects

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that he has currently undertaken, this can include using sustainable materials and renewable energy sources which help him to reduce the environmental footprint of the building. Ultimately, the architecture industry has seen some fascinating developments arise in recent years, and Tim is hopeful that these advances will continue throughout the sector in the near future. He is keen to emphasise that CAD adopts an environmentally friendly approach to all its work, and this is evident in the projects that he has completed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As people are becoming more aware of the impact of their actions on the environment, this is becoming an increasingly important part of the projects. However, this does not mean that the architectural design needs to be restricted. Good architecture should lift the spirit, as well as meet the requirements of the brief and regulations. This is the philosophy of Chetham Architecture Design and is hopefully going to stand the practice in good stead for the future.â&#x20AC;?

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Company: Christoph Hesse Architects Contact: Christoph Hesse Address: Am Hauptbahnhof 12, 34497 Korbach, Germany Phone: 0049 05631 501 45 76 Website: www.christophhesse.eu

Best German Early-Education Design Project: It takes Two To Tango

Christoph Hesse Architects Christoph Hesse Architekten is the architectural practice of renowned Architect and Urban Designer Christoph Hesse. We profile Christoph and his work to gain a fascinating insight into the projects he and his team undertake.

or Christoph Hesse, the truth lies in the ground. His architecture is marked by an intrinsic knowledge of the connection between nature and human living surroundings, resulting in a profound sense for the inner quality of a space. His design, equally dynamic and organic, makes for award- winning architecture. A piece of memory – an intuitive feeling for a place, certain wishes or a personal longing, of such nature are important aspects that for Christoph Hesse Architects come to life in pre-planning talks with builders and investors. They then become the initial spark, influencing the design as a whole and forming a line through the entire process, right up to handover.

The firm believes that to win the Build 2018 Architecture Award is a great honour because the early-education project “It takes two to tango” stands for an intensive examination of the right balance between “vita contemplativa” and “vita activa”. This approach orbits all projects by Christoph Hesse Architects in a common spirit, but in a highly individualized way. They are a plea for a design that draws inspiration from the individuality of the client. A feeling of attachment to his rural home has always been of importance for Christoph. Though he did not shy away from taking a couple of years away from Europe, he eventually returned to his very own corner of the world in North Hesse where he opened his own office in 2008 in the town of Korbach. Christoph Hesse, born 1977, grew up in the highland area of Sauerland, Germany and received a Diploma in Architecture from ETH Zurich and a Master of Architecture in Urban Design with Distinction from Harvard University. In order to share his expertise and knowledge with the wider architecture community, Christoph frequently lectures at conferences and universities in Europe, America, and Southeast Asia and teaches at universities such as University of Kassel, TU Darmstadt, University of Architecture Saigon,

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Harvard University, and Cairo University. Christoph Hesse Architects nowadays work in a compact team of 15 – a number which, as he puts it, allows close contact and a reliable connection with each client and project. His engaging approach is also mirrored in the choice of material and a matter-of-fact approach to sustainability and responsibility for future generations. Here, the interactive play of light, form and shadow finds its most expressive shape. Ultimately, to yield power from the ground and from the nature surrounding us is, for Christoph Hesse, of greater importance than outward sustainability measures. Rather, they are inbuilt as a matter of course. To provide for the next generation, to find solutions for a fruitful work and life balance, these are aspects that ultimately lead to projects such as “It takes two to tango” for a recreational area in Sauerland. Moving forward he and his team will be seeking to undertake even more innovative projects such as this.

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Company: Coulby Interiors Contact: Rebecca Coulby Address: Wood Farm, Bungay Road, Loddon, Norfolk, NR14 6DZ, UK Phone: 01508 292029 Website: www.coulbyinteriors.co.uk

Best Interior Design Company 2018 - East Anglia

Coulby Interiors is an innovative interior design specialist based in Norfolk. We spoke to Founder Rebecca Coulby to gain an insight into the work she and her dedicated team undertake and the techniques they employ to ensure every project is a success.

stablished in 2010, Coulby Interiors specialises in all aspects of interior design, from kitchens, bathrooms, living spaces, extensions and whole house renovations. Rebecca proudly shares how she came to create the firm and how far it has come over the past eight years.

dedicated builders and tradespeople, many of whom have been with us since our establishment. Over the years we have designed for clients in Norfolk, Suffolk, London and internationally and we pride ourselves on offering a personal of level of service with careful consideration of our individual client requirements and budgets.”

“When I first started Coulby Interiors I had a clear vision. I strongly believed there was a real demand in the market for a company that was able to truly offer one complete interiors service. A service encompassing professional interior design, through to the supply of all products and materials with a full and comprehensive project management service overseeing in-house build and installation teams. My aim was that this same level of service would be offered irrespective of the size of project, from a small bathroom through to a complete house renovation or extension.

Having worked on a variety of projects for a vast array of clients, Rebecca has come to define her approach to interior design and pass this on to her team. She talks us through her approach in detail and highlights how she constantly works to ensure harmony between what her clients want and the space they have.

“Since inception we have been working towards this aim, and the company is now a family business with three teams of highly skilled and

“Personally, my design philosophy is simple; to create the best possible design for my client’s interior for their budget. My ultimate aim is to improve the quality of life for whoever will be enjoying the space I have designed. I believe every interior space should be considered and designed holistically to ensure the best possible use of the space. I feel very strongly that the interior space should dictate the exterior and not the other way around as is so often the case. At the very least, the interior should be designed in conjunction with the exterior of the building. All too often I am having to work backwards or make alterations to floor plans to accommodate my client’s requirements for the interior space. This belief may be something I have inherited from my father, and architect and interior designer. “In the same way that the interior should be designed in conjunction with the exterior, the individual rooms of a home should all be considered, even if it is only one room I am designing. There needs to be a sense of flow and the new space must work with all other existing rooms in order to achieve the best possible functionality. Equally, I always pay equal attention to negative spaces such as walkways and voids within walls, as well as the positive space. Functionality is of course, key and this is achieved through attention to detail and exploring every possible design opportunity.

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“All of these factors can only be achieved by spending a considerable amount of time getting to know and understand each and every client, their own individual needs, wants, and constraints. Taking time initially to learn this is key to my design work that follows. As such, our service begins with a telephone conversation and then a non-obligation design consultation. Once we have an agreement on budget and initial design proposals, the surveys and design work can begin. I produce a detailed and comprehensive design presentation including all elevations, plans with notes and measurements, together with a detailed material and product selection, colour palettes and HD quality graphics in which I am able to incorporate my client’s views from their windows, light direction, and even their paintings and artwork. This presentation is invaluable for my clients to truly visualise how their new interior will look.” Once any small amendments are then made, my teams can get to work to make these designs a reality.The project management aspect to

our service is vital to achieving the best possible end result, with good communication at the heart. Looking ahead, Rebecca is keen to build on the success that Coulby Interiors has already achieved by continuing to offer the high quality service offering that she cultivated since she first started the firm, as she proudly concludes.

“Ultimately, the best part of my work is to see my designs realised, and my clients happy, many of whom we keep in touch with. Testament to this is in the large percentage of our work gained through recommendation and repeat business. Over the years to come my entire team at Coulby Interiors will be working hard to ensure we continue to offer our clients the exceptional service we have come to pride ourselves on so that they will continue to work with us.”

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Company: Create Bespoke Telephone: 0203 642 5066. Web Address: www.createbespoke.co.uk

Best Luxury Design / Build Company 2018 - South West London

Create Bespoke are experts in design and build, specialising in bespoke and luxury finishes. They tell stories through space, materials and creative engineering. Each project says something unique. We profile the firm to find out more about how they are able to create such innovative designs. inning the Best Luxury Design/Build Award in the 2018 Architecture Awards has firmly established Create Bespoke as one of London’s leading design and build specialists. With a solid reputation for quality, care and consideration in everything they do, combined with impeccable customer service and an exceptional standard of finish, they are gaining many referrals from highly satisfied customers.

In addition to private clients they also work with a growing number of architects, interior designers, developers and high-end construction companies on increasingly exciting and ambitious projects.

suppliers to provide an individually tailored approach with exceptional attention to detail and a focus on unique, quality service. Why Create Bespoke? The team has over 50 years combined experience across all aspects of design, construction, engineering, interior finishes and also project management, marketing and business development. Since its inception in February 2015, Create Bespoke has completed numerous projects covering a full range of work from individual design pieces to full building renovation.

Who Is Create Bespoke? Create Bespoke is a team of passionate, professional, friendly, likeminded individuals made up of highly skilled creative designers and architects, master crafts-people, experienced builders and expert project managers.

They have a highly customer-focused approach which involves working very closely with their clients to ensure the brief is both true to their vision but also realistic, achievable and sustainable, in terms of time, budget, execution and environmental factors. Strong Foundations

They share the belief that a person’s environment can have a profound effect on their state of mind and that with the right combination of vision and creative precision, spaces can be transformed into whatever you want - inspiring, stimulating, spacious, cosy, peaceful, soothing. As Andy Young, Create Bespoke’s founder puts it, “If our clients can imagine it, we can create it.” He goes on to explain, “Our mission is to combine bespoke, skilled craftsmanship and exceptional quality finishes with sound construction and engineering practices and secondto-none customer service, in order to create beautiful spaces which fulfil and exceed our clients’ vision for their home and work environments.” In addition to their own highly skilled and professional team, Create Bespoke collaborate with a number of specialist designers and

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From kitchen and bathroom installation and small-scale extensions and refurbishments, Create Bespoke’s project work has grown to encompass

major custom joinery projects, large-scale refurbishments, as well as increasingly ambitious and exciting demolition and rebuild contracts.

are also collaborating with key designers to produce stunning ranges across ironmongery, lighting and luxury fittings.

Their extensive project experience has allowed them to bring together a range of like-minded creative designers and skilled craftspeople, all of whom are experts in their fields and are highly passionate about their work. In doing so, they have built a vast wealth of expertise, a strong portfolio of high quality work and an expansive, yet highly detailed knowledge of current trends and client requirements.

Andy commented, “It’s an exciting time for Create Bespoke as we build on our skills and experience with increasingly ambitious new projects, in addition to branching out into new areas with our exciting new product ranges”.

The project work forms the foundations of Create Bespoke, effectively showcasing their skills and expertise. Some of their recent projects have attracted considerable media interest: Their rear extension and full refurbishment at Chestnut Road was selected to appear in New London Architecture and the impressive Ladbroke Square and Braxted Park projects featured in Estila Magazine. Creative expression A key part of Create Bespoke’s ethos is to encourage and nurture creativity and founder Andy Young has always had a keen interest and passion for the Arts. His ‘copper tree’ sculptures, inspired by the beauty and complexity of nature, have featured in a variety of settings including House of Peroni, Somerset House, Kew Gardens and his most recent pieces are currently on display at the Hannah Peschar Sculpure Garden in Surrey. Future Plans Building on their design expertise and creative flair, Create Bespoke have exciting plans moving forward that will make the most of the talented people they have within the company and their new home technology and audio visual division is due to launch soon. In addition to this, they are developing their own kitchen and joinery ranges and

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Company: De Mello & Associates Contact: Dennis DeMello Address: 38A Long Bay Lane, Somerset, Sandys, MA04, Bermuda Phone: 001 441 334 8821

Best Commercial Architecture & Design Firm 2018 - Bermuda

De Mello & Associates DeMello & Associates is a professional Architectural and Structural Engineering company based in Bermuda. We caught up with Dennis DeMello to find out more and explore the secrets behind the firm’s incredible success.

rawing on its vast experience in the architectural market, DeMello & Associates is a complete design and build company working with clients based around the world seeking innovative design, new ideas and concepts. Dennis explains how the firm works to support these clients and provide them with the outcome they need.

“At DeMello & Associates, we believe that creating composite engineered materials is key for construction feasible structures that function in sync with its surroundings. As such, we approach every project with an objective mind and focus on the façade fenestration and performance. We provide an artistic architectural and engineering program that differentiates us from most competitors. “To ensure excellence for our clients we are an 100% digital company, from concept design works to construction documents ready for 3D

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Printing. We are proud of the program matrix system used to assist engineering a perfect built environment, which has led to many successful projects.” Looking to the future, Dennis discusses the latest developments in the industry which DeMello & Associates will be exploring in order to remain at the very forefront of the latest market developments and continue to offer clients the service they expect.

“Overall, the future is bright, as we make use of modern technologies (Parametrization) and improve on old building design systems. 3D printing and composite engineering of new building materials is a key trend we will be keeping an eye on to ensure that we offer clients cutting edge services.”

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Company: Die Welle Contact: Sonja Bruckner Address: Kemptener Str. 14, D-87448 Waltenhofen, Germany Phone: 0831 5126 707 Web Address: www.licht-raum-klang.com

Best Lighting Design Firm 2018 - Germany

LICHT RAUM KLANG provides light planning and smart home integration. We profile the firm to find out more about the range of services the firm has to offer.

ith the right lighting, furnishings and smart technology, LICHT RAUM KLANG can create expressive living and experience spaces tailored to meet the individual needs of each client. The firm’s certified lighting designers and designers can offer something special because they incorporate the human touch into their designs, using their own experience to create something truly innovative and inspired.

Thanks to the team’s keen instinct for light and sound, LICHT RAUM KLANG develops individual and therefore unique lighting and acoustics concepts with simple, intelligent control systems. The aim is that customers experience spaces with all their senses. Therefore, the team always focus on their wishes and expectations. Upon request, they can

even take over from the very beginning to the end and cooperate with their partners or its own network of experts. Supporting a range of clients around the world, the firm works across a range of sectors including hospitality firms such as restaurants, spas, and hotels, as well as office, retail and private clients. Ultimately, LICHT RAUM KLANG offers digital living comfort tailored to meet its clients’ individual needs. Easy to use via installed buttons, touch panels or their smartphones /tablets, the concept is based on the cross-spatial, digital networking of lighting, entertainment and shading function to the integration of cross-industry components for a perfect comfort. Moving forward, the firm will continue to innovate and adapt its solutions to ensure it remains at the forefront of emerging developments in this fast paced industry.

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Company: Dominguez Sanz + Enrich Contact: Antonio Dominguez Address: Av. Fuencarral 44. Edificio 4A Loft 30, Madrid Spain Phone: +34 608 48 65 30 Web: www.dominguezsanzenrich.com

Best Multi-Disciplinary Architecture Firm - Spain

DO MIN GUEZ SANZ + EN RICH ARCHITECTURE+DESIGN

Dominguez Sanz + Enrich is an international multidisciplinary studio focused on the contemporary practice of architecture and design in different countries. Antonio Dominguez tells us more about the firm and its service offering. ith two main offices, one in Madrid and the other one in Mexico City, Dominguez Sanz + Enrich offers its vast experience to clients around the world. Antonio explores the firm’s service offering and how it works to provide its clients with truly spectacular outcomes they can be proud of.

“Here at Dominguez Sanz + Enrich, we work with all kind of projects, ranging from low income housing, residential – high end, cultural, and mixed-use projects. We also self-develop residential projects with the intention of making the living spaces for people a unique place. We have a strong interest in low income housing, trying to make a game change giving design not just to the high-end housing projects. “Clients often approach the firm with huge ambitions leading us to create bespoke solutions from iconic to rational and unique projects. We had been involved in several projects lately, one it was a housing tower in a really narrow plot where we came with a result of stunning apartments with really nice areas mixing quality and budget. We had to overcome the idea of designing a unique project for the market being in budget and with the best design. our firm is really proud of our way to solve a client’s problem or a site issue with good design and always ending with projects that exceed the client and everyone’s expectations, creating truly unique spaces.” As evidenced, the philosophy of the firm is to pursue excellence in design from freedom, creative diversity, knowledge and innovation by incorporating team development skills and experience of all its members. Its team consists from architects and designers to different departments all specialized in all areas of architecture and design. The multi-disciplinary team allows the firm to offer a unique approach, which Antonio outlines for us.

“Architecture and design are for us complementary disciplines that enrich each other and in many ways, they are inseparable. We initiate

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any work attending to all the parameters that contain it with the aim of achieving a result with maximum clarity, simplicity, order and harmony. The development process, carried out by a fully involved multidisciplinary team, is carried out under an idea that articulates all our work: ‘Places you want to experience’. We take care of the process as much as the result, that’s why the experience of a project covers from the minute zero until its materialization. The constants of our work are the search for simplicity, harmony, serenity, timelessness, atmosphere, universality, contextualization. Any project is the consequence of a path that starts from the needs of a client.” Overall, the future looks bright for Dominguez Sanz + Enrich, as Antonio is happy to conclude.

“Currently, we are working really hard to expand our work to other countries and to open new offices in the north of Europe. We are working at the moment in different residential projects from luxury residences, private houses and housing in Mexico and Norway. We are also getting back into competitions to get involved with public buildings. Having already gained a big following and attention we will be able to build a solid foundation to face the future of the office.”

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Company: fabi architekten bda PartGmbb Contact: Stephan Fabi Address: Glockengasse 10, d-93047 Regensburg, Germany Phone: 0049 941 900333 Web Address: www.fabi-architekten.de

Best Sustainable Residential Architecture Studio 2018 – Germany & Best Eco-Friendly Residential Project: Stern des Suedens

fabi Architekten is a boutique practice based in Regensburg, Germany, and specialising in creating unique residential projects. We profile the firm to learn more about the work it undertakes and the techniques it employs to bring every project to a successful outcome.

rawing on the vast experience of its small team of just five staff, fabi works hard to provide a truly exceptional service to its valued clients, who range from private builders to public communities.

Among the firm’s recent projects is the monumental renovation of a salt dome from 1650 in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the old town of Regensburg. It has 3,000 m² of space and six storeys. Once complete, the building will become the museum depot for the new Museum of Bavarian History. The project is undertaken by fabi’s committed team, all of whom are experienced and able to drive excellence for their client. Although technology is used in moderation to improve effectiveness and efficiency, the team are keen not to let digitalisation take over the practice, as they believe that this will make their work lose its soul and true beauty. Currently, in Bavaria, where fabi is based, a property boom is underway. Due to increasing population numbers due to migration and rural exodus many new properties are required. At the same time, construction prices are higher than ever, providing firms such as fabi with a unique space in which to build a bright future for themselves and their valued clients. Ultimately, fabi’s mission is to create creatively sophisticated architecture so that the world and its cities not only function, but are also beautiful and liveable. As part of its drive to achieve this ambitious target, over the coming year the firm is looking to incorporate a new partner so that it can build upon its current success and further enhance its portfolio of successful projects.

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Company: Fabulous & Amazing Works AB Contact: Ante Sladic Address: Nya Hamngatan 21, 852 29 Sundsvall (Headquarter) Phone: 0046 72 555 08 30 Website: faworks.se Instagram: instagram.com/faworks.se

Best 3D Visualisation Studio 2018 - Sweden

Fabulous & Amazing Works AB (FA Works), produces high quality 3D visualizations, animations and interactive experiences for the real estate and advertising industries as well as the manufacturing market. Founder Ante Sladic talks us through the firm and how it works to achieve excellence on every project. hanks to the great industry experience and quality, FA Works is one of Sweden’s leading companies in realistic visualizations and renderings for the real estate, construction and manufacturing industries. Ante explains how the company was started and the success they achieved over the years.

as interactive 3d environments for touch screens. Some of our main clients are IKEA, PERMOBIL, FISKARHEDENVILLAN and more.”

“Initially, FA Works started as a company in Sundsvall, and since then it has gradually expanded as demand was growing accordingly. At the moment we have offices in Stockholm, Sundsvall, Skellefteå and Jönköping, while we also have artists working remotely from home on other locations. We take advantage of modern day network solutions to work remotely, however we feel that it’s necessary to offer to our clients the comfort of meeting us in person and brief us on their project or discuss about the progress of ongoing works. We are happy to offer services to clients from various industries and being able to demonstrate a mosaic of different projects. We are constantly occupied with architectural and industrial design visualizations, and we also work with food products and other forms of 3d visualizations, such

“When we work with new clients, our approach consists of two main elements. The first is direct communication between artist and client. Many other companies function as middlemen between artists and clients, outsourcing their projects, losing control eventually and resulting in cheap looking images that gives the wrong impression, rather than cheap prices. On the other hand, at FA Works we offer a solid team in which the members know each other well and use the appropriate tools and methods to reach the desired result.”

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For these clients, the firm works to provide a bespoke service, drawing on its vast industry knowledge and creative activity, as Ante is keen to highlight.

“The second aspect of our approach that we find important is that an artist should have the creative control of a project from start to finish. Artists are passionated about what they do and we want that creativity to flourish

without having to jump in and out from different projects. At the same time, we have frequent quality checks within our team that ensures that every project is filtered by each one of us. It is vital to have an overview of our ongoing projects as well as a fresh look in our individual work, in which each one is concentrated. This is why we like to say that choosing FA Works is risk free. Sometimes surprises are nice in life, but not when it comes to our projects. Choosing FA Works means top quality results, delivered on time.” As testimony to the success of this approach, and the firm’s commitment to innovation, Ante shares an insight into one of FA Works’ recent successful projects, where the team created the plans for a unique car parking building which will involve a creative use of lighting and technology.

“One of our recent success stories was the visualizations we did of a parking building in Sundsvall. At first this might not sound very exciting, but this building will have a milky glass facade with integrated led lighting within the glass. The client requested several images that will communicate to the public the color changes on the facade, in different times of the day and in different moods. The challenge was to make the RGB led lighting interact with the milky glass in a physical way. We wanted to achieve this

first, in order to be free later to test different light patterns on the facade without any limitations, just like in the real world. After examining photo references and after a lot of tests we had the results we were aiming for. In the end, it was really nice to see the image printed on the newspapers with a bold headline stressing the colorful lighting on the facade.” Looking ahead, it is Ante’s belief that greater efficiency can be achieved in the architecture space, and he and the team at FA Works are keen to help drive changes and implement new techniques which could help achieve this, as he excitedly concludes.

“As we look to the future, we would be happy to see visualization being used more throughout the design phases of a project, instead of only being the final stage that helps selling a project. We think that technologies like virtual reality and real-time rendering could be used as tools for better understanding of scale for example or for more accurate light and volume studies. There will always be a need for still images, but this is the next step to interact with a building before it is built in the real world and it can greatly affect the decision-making process in architecture. We look forward to spearheading this change over the coming years and driving our industry towards its latest shift.”

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Company: Firmitas Design, LLC Contact: Michael Adams Address: 2735 Villa Creek Dr. Suite 275, Dallas, Texas, 75234, USA Phone: 001 469 682 8915 Website: firmitasdesign.com

Most Trusted Full-Service Architecture Firm - Texas

Firmitas Design is a nationally recognised, full-service architectural firm based in Dallas, Texas. We invited Michael Adams to talk us through the firm in more detail.

irmitas Design is a boutique architecture firm that specializes in reimaging historically significant architecture to create modern solutions that solve the current needs today’s families have. Michael explores how this is achieved and the client focused process that the team undertakes to ensure that every project is completely tailored to the clients’ requirements.

“Here at Firmitas Design our primary mission is to listen and find something special that makes a project unique to every person that walks in our door. To ensure we have time to hear our clients, we make sure we have big gaps between meetings so that clients have enough time to express themselves. We can work fast, but you can’t rush a great solution. For this reason, we always try to give our clients plenty of information and time to understand the direction their project is heading.” Further demonstrating the firm’s collaborative approach, Michael highlights one of the firm’s recent successful projects and how the team worked alongside their clients to create an outcome they could be truly proud to call home.

“Every project we undertake has a unique challenge. The latest challenge we have addressed was how to design a 3000-square foot home that a theatre set-costume designer can work in. Our client required a large work room that is out of sight from the primary living area, but the house also needed to have all the features a 3000-square foot house would have to be marketable in the future. We explored a few options, and ultimately landed on using the typical master bedroom location to act as studio space and then we created a more modest master bed room upstairs that better met our client needs.” This approach extends beyond the firm’s work with the client, and is also a central part of the firm’s internal culture, as Michael is eager to emphasise.

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“Central to our success here at Firmitas Design is our committed and professional team. We love to draw in the conference room. Being able to talk and ask questions that help understand the how a client works while drawing up a solution to their problem is what makes us special. I doubt anyone has more fun in their meetings than we do. Also, when it comes time to get permits and to apply for variances we take that same energy to city and help make sure any issue that may arise are solved with just the same level of joy and dedication.” Looking ahead, the core focus of Firmitas Design will be on improving the lives of its clients, as Michael is excited to conclude.

“Going forward, as our firm continues to grow our focus is shifting towards finding healthy solutions. We like to explore how moving to a new home can help our clients to live a better life, and as a team we are exploring ways to live better and incorporate those ideas in our designs. If we can help a client find extra time during the day, make healthy cooking easier, or just do something their body could not do in an existing house, then we have done a good job. “Within the wider architecture space, as technology continues to advance producing drawings might become easier, but this can put our industry at risk of producing mediocre cookie cutter projects. I think for architecture to thrive we need keep asking questions and creating unique solutions. As long as we listen to our clients and aim to add quality, not reduce effort, the future will be bright.”

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Company: Gomez Vazquez International Contact: Juan Pablo Hernandez Address: Antonio Dovali Jaime 75 Piso 7, Del. Alvaro Obregon, Santa Fe, C.P. 01210, Mexico Phone: 0052 55 5292 3036 Website: gvi.la

Best Full Service Architecture Firm 2018 – The Americas

Bringing a dynamic combination of prestige and experience, Gomez Vazquez International (GVI) is one of the best architectural firms in the American continent, with the perfect balance of innovation and experience. We profile the firm to find out more and learn about how it has achieved the incredible success it enjoys today. stablished in 1968, under the leadership of architect José Manuel Gómez Vázquez Aldana, the firm was initially founded as GVA & Asociados. Today, after 46 years of delivering exceptional design solutions, the firm continues to evolve its vision as Gomez Vazquez International.

trends and adapt new concepts in its approach that provide the best solutions in all of its areas of focus. This innovative, flexible approach will remain the firm’s ongoing focus as it looks towards a bright and exciting future filled with opportunities.

Throughout the last five decades, the firm has completed more than 1,000 projects in over 81 destinations worldwide, demonstrating a commitment to design excellence, innovation, and sustainability. Today GVI draws upon its global resources to provide clients with the most comprehensive set of end-to-end planning, architectural and creative services available in the marketplace today. As in any client-focused business, at GVI staff are vital to success. The firm’s talented team of experienced architects is committed to design excellence, innovation, and outstanding service. It is their passion, tenacity and love for what they do enable GVI to go to the limit and exceed the expectations of the firm’s clients every day. This internally experienced team plan and design in 15 countries within Latin America, North America and the Caribbean. The company has four strategically-located offices in Guadalajara, Mexico City, San Antonio and Panama City, allowing GVI to give each region the personalized attention it deserves. Great architecture rooted in smart planning and urban design, however the firm take that model to the next level with services like interior design and environmental graphic design, and intelligent engineering and applied technology services. In the end, GVI create fluid, cohesive, sustainable environments that serve the needs of today and stand the test of time. Ultimately, exploration, creation and innovation are GVI’s top passions, and as such the team are constantly evolving to stay on top of the latest

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Company: Gravener Heating & A/C Contact: Gary Gravener Address: 2311 Babcock Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA, 15237, USA Phone: 001 412 931 5000 Website: www.gravenerheating.com

Best Full-Service HVAC Contractor – Pittsburgh & Best HVAC Design/Build Project (Pennsylvania): NAMS Project & BUILD Award for Client Service Excellence 2018

Gravener Heating & A/C is an innovative Pittsburgh based firm providing HVAC services to residential, commercial, and institutional customers throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania. We profile the firm to find out more about the range of solutions it has to offer and the techniques it employs to ensure excellence for every client it supports. stablished in 1982, today Gravener Heating & A/C has grown from a small business with just one van to serving more than 4,500 business and residential customers across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region thanks to its fleet of service and installation vehicles, own sheet metal shop for manufacturing custom duct work, fully stocked service parts department, and machinery and tools for mobile installation and fabrication.

From the very start quality work at reasonable prices were the backbone of the entire business. Today, after more than 25 years, this remain the firm’s objective, the team’s client focused approach and dedication to excellence have helped to drive it to the incredible success it now enjoys. Offering a complete heating and air conditioning service on both new and vintage equipment, including furnaces, air cleaners, humidifiers, steam and hot water boilers, the firm is able to support a vast array of clients across the commercial and residential sectors. The team also install and service all brands of water heaters, including high-efficiency instantaneous water heaters. Throughout its exceptional growth, Gravener Heating & A/C has remained a family owned and operated company. As such, clients receive the benefits of personal service, and the firm’s certified HVAC installation and maintenance crews receive in-depth training on service and equipment, as well as customer satisfaction, to ensure that they confirm to the firm’s high standards. All of the firm’s manufacturer-certified technicians are highly skilled specialists in furnace repair with a long history of providing reliable, customer-friendly service that clients can trust. As a versatile firm, Gravener Heating & A/C is able to service all brands of HVAC systems on the market. This consists of all heating and air conditioning systems as well as both steam and hot water boilers. All of the firm’s service techs

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are factory trained along with national refrigerant code certifications, and offer same day service when possible so that clients do not have to wait. This attention to detail and client focused approach is what sets the company apart from its competition and marks it out as the best possible option for its valued clients. Going forward, Gravener Heating & A/C hopes to continue to provide the same exceptional level of service and support that its clients have come to rely on as it looks towards a bright and prosperous future.

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Company: HOFRICHTER-RITTER Architects Contact: Gernot Ritter Address: Färbergasse 6, A – 8010, Graz, Austria Phone: 0043 316 723538 Website: www.hofrichter-ritter.at

Architectural Planning Company of the Year 2018 - Austria

HOFRICHTER-RITTER Architects HOFRICHTER-RITTER Architects is an Austria architectural planning specialist that designs a range of building across the residential and commercial markets. We profile the firm to find out more and explore the secrets behind the success it has achieved so far.

ince its inception in 2003 HOFRICHTER-RITTER Architects has flourished, and today the practice employs eight staff. As a team they design a range of buildings across a myriad of sectors, aiming to create living spaces that their clients can be proud of.

Among the firm’s recent completed projects is a communal residential development for residents over the age of 50. Residents live alone but with access to communal spaces. The team at HOFRICHTER-RITTER Architects enjoyed the project and are proud of the outcome they have achieved. To create any project the team works collaboratively with their clients, working to listen to them and understand their needs so that they can create an outcome that will meet their needs. Although technology

is involved in the process, the majority of the design work and communication is done personally so that clients feel supported by the practice’s expert team throughout the process. Often the team communicate in a variety of mediums, including stories, images, sketches and models, which they share with their clients. Client input is important to the team’s process and as such their projects often have a successful outcome. Overall, experiment in architecture is a key focus for HOFRICHTERRITTER Architects, and as such moving forward the team will continue to focus on undertaking new and innovative projects that will enhance its portfolio and help it to build upon its current success.

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Company: Hampton Architecture Ltd Contact: Marcus Ham Address: Forward House, 17 High Street, Henley in Arden, B95 5AA, UK Phone: 01564 330714 Web Address: www.hamptonarchitecture.co.uk

Best Residential Architecture Practice - Midlands & Most Innovative Small Residential Development: Alder House

Specialising in the design of places for living, and involved almost exclusively in the residential sector, Hampton Architecture is a family owned and run practice focusing on large scale high end renovations, extensions, individual luxury homes and small to medium residential developments. We invited Principal and Founder Marcus Ham to tell us more about the firm and the range of projects it undertakes. ounded in 2003, over the years Hampton Architecture has flourished into a well-established CIAT registered practice. Whether they are undertaking a contemporary suburban family home, exclusive country estate, listed townhouse or larger scale multiple unit development, their bespoke architectural service is tailored to suit each individual client. Marcus tells us more about the firm and the services it provides.

with proven residential design principles and sound design team management. Taking a unique approach to each and every site is key to our success, we do not keep stock housing designs and are resolute in our desire to apply the very best thinking to each and every project we take on. Our client’s requirements are always paramount, and while we are not afraid to challenge a brief that we feel could be improved, our loyalty to our client, and their end goal, is unshakeable”.

“At Hampton Architecture, we pride ourselves in being able to respond to client’s specific requirements, by balancing original thinking

“Thanks to our innovative approach we have been very successful in securing planning permission for several large scale private dwellings

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in sensitive areas, including green belt, private estates, conservation areas and sites with a high level of local interest. When undertaking a project of this nature, the ability to approach the design sensitively, consider local community worries and produce a scheme which enhances the surroundings is key.” Among the firm’s recent projects is the Alder House project, which Marcus is particularly proud of. He shares an insight into the project and how he and his team created a successful outcome despite having to overcome numerous challenges.

“The Alder House project was a particularly sensitive one, as an existing semi-industrial building with an asbestos roof covering every inch of the site, three boundaries faced adjacent buildings, with the fourth located immediately adjacent to an existing road. The site had the added complications of being within a flood risk zone, a conservation

area, and is just meters from several listed buildings that form part of Henley in Arden’s historic High Street”. “To meet the needs of our clients, we created two high quality townhouses, with parking set on the ground floor level, along with a raised access and utility spaces to suit the flood risk requirements, all living and sleeping accommodation is set on the first and second floors. The main living space occupies the second floor and includes glazed doors with access to a full width external terrace, with views over the listed roof scape opposite to the Warwickshire countryside beyond”. Moving forward, Marcus is focused on delivering the highest quality designs possible. With several industry and local authority awards already in the bag and some very interesting projects in the pipeline, 2018 looks set to be another exciting year for Hampton Architecture.

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Company: INNOCAD Architecture Address: Grazbachgasse 65a, 8010 Graz, Austria Web: www.innocad.at Phone: 0043 316 710 324 0

Best Office Architecture & Interior Design Firm - Central Europe & Best Austrian Office Design Project: C&P Corporate Office

INNOCAD Architecture is an innovative, Austria based architecture firm supporting clients across a wide range of sectors. We profile the firm and explore how its latest project has led it to win one of our prestigious Architecture Awards.

ince its foundation in 1999 by Martin Lesjak and Peter Schwaiger, INNOCAD has completed numerous projects of various sizes and scope in the different fields of architecture and interior design such as residential, office, hospitality, healthcare, mixed-use, educational, public, and retail. Internationally renowned for their “out of the box” thinking, their analytical, pragmatic and unconventional approach, the firm seeks to create solutions with purpose and meaning.

Focusing primarily on the work’s quality and relevance, as well adhering to a responsibility to cultivate a consistent vision – “work with your brain, act from your heart” – with an aim to practice through multiple disciplines, over the years INNOCAD has been published and recognized with

various awards, honors and nominations in each field of architecture and interior design. The firm’s name, IN_NO_CA_D, stands nonconformist, caring, and distinctive.

for

interdisciplinary,

Among the firm’s recent successful projects is its work on the C&P Immoblilien AG corporate headquarters. In 2013 the chairmen of the real estate company, C&P Immobilien AG, decided to acquire a property of 43.000 m² in an upcoming area in Graz, Austria, with a mission to not only create a new dynamic district for living and working, but one that also realized their new headquarters. The firm’s vision was to have an office building that offers their staff, approximately 60 employees, a holistic working environment. In 2015 an invited architecture competition was announced, and INNOCAD Architecture won with its innovative, cube-shaped building that provides flexible working space, open communication areas, as well as a sustainable energy and employee’s wellbeing concept. Founded in 2006, C&P develops, sells and manages apartments. Buyers are mostly investors who are leasing out the properties. Since 2011, C&P has been a market leader for investment property management in the private customer segment in Austria. Today the new C&P headquarters, which is located at the highest traffic entrances to city, brings clarity and conciseness to this emerging district. From an urban planning perspective, it exudes individuality within the context of the challenge of integrating a flat transition area linked to an industrial environment, thus creating a new landmarked space. Therefore, the main goal was to create an authentic example of “Build Identity” for a young company in context within a growing district by transforming their brand icon, contextually and formally, consistently throughout the building elevation. Correspondingly, the concept, CUBEND, translates holistically

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the firm’s values by unifying the terms “cube” - relating to wholeness and persistence - plus “bend,” standing for movement and individuality. Thus, creating a hybrid of an identity-enhancing, activity based, and sustainable environment. The building’s surface visibly reveals the interaction between people and spaces, as well as their needs in contrast to sealed industrial structures of the surrounding neighborhood. Organized as a cube, divided by a curved atrium across all seven floors, the building consists of a glass dominated core within a floating concrete structure. The white concrete outer grid integrates an automatic sun shading system that changes dynamically the building’s external appearance due to people’s usage and exposure to daylight. The facade’s second part, a porch-like area, serves people as a transition space between in and outdoors, particularly as sheltered free space in the summer time. A third, transparent layer allows natural light access to fragmented office space formations around an elongated atrium. This multi-layered system includes different structural and functional elements for its users, as well energy-efficient solutions for the building itself.

new ceiling system, which meets the spacial, aesthetic, and acoustic demands, was developed and customized for the building. With an aim to create an inspiring and healthy workplace by harmonizing the physical, virtual, and social world of work, biophilic aspects were implemented in the interior and exterior concept, which includes plants, rooftop-terrace, balcony’s and the buildings foreyard. The forward-thinking concept of the building sets the stage for an efficient, activity based, and identityenhancing working environment which balances people, place and technology from inside to outside. Looking ahead, INNOCAD will be drawing on the success of this latest project and seeking to undertake even more unique projects as it looks towards a bright future.

One of the main challenges of the space planning was meeting the multirequirements - foyer, customer area with an apartment mock up, meeting rooms, open workspaces, creative spaces, and a social area for the employees or for corporate events and lectures - on only 2465 square meters organized on seven floors. As such, the layout of the space was optimized in a rectangular grid around the atrium connecting all floors as a vertical communication interface. With the exponential growth of the atrium, stretching from ground floor up to rooftop, the functions of the “New Work” concept are organized in a circular flow with communal zones, working and private areas that are positioned around the void. A central building core includes a staircase and elevator as well as all building technologies and distributes those outwards to the office space through a mesh-like suspended ceiling. This

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Company: J.A.O. Design International Ltd. Contact: James Jao Address: No. 8 Tuofangying South Road, Xinhua Technology Building, Room 816, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100016, China Phone: 0086 10 8587 5222 Website: www.jaodesign.com

Best International Architecture & Engineering Firm 2018 - China

J.A.O. Design International is one of the largest multi-discipline international design firms based in China. We profile the firm to explore the secrets behind its incredible success.

.A.O. Design started practicing in New York City in 1984, renovating several office buildings in mid-town Manhattan. The firm moved to Flushing, Queens, in 1985, to do many new residential buildings. The Queens Builders Association awarded the firm as the best design firm in 1986, and according to Dodge Report on Construction, in 1987, 1988, 25% of the new buildings constructed in Queens were designed by James Jao Associates, the predecessor of J.A.O. Design International. James Jao Associates merged with Steven Leach Associates in Hong Kong in 1996, and it moved to Hong Kong the same year to performed many corporate interior projects throughout Asia. The name of the company changed from James Jao Associated to J.A.O. Design International in 1998 to do more architecture services in the greater China region, including the Sui An Tower in Shanghai, the Bank of Construction headquarters building in Suzhou, the headquarters building for Zhongguancun in Beijing, and etc.

In 2001 the firm moved its headquarters from Hong Kong to Beijing to cope with the ever growing demand from it’s Chinese clients. Today, the firm offers city planning, town planning, architecture design, landscape design, high-end interior design, mostly to the Chinese local government and a few very large state-owned-enterprise (SOE). So far, the firm has planned some 4200 square kilometres of new towns, has designed some 90 million square meters of new buildings, and some 45 hectares of landscape design, and 200,000 square meters of interior design. Currently, the firm has projects in 89 cities in China. One of these recent projects is the planning of nine water front sites along Yalu River by the Dandong Municipal Government. This is the river between China and North Korea, which is not only environmentally sensitive but also politically sensitive. J.A.O. Design’s plans were approved by the local authorities in 2016. Once they are built, they will greatly enhance both tourism and economic development for this region. Founder Mr. James C. Jao, NCARB, AIA, RA, SAFEA, was the first Asian Planning Commissioner in the history of the New York City

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Planning Commission, between 1990 and 1994. He has been engaged as the senior consultant on city planning and development by some 38 provinces, cities and counties--- a record no one before him and it will be a tough act for anyone to follow. He has also trained over 140,000 local officials on modern city planning theories and methodologies, and economic development. He is monikered as the “urban doctor” by the Chinese Central Government. Although China is one of the largest design market in the world, but due to its unique cultural and political system, it is very difficult for international firm to sustain its operation here. Different than other international firms who wants the Chinese clients to follow the international norms, J.A.O. Design adopted “Think Global and Act Local” as its motto for doing business. Almost 100% of its clients are governmental agencies, and this motto helps the firm to provide them with the solutions they need. Ultimately, J.A.O. Design is dedicated to supporting its clients across China, and has many exciting new projects across the region. Over the coming years, the firm expects to undertake an increasing amount of top design for the growing number of affluent Chinese consumers it is seeing. This offers the firm many exciting opportunities which it looks forward to taking advantage of.

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Company: JB Architects & Designers Ltd Contact: Jacky Wong Address: Unit C3, 5/F, West Wing, TML Tower, 3 Hoi Shing Road, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong Phone: 00852 3188 4993

Best Hotel Interior Design Project - Hong Kong: The Luxe Manor

JB Architects & Designers Ltd JB Architects & Designers Ltd is a boutique architectural and interior design firm specialising in high-end residential, commercial and hospitality projects. We profile the firm to find out more and explore the secrets behind its incredible success.

ased in Hong Kong, JB Architects & Designers supports a wide range of private end-users, property investors and small/ medium developers in Hong Kong, China and Macau. The team believes that every project has its own characteristic, either from the client’s requirements or the site context. Site context or site characteristics are quite common, and are increasingly becoming the firm’s trigger point for their design concept, which helps JB Architects & Designers to create truly unique final results.

from 2018, the firm has moved to a much bigger office and will be working to enhance its reputation and showcase its talent so that the team can work on even more unique projects over the years to come.

Alongside its private work, as part of its commitment to giving back to society, the firm is also currently participating in some government or NGO projects on a non-profit basis. Among the firm’s recent undertakings is its work on a 1500sq.m. independent house in Macau. The architectural side of the project will be completed in July 2018 and the interior works will be commenced in due course. JB Architects & Designers is responsible for full scope of design for the architecture, interior and landscape of the project. This innovative project is located in the “heritage protection zone” in Macau, the outlook of which was styled suit the Portugal context and required special approval from the government. However, the integration of Portuguese elevation with modern facilities and materials in the harmony way is not an easy job. As such, JB Architects & Designers has adopted the design concept of “Endless Macau” which skilfully makes a crossover between Classic and Modern, Chinese and Western, which perfectly reflects the culture and history of Macau. The firm believes that this architecture will never be outdated and can last forever, and as such it is the core focus of the unique design it has crafted for the project. Despite its incredible success, over the past 10 years, JB Architects & Designers’ has kept low key and been passive in its business development, gaining most of its clients by word of mouth and referrals. However, starting

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Company: JYH International Architects Contact: Joy Alexandre Harb Address: Portemilio Resort, Jounieh, 766, Lebanon Phone: 00961 3 246160 Website: www.jyh-ia.com

Start-Up Design Firm of the Year - Spain/Lebanon & Most Inspiring Residential Project 2018: Columbine Residential Resort

JYH International Architects is a young, vibrant, Lebanon based architectural design firm. We invited Co-Founder Joy Alexandre Harb to talk us through the firm and the work it undertakes.

ounded by Joy Alexandre Harb and Yanna Haddad, JYH International Architects is an office of architecture, interior, engineering and design, with the objective of accomplishing the client’s vision of unique spaces with a maximum comfort. Joy explores the practice in more detail and shares how it works to create innovative spaces through collaboration and creativity.

“Here at JYH International Architects, our young office is composed of people who are around 30 years old whose vision evolves around advanced technologies with the idea of space adapting to the need. We focus on exploring the effect of this technology in our daily life and how it helps to shape the architecture we live in. By doing so, we can simulate the feelings intended in the space, and create comfort or any other desired emotion. The choice of the architecture reflects directly on a person’s lifestyle, and as such we are constantly seeking to create spaces that reflect well upon our clients and their lives. “Over the years we have been involved in a multitude of projects in different regions such as the Middle East and Europe. As such, our work varies from residential, retail, educational, resorts, commercial and urban planning. The projects are of all different sizes; we manage projects like exhibition stands, to the complete planning of a land. Our team members IA come from different parts of the world, specifically Lebanon, Japan, Bulgaria and Spain. The diverse cultures allow us to have complementary views and perspectives when it comes to each project. We operate a collaborative internal culture, and without our collaborators Josep Alcover, Ji Won Jun, Borislav Schalev and Anis Bou Karam our success would never have been achieved, and as such we are incredibly proud of them and all their hard work.” Although the human touch is vital to ensuring every project is a success, the team also rely heavily on technology to create a professional outcome, as Joy is eager to emphasise.

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“While each of us has general knowledge regarding architecture fundamentals, we individually excel in certain software which leaves our personal touch in the project. The ability to cope with challenging tasks is reflected in our daily office life, where our professional skills are put to work in order to achieve the best possible outcome to satisfy the client. “When working on any project, our ideas emerge from a carefully thought through analysis, elaborated into conceptualization, programming, then detailed drawings. As such, the process consists of different phases in which each is agreed upon by the client before proceeding to the next one. The final work is represented in the booklet containing 2D detailed architectural drawings, with the mechanical, electrical and structural study, as well as the highest quality of 3 dimensional perspectives which reflect the final result of construction. This combination of human insight and technological expertise allows for a flawless finish and designs that our clients and team can be proud of.” Having already achieved incredible success, Joy and his team are keen not to rest on their laurels, and instead continue to adapt and thrive whilst maintaining the exceptional standards of service that clients have come to rely on, as Joy concludes.

“Ultimately, at JYH International Architects we have core values, including utilising the knowledge of past architects, learning to combine different perspectives in a compatible, non-oppositional way, and applying our work to a world whose needs are constantly changing. The ability of our firm to work with international clientele has proven the effectiveness of our adaptability and flexibility, while maintaining our core values, and moving forward this will remain our core focus as we seek to build upon our current success.”

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Company: Kihini Kitchen Studio Contact: Christopher Rose Address: 26 London Road, Retford Nottinghamshire, DN22 6AY, UK Phone: 01777 707656 Website: www.kihini.co.uk

Best Independent Kitchen & Interior Design Practice - East Midlands & Yorkshire & Best UK Living Space Design Project: Ablet

Kihini Kitchen Studio is a small independent design studio, with an emphasis on listening and communicating with its customers to ensure that they receive the solution they need. We invited Christopher Rose to share an insight into how the firm works to create successful outcomes to every project it undertakes thanks to this collaborative approach. rawing on its experience in the kitchen design industry, Kihini aims to offer its clients a unique service which is the antithesis of the mass-produced solutions that many larger firms provide. Christopher explores how his firm works to create bespoke solutions tailored to the individual requirements of each individual client to ensure satisfaction.

“Here at Kihini a key aspect of our design process is breaking down consumer pre-conceptions and challenging those ideas to engage the customer in the design process. We work closely with our clients from the beginning so that we can truly understand what they and their space need, to not only function but to enhance the way they interact with the space, making daily routines easier and more enjoyable. “As such, when designing any space, the same basic criteria are important, aesthetics, function and cost, in various degrees of importance, but no other space in a residential setting require such levels of multifunctionality. This is what gets us out of bed in a morning at Kihini; working and reworking those designs to achieve clean lines, functional spaces and satisfied clients.” The firm’s collaborative approach extends beyond just its clients and through to Kihini’s industry peers and suppliers as well, so that the firm can offer its customers high quality solutions. Christopher discusses the firm’s suppliers in more detail and shares how they work together for the benefit of Kihini’s valued clients.

from chef inspired Sous-vide steam ovens to brilliant laundry equipment and great after care. “Additionally, our furniture is manufactured in the UK by Masterclass Kitchens, giving us a massive advantage over our European counterparts in terms of cost and logistics, without compromising on design or quality. This has proved very popular with our clients, who value the reduction on environmental impact and the support to the UK economy. They produce beautifully made to order furniture with stunning finishes but in a clean factory environment, which means we can provide great levels of individuality to our clients with quality control, with prompt service should any issues arise.” Having expounded on the virtues of a collaborative approach in great detail, in his concluding comments Christopher outlines how these relationships will help drive Kihini to even greater success over the years to come.

“Ultimately, our suppliers have both been brilliant partners and helped support our business over the past two and a half years, and along with our customers, they give us real positivity for the future of our business. They also inspire our designs, and we are looking forward to unveiling new creations in the future which will enhance our clients’ homes and lives.”

“As part of the process of ensuring we give our customers the best service we can, we have chosen our partners very carefully. From the software we use to communicate our designs to the furniture we install. In construction not everything goes to plan, but it is how you deal with an issue that the customer remembers or forgets. For this reason, we chose to work with AEG appliances who not only produce an excellent range of equipment,

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Company: Kitchen Art of Berkshire Ltd Contact: Tricia Upton Address: 5-6 The Centre, Beaconsfield Road, Farnham Common, Buckinghamshire, SL2 3QQ, UK Phone: 01753 646631 Web Address: www.kitchenartonline.co.uk

Best Bespoke Kitchen Furniture Designers - South East England

Kitchen Art of Berkshire offers tailor made kitchens which are hand built and fitted to an exemplary finish. We caught up with Tricia Upton to tell us more about the firm and how it works to provide the very highest possible standards of service to its valued clients. itchen Art have designed and installed bespoke furniture for over 30 years, gaining an extensive depth of knowledge in the design and installation of bespoke furniture to achieve exceptional results. Tricia outlines how she and her team work to provide a bespoke service.

“Over the years, here at Kitchen Art of Berkshire we have established a team of professional and skilled designers, installers and suppliers. Our overall mission is to work with our clients to ensure the kitchen harmonises with their lifestyle and the environment and is aesthetically pleasing as well as practical to work within. To achieve this, we employ dedicated designers who are experienced and passionate in their work, leading clients through the creation of their new room, making sure their kitchen will not only be aesthetically stunning but also a delight to work in. They use their artistic skills alongside their extensive knowledge to uniquely produce hand drawn designs and artwork. “To create a truly unique outcome that meets the needs of each specific client, the furniture in each bespoke kitchen is individually designed and made to the very highest specifications. The doors are made from Ash, Cherry, Oak, Maple and Walnut and can be designed and finished to any requirements, alternatively clients can choose from our primed range, which are hand painted by our decorative artist to the clients’ requirements, creating a room completely individual to them.” As part of the firm’s focus on quality, every aspect of the project is undertaken with the highest possible care. Tricia shares the firm’s approach to working with any client and how her team works to ensure that they receive the very highest standards of support and service throughout the process.

“When we start on any project, our aim is simple: to design, build and install beautiful kitchens. Our team of highly creative designers take clients initial ideas, requisites and wishes and work with them to create the perfect room. With our bespoke furniture, we work without the constraints

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of sale manuals, from our workshop we are able to create any size, shape or design of furniture our pens can draw. “In addition to the design and installation of a project, we can also arrange all site preparation and associated building works necessary, with our building company, or work closely with clients’ Architect, Interior Designer and Builder, as required. The quality of all works is paramount. Accordingly, over the last 30 years, we have built up a professional and committed team of highly skilled craftsmen that ensures that the highest standards are achieved.” Over the years Kitchen Art of Berkshire has built itself a reputation for excellence, and this will remain the firm’s ongoing focus as it looks towards a bright future, as Tricia proudly concludes.

“Ultimately, at Kitchen Art of Berkshire our attention to design detail, exceptional project management, the bespoke nature of work and our extensive experience all combine to ensure that our clients enjoy the very best possible service and want to come back to work with us. They can see that we are a step above our competition, and moving forward we will continue to focus on quality and client service to ensure that our clients receive the exceptional standards of service that they have come to expect.”

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Company: Lena Klanten Architektin Contact: Lena Klanten Address: Spindelmühler Weg 24, 12205 Berlin Germany Website: www.lena-klanten.de

Best Residential Architecture & Interiors Firm 2018 – Berlin & Best Modern Living Renovation Project: Reihenhaus von Bruno Taut

Lena Klanten is a Berlin based Architect offering a range of services to support her clients. We invited her to tell us more about her work and the secrets behind her success.

rawing on the beauty of Berlin, Lena works to create truly unique projects that will enhance the city, as she highlights.

“When I was still a student in my early 20s living in Frankfurt/ Main the small architecture firm at which I was freelancing won the competition to build the office building of the Federal President. I was honoured to take part of the historical occasion reinstating Berlin as the capital of Germany and I took the opportunity and offered myself as backup support in the firm´s Berlin subsidiary as often as I could. I moved to Berlin and worked in larger architecture firms on a couple of office and administrative building projects. “Thanks to this experience, ten years ago I started my own company. My observation was and still is that people from all over the world and the rest of Germany are moving to Berlin. Unfortunately, Berlin has been in a bit of hibernation for a long time in terms of development and there is a huge demand for all kinds of residential and commercial buildings. There are a lot of historic buildings in Berlin and many of them are under monument protection guidelines with all the restriction that come with their status. A lot of the buildings were not maintained through the Cold War. Most of the buildings in Berlin still need a technical overhaul (heating, insulation, kitchen, electricity, bathroom, fire defence etc) as well as a historically accurate ‘beautification’. This is where I come in.” As a result of her focus on beautifying the city, Lena has undertaken a number of projects across a range of sectors, as she explores.

“Among my recent success stories was when the new owners of a classic 1920s house by visionary German architect Bruno Taut asked me to rebuild their house. It was a great challenge and I had to do some research to create a house that honours its heritage, but as a cosy and contemporary family home, not a museum. My latest project was the renovation of a historic apartment in a classic residential building in the centre of Berlin. My client is a female performance artist who relocated to Berlin from New York and who has very clear ideas for the space, and

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who also shares my obsession with quality and attention to detail. For example, we could not find matching historic bathroom tiles and so we had them custom made in Paris - and for much less than you would expect. “Additionally, I have worked on a couple of commercial projects in historic buildings including a movie theatre and a concept store but nowadays I mainly work for private clients who want my advice and support to build, rebuild or renovate their residential homes or a weekend cabin in the countryside. It is fair to say that the focus of my work is on interior design and I am happy to provide my clients with one stop solutions that include revamping the existing space or building a new structure entirely and crafting its atmosphere. This involves the selection of furniture, surface refinements, colours, and lighting. If the right choice in fixtures is not readily available I design it myself and find the craftsman to build it.” Looking ahead, Lena’s focus will be on working towards her mission and continuing to offer clients a truly exceptional service, as she proudly concludes.

“Overall, my mission is to create both harmonious and functional spaces that meet the demands of their inhabitants. I try to identify the needs of my clients, paying specific attention to details and choosing furniture and materials that will outlast short-sighted trends. This will remain my ongoing focus as I look towards an exciting future.”

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Company: Livio Dell’oro Architetto Contact: Livio Dell’oro Address: Via Manzoni 35, cap 23868, Valmadrera (LC) Italia Phone: 0039 0341 353703 Website: www.liviodelloro.com

Best for Industrial Building Projects 2018 - Italy

Livio Dell’oro Architetto Livio Dell’oro Architetto is a unique Italian design studio incorporating the expertise of a range of collaborators across a myriad of disciplines to create truly exceptional constructs to meet the needs of its clients. We profile the firm to find out more about the extraordinary work it undertakes.

ffering a full architectural design offering ranging from the planning stage through to the direction and control of works, Livio Dell’oro Architetto meets the needs of a vast array of clients across the corporate and private market.

Drawing on the vast experience of its dedicated team, the studio is also able to offer clients interior design services and support a range of innovative technologies, including BIM. This helps Livio Dell’oro Architetto to achieve its overall mission: to design spaces taking into account that living beings will live in us, and that enhance the natural environment around them, taking in to account the lives of the people, animals and plants in these spaces. By working to integrate its designed into the natural environment the studio is able to create dynamic constructs that will stand the test of time. Currently, the studio is developing an industrial project for an Austrian client who purchased property locally. This latest development is a very interesting project as it contains many architectural, technological and environmental aspects which will allow the studio to expand its knowledge and grow its already vast portfolio of clients. Looking to the future, Livio Dell’oro Architetto will be focusing on the integrated design to get the chance to design large buildings, residential, executive towers and a range of other constructions that will change the architecture market for the better. International projects are a key focus for the firm, and this will provide it with many exciting opportunities over the years to come.

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AWARDED:

Start-Up Design Firm of the Year - Spain/Lebanon & Most Inspiring Residential Project 2018: Columbine Residential Resort

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Company: LR-Design Contact: Lee Richards – Director Address: Rocherig 72, Simister Lane, Prestwich, Manchester, Lancashire, M25 2RZ, UK Phone: 07798 760925 / 01617720199 Website: www.lr-design.net

Best Sustainable Architecture Practice - North West England & Best Residential Apartments Conversion Project: Clarence Mill, Cheshire

LR-Design is a Manchester based architectural practice which focuses on promoting the sustainable and passive principles of architecture. We profile the firm to find out more and explore how it has come to achieve the incredible success and enviable industry reputation that it enjoys today. ormerly Technical Co-Director for an Architectural practice for over 16 years, Lee established LR-Design in 2016. with a wealth of experience culminating from 30-years gained from sectors of commercial, workplace practice, multi-residential, listed buildings and heritage assets.

A grid of cast iron columns and limited natural light over a deep an open floor plate, presented fundamental challenges in our approach. Sales exceeded clients’ expectation, and the team owes a great debt of gratitude to the developer for placing faith and trust into LR-Design’s ability to create and deliver a signature development.

As a registered Chartered Architectural Technologist Practice, the firm’s strengths are to combine technical knowledge and experience through science and technology of Buildings - i.e. “how, and why they are constructed, in a certain way, using certain materials,” - in sync with design experience, to create, functional, aesthetic quality that aspires clients’ expectation.

One of the Practices most recent referrals came with very specific requirements for energy efficient performance and the implementation for long term adaptive mobility and access.

Its approach is simple, the ability to understand implicitly and share in clients’ perception takes inspiration and persistence. Great design never just happens, and the team at LR-Design believe it’s an emotional connection and the right mix of form, function and value that culminate to create “great design.” The team are extremely delighted to receive an accolade of Best Residential Apartment Conversion for its contemporary 19 residential heritage development within a Grade 2 Listed - Clarence Mill.

The project comprised extensive refurbishment and remodelling of a tiered and out-dated 2-storey detached residence. LR-Design worked closely with the client to develop a clear and concise brief, whilst implementing experience gained for the application of lifetime homes, energy efficiency and methods of construction to create an individual, adaptive, energy efficient, contemporary home. The heritage development at Clarence Mill is one of many commissions for LR-Design, and our services are not merely limited to design. We offer extensive experience in client advice, the use and administration of construction contracts, preparation of elemental costs, whilst compiling and negotiating tenders - that then transpire to stages of valuation during the construction phase. The practice extends its continuity in terms of project management. We offer clients, developers and Contractors advice on implementation of procurement, planning and co-ordination during the execution of the project on site. Fundamentally, trust, communication and commitment are key to LRDesign’s success. The application of these techniques and the firm’s ability to nurture a clear and concise brief results in bespoke architecture.

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With regards to the future, LR-Designâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ongoing focus is to promote and nurture landlords, developers and private individuals on the methodology and use for renewable technologies, that promote the benefits of sustainable and passive energy efficient buildings. This ambitious focus will offer the team many invigorating and exciting challenges over the years to come.

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Company: M Atelier Contact: Liza Muscat Address: Marina Plaza Tower, Suite 2902, Dubai, P.O. Box 112229, UAE Phone: 00971 4512 4063 Website: www.muscatatelier.com

Best Luxury Interior Design Boutique – EMEA & BUILD Excellence Award in Luxury Hospitality Interiors 2018

M Atelier is a unique boutique interior design practice specializing in luxury hospitality and residential projects. We invited the firm’s Founder, International Luxury Interior Architectural Designer Liza Muscat, to share a fascinating insight into her practice and the projects it undertakes.

n international firm propelled by both aesthetic instinct and global cultural expertise M Atelier delivers timeless spaces that satisfy both clients and users in equal measures.

Founder Liza, has lived across the globe whilst designing for major brands like Intercontinental, Hilton, Le Meridien, Shangri-La amongst others. Alongside the expertise that this brings to the firm, this vast industry experience also provides M Atelier access to some of the strongest skills in the luxury design; delivering professional well-documented design solutions that exceed clients’ expectations and add value to projects. Liza explores how she personally draws on her own experiences and past roles to support her team and drive excellence for her valued clientele.

“Drawing on my own personal experience working with a wide variety of luxury brands, today at M Atelier, the majority of our work is a collaboration with leading developers, although we also work with private residential clients alongside a vast hospitality clientele. Additionally, we work alongside fit-out contractors at initial stages adhering budgets and assuring a swift return on investment. “Fundamentally, our role is to create environments that connect people throughout the spaces. Guided by our clients’ aspirations, we evolve interior design solutions that cater timeless standards of hospitality. With passion, we understand the importance of a holistic view, planning analysis, and design trends.” “Over the years, the world has changed with the global financial crisis and hotel owners are looking at a faster return model. Our main role in this relationship is to translate the clients’ taste and lifestyle, developing it, while maintaining a conceptual thread ensuring that the space reaches its highest potential. Every interior is as exceptional as the client for whom it is designed, and every project has a challenging aspect in its unique way. To ensure excellence, I personally see this as an opportunity to bridge

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the gap between a projects’ full potential and the boundaries imposed by realities of life. “Among our recent success stories is the newly completed Le Meridien Hotel Refurbishment in Abu Dhabi. This building is a heritage building site, we were commissioned to create a contemporary timeless setting, whilst maintaining certain elements of the building. We are proud of the end result, which is a stunning combination of old and new styles in keeping with the building’s surroundings.” “Our central hub is Dubai; with projects across the globe, ranging from Europe, Africa, China and the Middle East. As such, our team is very well travelled, and this makes our work vastly thought-provoking, with the benefits of Dubai’s cosmopolitan ethos. We are constantly finding new inspiration and fine-tuned with the industries’ innovative and inspiring materials in rhythm with technology. The touch and feel of materials walk you through the story and connect with your senses, from preliminary concept to completion. Every project is like a new puzzle to solve and an opportunity to explore, this constantly leads to new research understanding and creations. Part of our mission is to embody interior design solutions that are quirky, yet ageless. “Alongside our world travel, we also notice many exciting changes in our local environment which we are keen to use to our advantage. Currently, we are noticing that the UAE is the striving for a national identity. As a region, we are part of the global society, and ours is a multicultural city with a fusion of cultures, which offers everyone at M Atelier a wealth of inspiration.” Ultimately, Liza is proud of the success that M Atelier has achieved so far, and moving forward she is keen to build upon this and continue to create spellbinding designs, as she is excited to conclude.

“Looking to the future, we are set to broaden our horizons in the US and are also working on a massive masterplan which comprises of a resort

and several water villas in the Caribbean. Alongside this exciting project, we have just signed up two 5-star hotel projects in Africa, where I believe there is a booming luxury hotel market which will keep us busy for many years to come.”

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Company: MARLIN Design Ltd Contact: Mark Wiffen Phone: Bishop’s Stortford office: 01279 933039 | London office: 0207 118 3039 | Stevenage office: 01438 530039 Website: www.marlin-design.co.uk

Best Residential Architecture Studio – Southern England

MARLIN Design Ltd is a small one-man company that provides Architectural design services to clients who want to extend their homes. We spoke to Mark Wiffen as we looked to examine the secrets behind the firm’s success.

ARLIN Design is an award-winning Architectural design company, based in Bishop’s Stortford, catering for both private and commercial clients throughout the architecture industry. Typically, Mark works with young affluent families, with most of them looking to move into family homes which they will be in for the long-term.

To reach the desired outcome on both sides on his projects, Mark holds initial discussions with the client and obtains a brief from them of their ideal home. Mark keeps the clients up-to-date throughout the whole process, and utilising his extensive network of contacts, the building process begins. Mark starts off the discussion by describing the feeling of being named as the Best Residential Architecture Studio in Southern England, explaining how much it means to him as a Architectural Designer to see his work rewarded.

“Winning this award means a lot to me and it is my second since October. As a small business with only me to do everything, recognition for hard work and putting in long hours is key to keeping me going. Not having staff or colleagues to talk to and bounce ideas off can make this a very lonely job, and to be recognised for a particular project is a big morale booster for me.” Possessing a vast amount of experience in exceeding client expectations and delivering fantastic results, Mark decided to tell us about his latest project, and in the process, he outlined what the key challenges are which he has had to overcome to make it a success.

“The latest completed scheme is that of a two-storey rear extension, a single-storey side extension, and the total internal reorganisation of a detached dwelling in Bishop’s Stortford. Being a typical early 1970s home, the venue had large rooms, with big windows, so natural light was not the issue. However, circulation was, as to get around the house from the front door, you had to pass through the Living Room. By adding the side extension, we could shift the whole house sideways by 2.5m, thereby adding a hallway from the front door past the stairs and into the rear of the property. The two-storey extension to the rear provided a huge open plan Kitchen Dining area, with extended and reorganised bedrooms to the first floor. Externally recladding of the dwelling has now created a family home fit for the 21st century.”

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A crucial aspect of Mark’s success has been his approach to working on new projects, notably the exceptional customer service that he delivers, alongside the results that he produces which have been key to his achievements. “When undertaking a new project, I always look at the project from the client’s perspective, such as things like the physical constraints of the property and its surrounding buildings and features, as well as what materials would enhance the property’s aesthetic and kerb appeal. To ensure its success, circulation is an important part of the scheme design as often, one of the main reasons for the project is the existing circulation.

of upgrading and extension. The market is buoyant and I do not see it slowing down anytime soon.” Ultimately, with Mark continuing to deliver stunning projects, he is optimistic that MARLIN Design will continue to thrive and become a leader in the industry. Moving forward, Mark is looking to move his company forwards through developing quality schemes with clients throughout Hertfordshire, North London and the Home Counties.

Providing us with an overview of the architecture industry within South England recently, Mark is keen to highlight how the revamp of airports and train stations are influencing the industry and his work.

“Currently, there is a big push for modern and contemporary design locally, with many houses being externally remodelled to give them a rendered/grey windowed look. Whilst this is common and can be a stunning transformation, I wonder whether it will be seen like the Docklands in years to come. By that, I mean that it may run out of time in its fashion and be old in the coming years. “As we live in one of the most affluent areas of the UK with house prices doubling in the last six years, no-one under the age of 30 can afford to buy a property in this area at present, and therefore there is a huge need for quality but affordable housing for the first-time market. “With London Stansted Airport, as well as the main line into London Liverpool Street on our doorstep, many properties are being extended to become HMOs for airport staff and flight crews. Also, where housing was acquired under Compulsory Purchase by the airport, these are now being sold off by the airport at a lower than market rate. Many of these have been HMOs for flight crews and are now in desperate need

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Company: MKW Surfaces Address: 20-22 Wenlock Road, London, N1 7GU, UK Phone: 0203 0788 912 Web Address: www.mkwsurfaces.co.uk Contact: hello@mkwsurfaces.co.uk

Best Stone Installation Specialists – UK & Best Commercial Stone Installation Project: Cinnamon Kitchen Westgate Shopping Centre, Oxford

MKW Surfaces supplies natural and engineered stone surfaces to both trade and end clients. We invited Alan Brian Nussbaum to tell us more.

KW Surfaces offers the most comprehensive range in the UK of both natural stones that include marble, granite, quartzite, limestone, gemstone and more. The firm is an approved supplier of all the major brands of quartz, porcelain, ceramics and Terrazzo among other types of man-made surfaces, so clients can rest assured that they are receiving quality when they work with the firm, a fact which Alan Brian Nussbaum, one of the Directors of the Company, is keen to reinforce.

“Fundamentally, our aim is to change the way people buy stone by making it a simple a and smooth process, and one that comes world class customer service levels and great attention detail. Each project is unique and personal, and we treat them as such, from beginning to end.”

“Here at MKW Surfaces, our team is formed by skilled and experienced stonemasons, templaters, installers and technicians ranging from 8-20 years’ experience in the field. As such, we can provide our clients, who range from architects, interior designers, and property developers through to design aficionados, with the highest possible level of service and client support. We work with them to transform old spaces into functional pieces of art.

“Recently, we were commissioned a project in a boathouse which needed to be completed in a natural stone like marble and we proposed an ultra Sinterized porcelain surface which was lightweight and easier to be installed than conventional marble or granite. The proposed surface is only 8mm thick and our teams were able to reach hidden and small areas to cover the interiors of the boathouse since the weight of porcelain is much lower than that of natural stone.”

As testimony to this approach, Alan references one of the firm’s recent success stories, a boathouse project offering unique opportunities to create something truly innovative and beautiful.

Operating in such a fast paced, technology reliant market means that MKW Surfaces has to work hard to remain at the forefront of the latest industry developments, as Alan highlights.

“At MKW Surfaces we like to think we are always at the cutting edge of technology within the construction and architecture industries. We apply the use of the latest technologies across the business. Starting from GPS technology which can track our staff movement, we are able to create visual routes for organizing our projects daily. GPS technology also provides us with information that is valuable for Health & Safety training. “To provide clients with the highest possible quality products, we also use the latest technology in production, using the newest CNC machinery and replacing our beds, blades and other tools with the newest versions always, as they come with improved accuracy and quality, reducing

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adapting to the latest trends in the architectural and designs arena. As such, looking ahead we are planning to introduce a range of glass products that will enable our clients to work with a single company when they order their stone worktops and glass splashbacks. The fact that it will be carried out by the same company provides our clients with reduces times and costs for their projects and ultimately provides them with peace of mind by knowing that both aspects of the project are being managed by the same team of reliable and professional staff members. We are also working on the inclusion of bespoke furniture made from stone among many other things, and we are very excited about the opportunities these developments will offer us.”

production times. Additionally, we use administration tools such as CRM systems, Project Management and Accounting Software as well as many other technological tools that would have never been thought to be applied in the construction sector ten years ago such as the MKW Surfaces Mobile App, etc. We are also the first Company in the construction sector to start accepting Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies from 2017, which is a testimony to our approach to technology”. With regards to the future, Alan is optimistic that MKW Surfaces can continue to adapt and develop around its clients’ ever evolving needs, as he is proud to conclude.

“To ensure that we continue to offer our clients the very highest possible quality solutions, at MKW Surfaces we are constantly evolving and

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Address: MUKA Arquitectura SLP Contact: Moisés Royo Address: Calle Norte 20, Local, 28015 Madrid, Spain Phone: +34 91 521 6579 Website: www.mukaarquitectura.com

Best Young Architecture Studio 2018 - Spain

MUKA Arquitectura SLP Based in Madrid, with additonal offices in Spain (Málaga and Ciudad Real), MUKAarquitectura is a multidisciplinary studio which deals with issues which are closely linked to the way buildings help make society better. We invited Moisés Royo to provide us with an overview of the studio and how it works towards this ambitious aim.

rawing on its vast industry experience, MUKA undertakes a vast array of projects for a diverse range of clients, as Moisés is proud to highlight.

“As part of our aim to create work which will enhance the society in which we live, at MUKA we tackle all sorts of projects, from housing projects (single family homes, apartment blocks, terraced houses, etc.) to public buildings, sports complexes, auditoriums, retail spaces for specific brands and much more. In our projects we also factor in - if the client wants us to economic, technical, bio-climatic and smart-home aspects, which improve the final result. “Our clients come from all walks of life: from foreign investors looking to undertake some kind of project in Spain to private developers and public institutions. We do not consider ourselves specialists in a specific type of construction, but rather in socially-focused designs, so we are able to work on all sorts of projects. The odder the client’s requirements are, the more comfortable we feel during the design process, and we always provide them with a clear, positive answer. That is why we have not only received national and international awards for housing projects, we have even won an award for the design of a cemetery.” Creating this wide array of projects Moisés and his team undertake a vigorous approach to ensuring excellence every time, as he outlines.

“When undertaking a new project, we approach projects based on our technical convictions in relation to the needs that were brought to our attention. We then work with objective parameters (used energy, orientation, necessary dimensions, number of accesses, etc.) which yield acceptable results, however this is never enough, and as such we work towards even greater achievements. “As part of this, we work with models and graphic techniques in which we do not control the whole process, leaving room for a certain degree of randomness, freshness and distance from the problem so that we can suddenly find a spark; a narrative that will allow us to provide a new vision of a problem that was originally conceived from a different perspective.”

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The success of this approach can be illustrated by the success of the firm’s projects. Moisés showcases one such success-story and explores how he and his team worked to achieve a successful outcome for everyone involved.

“One of our latest projects, is a house between party walls in a small town in Ciudad Real. The area has a long tradition of brickwork, and the house has won several awards in the UK, Austria and Spain as one of the best brick projects around. We envisaged and designed a new way to lay bricks on the facade which would allow for natural ventilation without compromising privacy indoors. The result is an abstract piece that successfully links in with the rest of the houses on the street. Despite budgetary constraints and the fact that the plot was too narrow, we also managed to bring natural light to the ground floor through gaps between the framing and the wall. As a result, the piece not only meets the client’s expectations, but also offers a rich interplay of natural and artificial light indoors.” With regards to the future, a new partnership looks set to drive even greater success for MUKA, as Moisés is excited to conclude.

“Thanks to our continued success, our studio is constantly growing. We have just signed an agreement with JC Architecture in Taiwan and right now two of our people are working with their Taipei office. Johnny Chiu (the CEO of JC Architecture) and I met over a decade ago in New York, where we spent a year together. We are working together on several projects, joining forces and fostering cultural and technical exchanges between Spain and Taiwan with great results. This partnership means that investors who want to work in Asia and Europe can leverage our joint infrastructure to address projects globally. The future is always born of new alliances that strive to facilitate communication and work, and we are excited for the developments that this new allegiance will offer us.”

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Company: neo.studio | neumann schneider architekten Leuschnerdamm 13, Berlin, DE-10999, Germany Telephone: 0049 30 27498285 Web Address: www.neo-studio.de

Best Art & Museum Exhibition Design Firm 2018 - Germany

neo.studio neumann schneider architects was founded in Berlin in 2003 by Tobias Neumann and Moritz Schneider. They provide us with an overview of the firm, highlighting the ways they achieve excellence in the services they offer their clients. obias Neumann studied architecture at the University of Porto, Portugal, and at the Berlin University of the Arts, Germany. Moritz Schneider studied architecture at the Laboratory of Primary Studies in Architecture in Paris, the Berlin University of the Arts and the UCL Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment in London. After working in a range of different architectural practices and producing their first exhibitions, they founded neo.studio in Berlin. In addition to designing museums and exhibitions, their interdisciplinary team also focuses on interiors, building constructions and urban planning projects.

neo.studio undertakes architecture and museum projects at all developmental stages, from brainstorming to overseeing completion. Our range of skills include project management, architectural services along with graphic design and media production. We turn contents into knowledge spaces that can be experienced. Nor do we follow a set dogma, but develop our own integrated solution for every content. In our projects, the cohesive interaction of stories, exhibits, space and visual communication make it possible to experience the content which is being communicated at an emotional level. Through our designs, we communicate many layers of information and the nuances of our subject matter. Our graphically-striking and architecturally-inventive projects forge relationships between the design and the viewer. Developing symbols and metaphors that help to convey meaning is especially important to our work; often these tropes speak a language that cannot always be clearly understood by museum visitors. Conscious of their value, we use them to direct our work while leaving room for interpretation and free associations. Our desire is to excite the senses of the viewer in a multitude of ways and, in doing so, bring spaces to life. We realise our exhibit designs through extensive interdisciplinary collaboration with scholars and curators. Consistent imagery and understandable metaphors are created through the successful integration of an exhibitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main components: architecture, graphic design and

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multimedia. The main priority of our exhibits is to present the artefacts and impart an understanding of their histories. Through forms, colours and a commitment to the overarching concept, our coherent designs are further developed. Ideas and projects are carried out in adherence to the given time frame and price range by our team of architects, interior architects, graphic designers, media designers and social scientists. Our work encompasses projects in the field of museum and exhibit conception as well as the design of interior spaces and buildings. Our office excels in the development of archaeological, natural history, art history, scientific and cultural history exhibits and museums. Our multidisciplinary strategy marries content-, concept-, and draft-based working styles into an enhanced architecture practice. Our focus is always on the artefact and its history. Through connecting scenographic and architectonic principles, fully-integrated presentation spaces and new display forms emerge. Every exhibition project becomes its own distinct multisensory experience.

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Company: OFFICIUM Design Engineering GmbH Contact: Thomas Ferwagner Phone: +49 711 870 69 40 Website: www.officium.net

Specialist Architecture & Engineering Company of the Year 2018 - Germany

OFFICIUM Design Engineering GmbH With more than 25 years of experience, OFFICIUM is the premier designer worldwide of tensile mesh and cable structures. From its home in Stuttgart, Germany and its North American base in Chicago, USA OFFICIUM is actively designing on five continents, as Thomas Ferwagner explores. rawing on its vast industry experience and expertise, OFFICIUM partners with local architects, designers, engineers, planners, contractors and communities to realize projects of all scales and sizes, each one a unique challenge with its own unique solution. Thomas tells us more about the firm’s service offering and how it works with clients to create projects that will stand the test of time.

“Here at OFFICIUM, our international portfolio embraces projects across various sectors that employ tensile designs to meet the individual needs of our clients. We have created innovative solutions for zoos and aviaries, green facades, public art installations and sculpture, transportation security, and bridge safety, among others. The scope of possible applications is limited only by one’s imagination. Every project is a prototype with unique demands and conditions. This makes our work exceptionally rewarding and also demands that we constantly innovate. Tensile structures behave in ways that are completely unique in architecture. Our architects and engineers bring our very specialized knowledge to the design process and use it to inform not only a structure’s aesthetic, but also its performance. Our comprehensive understanding of tensile properties and material characteristics enables us to realize efficiencies for our clients – leveraging a minimum of materials for maximum effect. The resulting structures have striking visual impact while delivering long-term performance.” Innovation is key to the firm’s success, and as such Thomas is keen to outline how OFFICIUM adapts around the latest advancements in thinking and technology.

“Our engineering makes use of the latest top-of-the-line three-dimensional analysis software and we work with only the highest quality suppliers of stainless steel mesh, cables and fittings. Stainless steel offers great advantages in strength and durability, maintenance and sustainability. Our

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work even lies at the foundation of numerous green projects where building facades use the mesh as a substrate to support the growth of vining plants on their surface – cooling the building, offering a beautiful visual component, and creating an opportunity to lower our impact on the planet.” Looking to the future, Thomas foresees even greater success for OFFICIUM, as he is proud to share in his concluding comments.

“At OFFICIUM, we have always been active globally in designing highimpact tensile structures and our reach has extended to five continents. We are expanding our engagement with partners in Asia as well as building our portfolio in North America while maintaining a solid foundation in Europe. With offices in Stuttgart, Chicago, our ability to respond to our clients’ needs with flexibility, speed, and a personal touch will be greatly enhanced. We see a sharp increase in the internationalization of projects, with teams from around the globe coming together to deliver the highest degree of service. Each team brings their strengths and specialization to the table, so partnership and electronic coordination will be key to the success of our work. “Ultimately, the best materials, the best tools, and the best minds deliver the best project every time. That is our commitment and our legacy.”

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Company: PCA Architecture Contact: Paolo Cucchi Address: Milan, Italy - Johor Bahru, Malaysia Email: info@paolocucchiarchitects.com Website: www.paolocucchiarchitect.com

Multi-Disciplinary Architecture & Design Firm of the Year 2018 – Italy -Malaysia & Architect of the Year 2018: Paolo Cucchi – Italy - Malaysia

PCA Architecture, based in Malaysia and Italy, is a multi-disciplinary architectural firm that operates at different levels, from attentively crafted interiors to large scale projects: the design embraces residential, hospitality and retail projects, landscaping and urban planning. We invited Founder Paolo Cucchi to share a fascinating insight into the firm and the secrets behind its success.

ounded in 1987, today PCA Architecture works with public and private clients on new buildings and regenerations, providing a full service, from concept through to final completion in close collaboration with specialist consulting teams and the client. Paolo provides us with an overview of one of his firm’s latest projects and how his firm utilised its vast industry knowledge and collaborative approach to create an outcome the client could be truly proud of.

“Here in Malaysia there are difficult climatic conditions such as humidity and hot weather all year around, and as such, sadly, today people has abandoned a kind of life carried out mostly outdoor, preferring to live in cool closed ambiences. A project I am particularly proud of, despite its modest size, is a pavilion conceived last year as an architectural sign melded with landscape and natural context, a ‘in-between shelter’, where to share outdoor recreational facilities, infinity pool and tennis court, and moments of conviviality with friends. The intention was to enhance the performative qualities of the natural context, providing a relaxing setting where to enjoy the experience. An attempt to restore a kind of life belonging to Malaysia’s past days. “Personally, I am fascinated by Asian exuberant greenery, and as such I was enthusiastic to approach this challenge. Space and atmosphere have been shaped to offer a poetic, regenerative corner, striving to reach emotional involvement. Architecture and landscape interact with empathic consonance: the architectural presence, expressed with linear simplicity, well blends with the surrounding natural elements, maximizing a close connection with the beauty of nature and its soothing power. Fluidity and fusion between exterior and interior arouse the feeling to be immersed in the tropical context. A belt of fluidity embraces and nurtures as vital lymph the composition: the pavilion floats on a strip of current water and running water flows from the mouths along the wall fence. Water is the recurrent

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leitmotif of the project, able to attract birds, butterflies and dragonflies, to greet and calm and confer an overall pleasant feeling of coolness. Sustainability has been one of the major concern: new technologies, supported by traditional local devices, have made possible to discourage the use of air-con, required by the client.” This project is one of many which is helping Paolo and his team to change the built environment for the better, as he proudly highlights.

“Fundamentally, my firm’s work revolves around the relationship between an architectural creation and the future ‘user’, which is a story mixed of discovery, expectations, joy or disappointment. My aim is to offer comfortable situations, enjoyable ambiences where people could feel well or love to live, whether they are houses or offices, private or public spaces.” Looking ahead, there are many exciting projects in the pipeline for PCA Architecture as the firm seeks to build upon its current success. Paolo concludes by outlining one particular project which is very close to his heart.

“Currently we have a very interesting project in progress: a mixed-use development, supported by a flow-through solution, envisaging an environmentally responsible, human-scale, self-sufficient integrated complex. The project is an attempt to face and overcome a difficult logistic situation, as an opportunity to relieve especially commuting workers, obliged to daily travel from Johor to Singapore and to help the critical reality of young graduates, in particular need of economic support. As such we are particularly excited about this project and look forward to seeing it through to the end.”

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Company: PEEK Architecture + Design Contact: Georgina Turvey Address: 2nd Floor, Noland House, 12-13 Poland Street, London, W1F 8QB, UK Phone: 0207 734 3094 Web Address: www.peekarchitecture.co.uk

Best Residential Architecture & Interior Design Firm - South England

Based in the heart of London, PEEK Architecture + Design is an innovative architecture and interior design practice dedicated to supporting a wide range of clients. We caught up with Founder Georgina Turvey to explore how the firm has flourished over the past 12 months.

ince its inception in 2006 PEEK Architecture + Design has flourished, working on a wide range of innovative and exciting projects and building up a vast portfolio of successful projects and satisfied clients. Georgina offers us an insight into how the firm came about and the techniques she employed to build for it a reputation for exceptional quality and supportive client service.

“Drawing on my experience and knowledge, I started PEEK Architecture + Design and built our client base predominantly through word of mouth. It grew organically, and today we are based in Soho which is a convenient location for all our prime London projects. Our clients are a mix homeowners and families to developers. “To support these clients, we offer a range of services which can entail everything from feasibility and planning, to construction, interiors and furnishing. We even design and get built a range of additional items such as bespoke light fittings and furniture when necessary. Previous projects we have undertaken include homes, developments and commercial properties, ranging from large city houses and apartments, to extensions, basements, roof conversions, refurbishments and interiors.” Having come from a strong architectural background, the firm is constantly looking to expand upon its portfolio of interior design work and support clients to create unique spaces in which they can flourish. Georgina shares the techniques that she and her team employ to achieve this so that every project has a successful outcome.

“Owing to our predominantly architectural approach, our interior design elements are driven by the function and form of a space and how light, circulation and sight lines are influenced. When this is established, we apply fresh colour palettes, natural materials and textures, with the aim of retaining a common thread throughout a scheme. Our projects tend to have industrial elements mixed with classic features. Period properties in London form the

Build 2018 Architecture Awards

basis for the majority of our work, and it is important for us to stay true to the original architecture, presenting us with an exhilarating challenge.” Challenging projects are where PEEK Architecture + Design thrives, as Georgina is proud to highlight as she showcases one of the firm’s most recent projects, a listed building in London in need of extensive repair.

“One of our most successful projects recently was at a building named Gatti House on the Strand in London. It was historically the private dining rooms for the Adelphi theatre next door, but had fallen into disrepair over the years, housing a language school and amusement arcade. As it was grade 2 listed it had many constraints, but we managed to create four unique apartments and a restaurant on the ground floor, all the while retaining the character and exposing and restoring original features. It really was a labour of love for all involved and we are all very proud of the outcome.” Looking ahead, Georgina is optimistic about the future of PEEK Architecture + Design as she explores how the firm will be seeking to build upon its current reputation for excellence and use its skills and knowledge to grow even further over the months and years to come.

“Over the last couple of years, we have been following our clients as they make the big move out of the city, so are working on some fantastic country residences now too, and it just shows that our clients trust us to listen and implement the projects in a way they truly trust. This is an exhilarating move for our firm as we work on new projects in unfamiliar surroundings. “Alongside this, we are also currently developing some bespoke furniture pieces, light fittings and designs for ironmongery. When carrying out extensive research we frequently find that certain products simply do not exist, and as such it would be great to create a line of products which reflect our practise’s developing style and meet the ever evolving needs of our clients. This will be our longer term focus as we look towards a truly exciting future.”

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Company: Ph.D. Design Inc. Contact: Piotr Marzynski Address: 54 Kingsway Cr, Toronto, Ontario, M8X 2R6, Canada Phone: 001416 725 8201 Website: www.phddesign.ca

Best Full-Service Residential Design Firm 2018 – Canada & Best Canadian Modern-Living Project: Beresford Avenue 283

Ph.D. Design is a full-service, design-oriented firm committed to creating distinctive residences by bridging traditional sensibilities with contemporary needs and modern technologies. We profile the firm to gain a fascinating insight into the services it has to offer and how it works to create unique projects that will meet the needs of its valued clients. rawing on more than 40 years’ experience in the market, Ph.D. Design specialises in residential architecture and interiors, serving a wide range of clients from across Canada. The firm’s Principal Peter (Piotr) Marzynski gained his professional experience working in Warsaw, Paris, Antwerp and Toronto with well-known Architects including Stanislaw Marzynski, Emille Aillaud and Macy DuBois.

Currently, the firm is drawing on the experience and expertise of this dedicated team to design new houses, undertake major renovations as well as produce additions, restorations and interiors for its clients. The value of the projects that the practice undertakes varies from $800000 to $6 million. Among these projects is the award-winning 283 Beresford Ave, Toronto which is owned by Patti and David Bragg, which Piotr has designed, with General Contractor Enzo del Nibletto constructing the project.

In achieving this aim, Ph.D. Design’s main challenge is to create architecture that ages well. The firm seeks to educate its clients through the architecture, preventing uncontrolled developments hurting the neighbourhoods it enhances through its developments and designs. Alongside his work for his clients, Piotr is also dedicated to the education as a Professor of Architecture, allowing him to share his insight and knowledge with the wider architecture market and the visionaries of tomorrow. Overall, the future looks bright for Ph.D. Design. The Canadian architecture market is flourishing, with various developments including the Frank Gehry development on King Street in Toronto will help to drive investment and interest in the region’s built environment. This will offer many great opportunities for Piotr and his team which they are looking forward to taking advantage of over the years to come.

Central to the firm’s design philosophy is its drive to fit its designs into the existing landscape. As such, the team are focusing in creating visual harmony, proportions, flow of lines, respect to tradition and materials.

282 BERESFORD AVE, TORONTO

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23 RIVERSIDE CRESCENT, TORONTO

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Company: Pleotint L.L.C Contact: Patrick Lentz Address: 6722 18th Avenue, Jenison, Michigan, 49428, USA Phone: 001 616 662 7216 Web Address: www.suntuitiveglass.com

Most Innovative Natural Lighting Solution: Suntuitive® Dynamic Glass

Pleotint L.L.C Pleotint, LLC is a Michigan based innovator of advanced window technologies that has created Suntuitive Dynamic Glass, a self-tinting glass technology that darkens gradually and dynamically when heated by direct sunlight. Patrick Lentz tells us more about this unique product and how it is changing the market for the better. leotint is a dynamic glass supplier with one of the most utilized products in that space called Suntuitive Dynamic Glass. This is a thermochromic technology that adjusts automatically based on the temperature of the glass. It is amazingly intuitive technology and its finding more and more users every day, as Patrick highlights.

“Here at Pleotint, we supply our materials to a multitude of different users and are always working to educate the building owners and architects about how our product can make a difference for the environment and the buildings that are being constructed in it. We are dedicated to providing customers with brilliant and dynamic glass technologies that increase building efficiency and optimize comfort. Every day we work to develop the best products and back it with best in class service.

increase energy efficiency and optimize comfort and views. Our company is made up of women and men who work very hard to service our customer base and do right by our industry. Having an innovative product truly makes it easier to come to work every day.” Looking to the future, Patrick is optimistic about his firm’s ongoing success, as he is proud to conclude.

“Overall, at Pleotint we believe the future is very bright. We have completed projects all over the world and have many others in development that we are very excited for them to get off of the drawing boards and onto purchase orders.”

“One of our more recent projects was the MASCO Headquarters in Michigan, USA. It was a beautifully designed building by the architectural firm of Lindhout Associates. The building was being built near many other already constructed buildings and they wanted to make sure our glass made a statement. They did not want blinds to keep the sun and glare out, our glass intelligently works for itself (and the building). The Suntuitive Dynamic Glass met their goals as the MASCO Building has an amazingly clean look and the occupants are comfortable year-round.” Pleotint’s success in this prestigious awards programme highlights the innovative and unique nature of its signature product, something Patrick is keen to emphasise.

“Everyone at Pleotint is so excited to win this award. Suntuitive® Dynamic Glass is special and we want more and more people to know about it. This is a technology that simply uses the heat from direct sunlight to tint windows when necessary. It is truly smart glass. We are dedicated to providing customers with naturally brilliant, sustainable windows that

2018 Architecture Awards Build

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Company: Prestige Architects Contact: Marco Braghiroli Address: 2 Magistrate House, Market Place, London, TW8 8FJ, UK Phone: 0207 971 1368 Website: www.prestige.eu.com

Best High-End Residential Architecture Practice - London

Prestige Architects is a boutique, London based architecture practice specialising in creating bespoke residential projects tailored to the individual needs of its esteemed clients. We invited Director Marco Braghiroli to talk us through the practice in more detail and share the secrets behind the creation of the perfect project.

stablished in 2009, today Prestige works with clients throughout the UK and abroad, creating some of the most beautiful and innovative living spaces, through a tailored traditional, contemporary or modern design process based on client requirements.

Although the firm’s background is in traditional architecture, the team have often been asked to design contemporary space to suit the client preferences, and as such they take a very dynamic approach to the design, as every member of Prestige’s team understand that, ultimately, the building will be the clients’ home, therefore it is important that their vision is realised. Marco explores how this approach is entwined with the firm’s mission to create outcomes that meet the needs of every stakeholder.

“Here at Prestige, my aim is to very much enjoy the process together with my client in building something that tailors to their expectation and everyday life. I have come across a few architects in the past that in some shape or form imposed design onto the project following a more personal achievement instead of creating the client’s dream and I have promised myself that I would always do the opposite”. “When undertaking any project, I gather all the client needs and tastes and then suggest a design in line with these pulling together the complex puzzle with harmony. At the end of the process I will be stepping away from the final product whilst the client will literally wake up every day within these walls and, as such, the outcome must be tailored around their dreams. In my view, achieving this is all about the eye, as symmetry and consistency will ensure balance in the form and nothing is more important to me than the element of detail - as it is incredible how space changes by carefully looking at this element of design.”

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This client focused approach has clearly paid off, as Prestige is no stranger to repeat clients, who commission follow-up projects worldwide and continue their personalised, breath-taking architectural journey, filled with elegance and creative expertise. Marco is proud to outline the range of projects the firm currently has on its books and additional undertakings that it is continually accepting.

“Currently we have 10 ongoing projects, ranging from a 1,700 sqf Chelsea flat full refurb to a new 12,000 sqf villa abroad – with many more exciting projects in the pipeline. Each of these projects is unique by nature and they vary from a refurbishment in the heart of Knightsbridge in London to a new large 10,000 sqf new chalet in Switzerland. Every project has its challenges and demands and uniquely answers; I like the challenges that are regularly presented from each type of project, from the refurbishment of a 100 year old house in central London to the new build abroad where construction technologies are different. I am also proud of a long-lasting project mission we are working on with an Italian company to build schools in Africa in synergy with some key African countries’ governments.” As he explores the future, Marco is optimistic that Prestige can continue to create exceptional projects that will meet its clients’ needs and exceed their expectations.

“To ensure continued success for both ourselves and our clients, at Prestige we are keen to keep ourselves in a precise position in the market where we are not too large, with the risk of losing our identity but, at the same time, focusing on large and exciting projects in the UK and internationally. Ultimately, we have established a credible and reliable reputation and, in some cases, we have seen clients happy to wait for us to get involved in their projects. We aim to retain this position and continue to enhance our portfolio of satisfied clients over the years to come.”

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Company: R3Design Developments Ltd Contact: Mr. S. Raju Address: The Glasshouse, 9 Hallam Close, Littlethorpe, Leicestershire, LE19 2LA, UK Phone: 0116 216 5175 Web Address: www.r3ddl.com

Best Residential Design & Development Firm - UK

R3Design Developments Ltd is an innovative, Leicestershire based firm providing a wide range of design and development solutions to clients across the residential and commercial housing markets. We caught up with Mr. S. Raju to find out more about how the firm works to support its clients and create an outcome they can be truly proud of. 3Design Developments Ltd provides a vast service offering which includes design and development concepts; planning and building control submissions; principle and lead consultants; project management; as well as certification of works. Levels of services are catered to suit client or project requirements to ensure excellence at all times, as Mr. S. Raju outlines.

“Here at R3Design Developments Ltd, our client base is predominately private clients and developers whom have been recommended of our service level for which we are very pleased. Our specialism covers bespoke developments within the residential and commercial sector as our client’s requirements and expectations continue to increase. “Thanks to our strong understanding of construction methods, we can help our clients through the whole process from initial concept through to completion of the build if required. Our designs and developments appear to attract interest, which is great. It is pleasing to know our work can make a positive contribution to the Built Environment.”

The firm’s hard work and commitment has led to it winning this prestigious award, something Mr. S. Raju is incredibly proud of, as he showcases.

“Over the recent years we have been involved in some exciting projects, which in some cases have surpassed our client’s expectations. We aim to undertake all our projects to a very high standard and improve as we continue. We are very delighted to have received this award; it essentially descripts the line of work we specialise in”. Ultimately, R3Design Developments Ltd has achieved incredible success over recent years, and moving forward the firm has many exciting developments on the horizon as it seeks to grow even further and support a wider range of clients, as Mr. S. Raju concludes.

“Looking ahead, we are keen to continue to expand into new sectors in order to better support our clients and continue to meet their high expectations. As the market grows and develops we will adapt our service offering to ensure that we meet their needs.”

2018 Architecture Awards Build

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Company: Robert Stanziale, Architect, PC Contact: Robert Stanziale, AIA Address: 270 North Avenue, Suite 402, New Rochelle New York 10801 Phone: 914.633.0070

Mixed-Use Architect of the Year 2018 - New York

Robert Stanziale, Architect, PC draws on the expertise and vast knowledge of its Founder Robert Stanziale. We invited Robert to tell us more about his work and how he collaborates with his clients a successful outcome to every project.

obert Stanziale has been in practice for 32 years and is proud to have been responsible for a multitude of projects in multi-family residential, retail, industrial, educational and corporate disciplines. Robert discusses the firm’s work and latest projects in more detail and explores the challenges and opportunities each one offers.

“At Robert Stanziale, Architect, PC, we offer architectural services for ground up projects as well as renovations and repurposing of existing structures. We are involved in the municipal approval phase through construction administration. We provide architectural services for projects primarily in the Westchester NY County area but often work in New Jersey and Connecticut. Our approach to a project is simple; we listen and get to understand the client. They need our guidance more than they usually admit. Building that level of trust with your client goes a long way for a successfully meeting their goals. I feel that this is one way our firm differentiates itself from others and provides us with repeat clients. “Under construction currently is a new boutique hotel I designed in our local city, New York. This project has taken a while to come to fruition.

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The municipal approval process was long and thorough but ultimately yielded a fitting design for both the City and Client. The 80-room hotel is being construction on a very tight ‘city’ lot and, once completed, will be a LEED Certified building.” In the architecture market today, there are many exciting developments which will offer Robert Stanziale, Architect, PC many invigorating opportunities to build upon its current success, as Robert proudly concludes.

“Currently, our geographic region is benefitting from an aggressive construction atmosphere, and my firm is fortunate to be in the thick of it. We are careful not to over extend ourselves as we strive to maintain that attention to detail. “Overall, I continue to see a positive future for our firm. We pride ourselves in being on the leading edge of whatever technology has to offer with respect to office production and management, constantly re-adjusting where needed, and this will remain our core focus over the years to come as we seek to further enhance our service offering and portfolio of satisfied clients.”

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Company: Robinette Architects, Inc. Contact: Ronald Robinette Address: 1670 East River Road, Suite 112, Tucson, Arizona, 85718, USA Phone: 001 520 323 3979 Website: www.robinettearchitect.com

Best Contemporary Home Design Practice - Arizona

Robinette Architects, Inc. is a boutique Arizona based firm focused on producing unique and creative homes that are responsive to their owner’s lifestyle and respectful of the Sonoran Desert. We profile the firm and share a fascinating insight into the range of projects it undertakes. on Robinette is a Tucson native with over thirty years of experience and more than 300 constructed projects in Southern Arizona. In 1984, he founded Robinette Architects, Inc., a full-service firm providing comprehensive architectural design services.

Today, Robinette Architects, Inc. focuses on producing unique and creative homes that are responsive to their owner’s lifestyle and respectful of the Sonoran Desert. Their award-winning team specializes in custom homes and is a recognized leader in residential design. Undertaking a wide range of projects, the team finds that each presents creative challenges when it comes to responding to the environment of their client’s sites. Each site and client are unique, which helps create one-of-a-kind solutions that respond to specific goals and aspirations. With regards to the future, Robinette Architects, Inc. remains committed to helping their clients dream home become a reality. Additionally, the team is committed to driving excellence for its younger staff, supporting them to become masters of their profession and encouraging them to be thoughtful and to continually push themselves. This focus will ensure the firm creates beautiful designs that thrive in and respond to the harsh desert environment.

Project: MARANA HILLSIDE RESIDENCE: Oro Valley, Arizona

2018 Architecture Awards Build

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Company: Sara Slade Interiors Contact: Sara Slade Address: The Studio, 98a Hartington Grove, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB1 7UB, UK Phone: 01223 244019 Website: www.saraslade.co.uk

Most Innovative Interior Design Practice - Southern England

Sara Slade Interiors is a Cambridge-based, award-winning Interior Design Studio working on both residential properties and commercial projects. We profile the practice to learn more.

reative Director Sara Slade has been an Interior Designer for over 20 years, and formed Sara Slade Interiors in 2012. Over six very busy years, the company has evolved from Sara initially designing and managing all projects, to a solid, talented team of four. To complement Sara’s vast industry know-how, the practice now has an experienced Interiors Project Manager, a Financial Director/Account Handler and a CAD Designer, who together cover every aspect of the design process, from initial concept to the final fitting.

Drawing on this combined experience and expertise, the practice’s design is informed by a vast-product knowledge, constant travelling and a

desire to hunt out the newest, up-and-coming talents in lighting, furniture and fabric design and manufacture. Regardless of project size or budget, the team at Sara Slade Interiors are committed to creating something truly special and unique for each and every client, and are just as excited by timeless and classic as they are by cutting-edge and contemporary. Each project is client-driven, but the team are not afraid to guide our customers to try something new, and this combination ensures a unique outcome that meets the clients’ needs and exceeds their expectations. As part of this focus, the firm’s interior design service offers a complete ‘turnkey’ solution to your project. The dedicated and professional team can design anything from the simplest colour scheme to the full design package including Bathroom and Kitchen specifications, lighting plans and bespoke joinery. To ensure excellence from the beginning, Sara Slade Interiors fully manage each project from concept through to supply and installation. The practice has its own team of trusted tradesmen, curtain makers and fitters and regularly work alongside Architects to create a seamless finished result. Alongside designing and fitting stunning homes, apartments and hotels for clients, Sara Slade Interiors regularly write features for print and online publications, many of which are published on their website or monthly newsletter so that the firm can share their vast industry knowledge with their valued clients. Ultimately, at Sara Slade Interiors the client is the key focus, and the team keep them at the very centre of each project they undertake. The practice’s ongoing aim is to make sure that they enjoy the process from start to finish, and this will remain the team’s focus as it looks towards a bright future.

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Company: SBA Architektur und Städtebau Address: Möhlstraße 12, 81675 München, Germany Phone: 0049 89 202403 0 Website: sba-int.com

Best International Architectural Planning Company 2018 & Best Energy-Efficient Office Project: Innovation Center

SBA Architektur und Städtebau is an interdisciplinary design team of architects, urban planners and landscape architects, working in Munich, Stuttgart and Shanghai. Dr. Hong Li, managing director of SBA explores how the practice supports its clients and creates stunning structures that will inspire and delight for many years to come. D

rawing on its wealth of experience and expertise, SBA provides holistic solutions for complex planning tasks. Hong Li shares an insight into

“Here at SBA, our services include architectural design, urban planning, landscape design, feasibility studies and competitions. One of our special areas of expertise is the smart city planning. We have supported towns and cities for many years in their implementation of a wide range of measures at various levels. As part of this focus, we have developed tools, such as the Low Carbon Index (LCI) and the Energy Efficiency Controller (EEC). “Each project is optimally implemented taking design, functional and technical aspects into account. In addition, quality, cost and schedule targets are always adhered into the processing of planning projects. We attach great importance to energy efficiency, sustainability and reducing life cycle costs. With our creative, complex and out-of-the-box thinking, we always try to create more value than our clients had intended to ensure that they are always satisfied with the outcome.” As part of this approach, the firm relies on a team of dedicated, skilled staff, all of whom are driven towards providing exceptional service for SBA’s clients, as Hong Li highlights.

“One of our key strengths is our interdisciplinary team: each of them experts in their special area of competence but working and cooperating closely together. Thus, we carry out widely varying projects beginning from small kindergartens over complex laboratories and hospitals up to the master planning of huge urban areas. We are experienced enough to realize very large and challenging projects but, nevertheless, small enough to care personally about each of our clients and about each of our team members.” This dedicated workforce is provided with the latest cutting edge solutions to ensure optimum efficiency, as Hong Li is eager to emphasise.

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“Modern technical equipment and working software are a necessary prerequisite for the application of BIM and the integration of digital data. As such, at SBA we are constantly improving and developing data backed or 3D planning processes to ensure traceability and the best possible coordination among all the parties involved in a project. This approach begins at the planning stage, and continues on beyond execution to ensure that maintained of our structures is always efficient. In addition, we are currently combining BIM-data with GIS (Geographic Information Systems), as a significant part of the data used for urban planning has spatial relevance.”

Innovation is a key aspect of the firm’s work, but the firm also draws on its team’s skills and specialist local knowledge to achieve success. Being based in two key locations offers many benefits and challenges for SBA. One important challenge in Germany is that, in many European cities, there is a need for densification. By developing existing inner urban districts, it is possible to revaluate and optimize infrastructures. There is a housing shortage in many areas which is caused by a rural exodus, and this indicates a requirement for numerous new apartments and a need for new schools and kindergartens. This densification bounds urban sprawl, but nevertheless it is important to keep a close eye on the urban climate and –ecology, which reacts sensitively to the stronger use of landscape.

Urban planning in China requires more extensive in-depth approaches, caused by a very fast urban development. The term “Smart City” describes technology-based changes and innovations in urban spaces. The idea of using digital technology is also a response to complex economic, social and political challenges of today´s society. The focus is on the handling of environmental pollution, demographic change, growth of population and scarcity of resources. New technical opportunities are useful and have to be integrated into concepts for liveable, high-quality cities. By using specific design tools, it is possible to create cities that are characterized by an intelligent mix of uses, optimal local public transportation-possibilities and many walkable areas. Looking ahead, SBA will be working alongside its clients to support them as they work to overcome these challenges and create the cities of the future.

2018 Architecture Awards Build

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Company: SDS London Ltd Contact: Simon Ayers - Sales Director Address: 183-189 Northcote Road, Battersea, London, SW11 6QF, UK Phone: 02072 281185 Website: www.sdslondon.co.uk

Best Architectural Ironmongery Company - South East England

SDS London is an Architectural Ironmongery company that has been established for over 35 years. We invited Simon Ayers, Sales Director to provide us with an overview of the company as we explore the secrets behind its continuous success.

DS has been supplying architectural ironmongery to the trade and public from its showrooms in Battersea for an extensive period. Throughout the firm there is considerable experience and expertise, meaning the company is able to provide the highest levels of service to leading construction projects in the UK, Europe and overseas.

Having been selected as the Best Architectural Ironmongery Company in South East England, Simon tells us what it means to the team at SDS to win this award and what attributes the firm possesses which have contributed to its extensive success.

“Here at SDS London, we are extremely proud to have won this award as it is great recognition of our work. We believe that our product offering and high standards of service have allowed us to achieve this.” Providing us with a summary of the work that the firm undertakes, Simon elaborates on the work that the team does, and what processes the team utilise in order to guarantee that the client is satisfied.

“Working with a vast array of clients within the industry, we provide door schedules for interior designers, architects and contractors for any project, whether it be large or small. Keeping our clients up-to-date with every development that arises during the process, we handle the project from initial enquiry and design to supply.” When working on a project, it is vital within the architecture industry that the utmost care is taken, and the team at SDS are passionate about delivering the best results on every project. For Simon and the team, it is not just about producing the best result, but also the best service.

“Whenever we undertake a project with a client, we like to focus on the service we can provide for any project, and will do all that we can to ensure things run smoothly and on time. This is something many of our clients appreciate.” Working in such a competitive industry, it is important that SDS are able to stand out amongst other architecture firms, and fortunately this is something that the team at SDS excels at. Boasting a wealth of knowledge and experience, Simon tells us that it is versatility which really sets the firm apart from others.

“Holding a unique skillset in the architecture industry, we are proud to offer many different ranges of ironmongery to choose from and are dedicated to providing a pleasant and easy experience.” Overall, SDS is well placed to build on the successful foundations that it has built, and now has a solid platform which will enable it to catapult itself to the top of the industry. Offering a huge number of products and services, with over 10,000 lines in stock, the SDS team are able to provide a timely, friendly and exceptional service. Whatever the project that the team are working with the client on, it is guaranteed that brilliant results will be delivered with a professional service.

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Company: Taylor Architects Contact: Eamon McCarney Address: Breaffy Road, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, Ireland Phone: 00353 9490 21988 Email: info@TaylorArchitects.ie Website: www.TaylorArchitects.ie

Best Healthcare Architecture Design Consultancy 2018 - Republic of Ireland

Taylor Architects is an innovative design consultancy employing more than 30 experienced and forward-thinking staff. We invited Eamon McCarney to tell us more about the firm and the services it offers.

ounded in 1966, today Taylor Architects is one of Ireland’s leading design consultancies employing architects, architectural technicians and interior designers from its office in Castlebar. Eamon explores the firm’s service offering in more detail and highlights the approach it takes to creating an outcome that will assist with the health and wellbeing of everyone who uses it.

“The impact of buildings on our health is huge. Taylor Architects recognises that simple and intuitive design features can affect people’s wellbeing. Plenty of daylight, natural ventilation, good acoustics, access to green space and design which encourages connected communities all have a positive impact. Our research and learning are brought into every project.”

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“This ethos was used on several recent healthcare projects including the Ballyshannon Primary Care Centre, an Ambulance Base in Tuam, a Medical Academy for teaching student doctors, renovations at Roscommon General Hospital and several projects for Mayo University Hospital. Our methodology is one of exploration and evolution balancing aspirations and ideas with the realities of finance, function and context. Responding to the needs of our clients is of paramount importance and we believe that this can only be achieved through open and direct dialogue. It is this philosophy and attention to our clients’ needs while responding to the site and local environment that have helped us grow and receive this prestigious healthcare award.”

Among the firm’s recent successful projects is the Grangegorman Primary Care Centre in Dublin, which Eamon is keen to discuss in more detail.

“Our most recent Healthcare project is the Grangegorman Primary Care Centre in Dublin which is part of the Health Service Executive’s strategic development of the former St. Brendan’s Hospital site to provide healthcare facilities for the local community including Dublin’s north inner city. As part of the National Primary Care programme, the building accommodates healthcare professionals and general practitioners in addition to Audiology and Ophthalmology.” “The brief required 3,700m2 of accommodation, of which 1,400m2 is in the former Laundry building which is a protected structure. As a combination of refurbishment / conservation of an existing protected structure and a new build extension, the project characterises the approach to the larger campus plan of protecting and conserving the best of our heritage while developing modern innovative architectural solutions for a 21st Century campus. The project, like all our current projects, was completed in 3D with BIM which allowed the coordination of all elements of the design team and provided realistic renders to the client and end users enabling them to make informed decisions early in the project thus limiting onsite changes and contractor claims. We find the move to BIM invaluable to both the production and managing of information and the delivery of high quality projects over traditional systems.

“Overall a complex brief has been carefully handled by combining a modern architectural form of building and proving clear legibility and allowing visitors to experience the original light-filled Victorian structure.” Among the firm’s key focuses is sustainability, as it seeks to create buildings that enhance the health of both their users and the planet, as Eamon highlights.

“Here at Taylor Architects we are committed to bringing the latest technology, innovation and research to our client’s projects to ensure sustainable development. We are committed to sustainable architectural principles and use various methods to reduce our global impact. To demonstrate this, we carried out a CO2 audit on the operations of our practice and in close association with the Edinburgh Institute of Carbon Management we have achieved carbon neutral status. As a result, Taylor Architects were the first architectural practice in Ireland to achieve CO2 neutral status. In our projects we use natural materials where possible, review life-cycle impacts, energy use, recycling of materials and reduce the use of precious natural resources such as water. This helps us to create projects that will stand the test of time and support our planet.” Ultimately, Taylor Architects design beautiful, sustainable and affordable facilities that help its clients to improve the health of patients and communities. This will remain the firm’s ongoing focus as it looks towards a bright and opportunity filled future.

2018 Architecture Awards Build

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Company: Timber Design Initiatives Contact: Peter Wilson Address: 90a Constitution Street, Edinburgh, EH6 6RP, UK Phone: +44 131 554 8643

Timber Architecture Consultants of the Year 2018 - Europe

Timber Design Initiatives Ltd is an Edinburgh-based firm whose work centres on supporting innovation in the architecture and engineering of new all-timber or timber hybrid buildings. We explored the secrets behind the firm’s remarkable success over recent years. nnovation in the development and use of new and advanced timber technologies is central to the work of Timber Design Initiatives. The company not only advises and guides many architects, engineers, manufacturers and suppliers on the range of timber systems available today but, importantly, also works directly with companies and organisations located throughout Europe on the research, development, testing and commercialisation of new timber products.

This, combined with the company’s pro-active identification of opportunities to build full-size demonstration projects that utilise these products and systems, as well as its highly respected programme of independent, objective Continuing Professional Education (CPE) on all aspects of timber design and construction for industry professionals, distinguishes Timber Design Initiatives’ skills, experience and business activity from those of other specialists in the sector. The work of Timber Design Initiatives is positioned at the interface between practice and research, bringing companies into direct contact with relevant academic departments and research institutions to take

forward ideas for new products/systems, with potential to bring high added value to the forest resource, through rigorous prototyping and testing programmes. Market awareness and research is key to the success of these new developments, and as such the firm maintains close links to companies and organisations in all parts of the timber industry - forestry, processors, manufacturers, importers, traders and specialist contractors – with a view to ensuring that strong interest and demand exists. Alongside its core operations, Timber Design Initiatives Ltd also operates its own publishing imprint, Arcamedia Ltd, to produce the necessary objective technical support information. Recent examples of its published work include The Modern Timber House in the UK- New Paradigms and Technologies by Peter Wilson and Mass Timber – An introduction to Solid Laminate Timber Systems by Dr Robert Hairstans, Director of COCIS. From its home base in Scotland’s capital city, the company maintains an active involvement with trade and professional organisations throughout Europe, with its Managing Director, architect Peter Wilson, regularly invited to contribute to conferences addressing the timber architecture and engineering professions, the hardwood and softwood sectors, wood protection associations and wood science institutes. This engagement with international academics and researchers ensures Timber Design Initiatives stays abreast of new ideas and technological advances in the use of wood in construction and is able to relate these developments to its extensive network of industry contacts through its pro-active professional use of social media and via the many well-attended conferences, lectures, seminars and workshops it organises in the UK. Edinburgh may seem like the edge of Europe to some, but there are many advantages to this location, not least proximity to the UK’s largest area of production forestry and the sawmills and processors that service it; direct association with the headquarters of the UK’s primary forestry organisations (Forestry Commission, and ConFor); connection to the

Build 2018 Architecture Awards

hand finishing of Tulipwood CLT panel (image: Carola Calcagno)

gluing of lamella to form Tulipwood CLT panel (image: Carola Calcagno)

city’s four universities, one of which (Edinburgh Napier University) is the UK academic leader in all things connected with wood science and technology, and to the recently established Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CS-IC), a major facility supported by the Scottish Government to enable prototyping of new products and systems with potential commercial value to the Scottish economy. At first sight, this may all seem narrowly provincial: however the work that Timber Design Initiatives Ltd is currently involved in with the new centre is a good example of the type of industry collaborations the company initiates, in this instance by bringing together CS-IC’s prototyping facility, the Centre for Offsite Construction and Innovative Structures (COCIS) at Edinburgh Napier University and the Glenalmond Timber Company Ltd, with the latter employed to grade, plane and finger-joint Tulipwood from the east coast of the United States. This has then been formed into hardwood cross laminated timber panels (a UK first) by CS-IC for use in the American Hardwood Export Council’s contribution to the London Design Festival 2018. Designed by Waugh Thistleton architects and Arup Engineers, the three storey ‘maze’ will stand in the Exhibition Road entrance courtyard to the V&A Museum in London, but only after rigorous testing by COCIS of the panel manufacture and specialist connections designed to make the structure demountable. This demonstration of highly advanced timber architecture and engineering will be seen by many thousands of visitors during September 2018 and by construction professionals throughout the world via websites, social media and other publicity and is likely to have a significant impact on industry perceptions of an entirely new use of hardwood (named ‘MultiPly’) in the ongoing development of solid laminate timber systems. Ultimately, with its education, innovation and demonstration objectives, Timber Design Initiatives’s raison d’etre has always been to look for ways to stimulate innovation in the use of timber in construction, and this will remain the firm’s ongoing focus as it looks towards a bright future. View of the structure looking out of the V&A’s Blavatnik Hall into the courtyard. (credit:Forbes Massie) 2018 Architecture Awards Build

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Company: TOPOS Architects Pte Ltd Contact: Alan Fan Address: 531 Upper Cross Street #03 – 29, 050 531, Singapore Phone: 0065 6736 0804 Website: www.toposdesign.com

Best Interior Design & Architect Firm 2018 - Singapore

TOPOS Architects is an award-winning interior and architectural design firm established to shatter preconceived notions of spatial allocations and use. We profile the firm to learn more about how it has achieved many successes, including winning one of our prestigious Interior Design Awards titles. Founded in 2005 on a philosophy that the daily environment is challenged by individuality and where space and form must co-reside, TOPOS Architects aims to create working and living spaces that inspire the team to showcase their potential, every day.

Through an urbane design philosophy of defining the spatial identity of its owners, TOPOS Architects seeks to co-create a habitat for clients and owners to truly call their own. Today, TOPOS redefines spatial elements to create unique identities that are meaningful and inspiring. The team creates designs that fires the imagination, resulting in spaces that enhance daily living. The team at TOPOS takes pride in collaborating closely with their clients, to propose authentic design solutions and artistic judgements that satisfy the distinctive needs of each project, while ever keeping a close eye on the details, scale and proportions to ensure coherence and aesthetic appeal. The firm draws on the experience of its senior team, headed by Principal and Design Director Alan Fan. The team has over 50 years of international experience among its members, and each member has his or her unique flair for design and passion for creating beautiful and functional spaces. TOPOS’ design philosophy and detailed consideration of client’s needs lay the foundation for well-designed, purposeful and beautiful spaces, incorporating innovations and interesting built elements in the process. Looking into the future, TOPOS Architects is determined to build upon their current success by taking on larger hospitality projects, as well as to increase its design footprint, both locally as well as overseas. As part of this expansion plan, the team is currently working on retail projects in Chelsea, London as an initial step towards building its brand in Europe and the rest of the world. TOPOS Architects visualises itself at the forefront of revolutionary design for international hospitality and commercial spaces. Not resting on its laurels, the team is working towards enhancing its enviable portfolio of

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clients and completed projects to ensure that it remains a key visionary in the global architectural scene.

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Company: Ueberholz GmbH Contact: Nico Ueberholz Address: Vorm Eichholz 2e, 42119, Wuppertal, Germany Phone: 0049 0202 280 96 0 Website: ueberholz.de

Most Client Focused Architectural Design Firm 2018 - Germany

Ueberholz GmbH Ueberholz GmbH is an innovative, client focused architectural design firm based in Germany and providing a wide range of services to its valued clientele. We invited Nico Ueberholz to tell us more about the firm and the range of projects it undertakes.

eberholz is a design office which creates exhibition stands, museums, architecture, retail, brand consulting, brochures and product designs. Operating internationally, the firm has worked with a wide range of clients. Nico discusses the firm’s latest project and how this is providing the team with exciting new opportunities to grow their knowledge and experience.

which our customers can show their best presence. All of these factors mark us out to our clients and set us apart from our competitors.”

“Currently here at Ueberholz we are building a new company building, directly next to our office building. It will be a workplace with multifunctional applications, such as presentation and kick-off events for our clients, a meeting point for teleconferences and so on. There will also be extra space available for mindfulness courses and yoga events in the evenings. The truly fascinating aspect of this project is crafting the design for the building and design all its furniture.

“Moving forward, we have many exciting national and international projects in all areas of design on the horizon, and we are also exploring the use of new technologies in our work to further enhance it and provide our clients with a truly cutting edge service.”

Looking to the future Nico is optimistic about Ueberholz’s prospects as the firm seeks to undertake even more invigorating projects, as he proudly concludes.

“To design a new building which is totally different in material and function with our main office building is the most important challenge I have at currently, and I am very proud of the new Ueberholz- workspace Particularly interesting is the play of the mirrored Allucobond material from the outer facade in the field of tension of light and nature. For me it is important to show a 3D business card of the company and our design work possibilities.” It is the firm’s full service design offering which sets it apart from its competitors and marks it out as the best possible option for clients, as Nico highlights.

“Our office offers all work with a lot of customer proximity from a single source, from the design to implementation. We are unmistakably in the clarity of execution and statement. Our projects are characterized by repeatedly extremely different approaches and implementation methods. They are not comparable in detail. We individually develop unique solutions for our customers and projects, creating unique pieces, unique furniture, light products and so on. Additionally, we find solutions for everything with

2018 Architecture Awards Build

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Company: WoWA Contact: Shih-I Chou Address: 1977 Jinshajiang Road, #16, Suite 902, Shanghai, 200333, China Phone: 86-13918254369 Web Address: www.wowa-archi.com

Most Innovative Architectural Design Firm 2018 – China & Award for Excellence in Large Scale Commercial Developments 2018

WoWA WoWA is a team of experienced commercial architects with landmark mixed-use complex and super tall towers built all over the world. We invited Shih-I Chou to talk us through the firm and the work it undertakes.

ince its foundation in 2012 WoWA has specialized in designing high end landmark project including supertall tower, class A office, five star hotel, large scale mixed use complex and city planning. Shih-I discusses the firm’s approach to projects and how it works to ensure that every client receives the outcome they need.

“At WoWA, our approach to designing each project is to carefully study client’s need, the strength of the site, the market trends and what we think the project should carry. Each project is unique and should have its own character. Our design experience and understanding of how a successful commercial project should run gives us design strength and reasoning to convince our client that a good commercial architecture should be done in certain ways. “To provide astonishing design, first, we have to know what we are doing. We need to understand client’s need, and the expectation from the city, how our buildings response to the context and present itself to the public, what values and enhancement will our design bring. Then we carefully study the site, the function program, and the local culture as the base to start exploring our design concept and layout. Working together with client with several rounds of design searching and problem solving always lead us to a better and more practical solution. We always try to find the balance between creativity and functionality.” Among the firm’s projects currently is an innovative tower which is providing the firm with many exhilarating challenges and opportunities to expand its knowledge, as Shih-I is keen to showcase.

“Currently we are designing a 520m tall tower in Xi An, China, a famous city with terracotta warriors. The design concept is an old Chinese instrument, ‘Qin’, for a landmark building in a city with rich culture and history background. The complex contains different functions of retail, office, hotel, service apartment and observation deck, and the total GFA above grade

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is around 350,000 sqm. The key challenge is that client always wants shorter design time. As we know, super tall towers are demanding in the best and available building technology and requiring decent amount of time and efforts to coordinate among different professionals. We are proud of always meeting client’s need and get the job done right. We are also proud of our success rate, as the majority of our clients admire and enjoy our designs and are incredibly satisfied with the outcome of our work.” Moving forward, WoWA has a bright future ahead as it seeks to continue creating truly unforgettable buildings that will stand the test of time, as Shih-I concludes.

“Recently our HZ Steel project recently won the 2018 MIPIM/ Architectural Review Future Projects award, Regeneration & Master Planning category. This is a great encouragement to us. The HZ steel project is about the revitalization of an old steel factory site. This master plan is focus on bringing new cultural and entertainment industries, such as Sino French Design Campus Zone, (The creativity Hub), and Puy Du Fou Amusement park to replace the original iron engine of the region. At the same time, we will reconnect the canal system to create continuous green “Emerald Necklace”, and water front is designed to host memorable and lively public space for people who live and work there. Our goal is to create a new community rich in diversity and new possibilities for this old “rusted” site and make it a “memorable PLACE”. This will continue to be our goal for all of our projects as we look towards an exciting future. “Overall, we are very confident in our design team’s talent and grateful for our client who trust us. We believe we will continue to bring excellent and elegant design for our client and increase the real estate value significantly, at the same time, our projects are practical, reasonable, and buildable. Our ability to solve complex design problems will continue to lead us.”

Company: Yrki arkitektar ehf Contact: Asdis Helga Agustsdottir Address: Mýrargata 26, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland Phone: +354 552 6629/+3548608886 Web Address: www.yrki.is

Most Progressive Architectural Firm 2018 – Iceland & Best Icelandic Corporate Office Design Project: Vodaphone HQ

Yrki arkitektar ehf Yrki arkitektar ehf. (Yrki Architects Ltd) is an Iceland based architectural office that emphasises ambition and innovation in architectural creation. We profile the practice to find out more and explore the secrets behind its success.

stablished in September 1997 by Ásdís Helga Ágústsdóttir and Sólveig Berg Emilsdóttir, Yrki Architects came about after the Founders’ proposal for a Medical History Museum in Nesstofa, Seltjarnarnes, received 1st Prize in a competition by invitation.

These conditions and realities give rise to the built environment, and as such Yrki Architects will adapt around these to create the buildings and structures that the world needs, both now and over the years to come.

The name Yrki has specific meanings in Icelandic: to cultivate and to write verses. This highlights the office’s philosophy: to unite the earthly and the lyrical but as well to show a sensitivity in intertwining different sources to the project from the urban and natural context while wanting to take a coherent position in the designated landscape. Since inception Yrki Architects has flourished, and today the team prides itself in the quality of the architecture it has produced. The office has participated in architectural competitions with good results. It provides services and consultation on architecture and planning to public authorities, businesses and individuals. Over the years, the office has worked on numerous projects, both in Iceland and internationally. The staff at Yrki Architects are highly skilled and experienced, qualified to work on a variety of design projects. The staff are well educated who have a diverse work experience from international firms to ensure that they provide their clients with the solutions and support they need. Their design process involves planning, design, creating, erecting, constructing and executing construction of various types of buildings that are functionally efficient, economically viable and, most importantly, aesthetically pleasing. Moving forward, Yrki Architects has a bright future ahead as it seeks to adapt around the latest trends in the market to create truly unique outcomes. Throughout history, architecture has been a construct of social, economic and material conditions. Whether or not architects choose to accept them, they provide a framework under which design is generated.

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Company: Aylaa Exclusive Contact: Eve Laws Address: 9 Lanark Square, 3rd Floor, London, E14 9RE, UK Phone: 02071830071 Web Address: www.aylaaexclusive.com

Best Commercial Interior Design Boutique – London & Award for Excellence in Refurb Project Management

Aylaa Exclusive is an investment minded interior design, project management and furnishings company. We caught up with Director and Founder Eve Laws to find out more about the firm and the range of innovative projects it creates.

stablished in 2014, Aylaa Exclusive is a commercial minded interior design and project management business. Initially working on individual refurbishment projects, Aylaa Exclusive has since flourished into a full-service provider in project management, interior design and furnishings for small to medium sized projects both in the UK and overseas.

With its unique speciality in dealing with investors, Aylaa Exclusive is able to provide a high-end design and finish that makes investment properties stand out. Now, with a portfolio of award winning properties and furniture design, Aylaa Exclusive is fast becoming a sought-after solution for investors. Eve highlights how the firm has achieved this thanks to its client focus, which is reflected in its mission and the approach it takes to every project.

“At Aylaa Exclusive our aim is to build spaces that effects peoples’ lives in a positive way. We want to create something that they love and want to spend time inside, whether it is a home, an office, a shop or a restaurant. Although the outcome is important, we work to achieve good design and space management without vast costs so that we can work with a wide range of clients, on an array of projects, no matter the budget, because we think a beautiful home or space should be accessible to all. Everything we do, we always concentrate on cost and design, exploring how we can bring the cost down whilst maximising the design.” To achieve a truly impeccable design which will meet the needs of the individual client, Eve and her team take a bespoke approach and communicate with the client throughout the process, as Eve highlights.

“When we work on any new project, we always spend a lot of time and recourse on developing the best design we can around the budgets we have and then project manage every aspect of the build ourselves. Being involved in the ongoing product and material sourcing to keep the costs as low as possible and wastage of materials to minimum. We have developed

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an amazing group of suppliers over the years, but we research the cost of every item prior to placing an order every time and are not afraid to use new suppliers if items can be bought more cost effectively or faster. “This allows us to really closely manage a budget and time scales of delivering a site. We coordinate all of the labour on site and the professionals whether in house or partners to deliver the required outcome. This means the client has only one point of contact, us, who can manage and update on all aspect of their project all of the time and ensure time scales and budgets are adhered to. We pass on all our savings and discounts from our suppliers to our customers and charge a % fee of the project cost, this allows us to be a very cost effective solution.” It is this tailored approach to design and project management that has helped Aylaa Exclusive to achieve the success it enjoys today. As a result of its innovative approach to client relations, the majority of the firm’s new clients come from referrals. Word of mouth is often the best advertisement in the architecture market, and Aylaa Exclusive is fortunate to have a wide portfolio of satisfied clients. Another key factor in this success is the vast market experience of Eve and her team. Drawing on this, Eve comments on the issues she has noticed in the wider architecture and design space and how she feels that these could be rectified to better support clients.

“Currently, I strongly believe that in our industry as a whole there is a disproportionate case of good design = high cost. We know and understand that there are some products which cost more based on workmanship or value of a natural or core material in the market such as marble or gold that would naturally add to the cost of a product. However, there are many instances where something is designed well rather than it costs more to manufacture or the core materials are harder to find, and even though we agree there needs to be premium for good design, we

don’t agree that the premium should be as high as it is. This is the case for materials, furniture, home products, fixtures and fittings as well as design services and architectural services. “We believe good design can be affordable and go out of our way to make this available to our clients. There should be a premium, but this should not be unattainable or the gap should not be as wide as it currently is. Fortunately, we work with lots of suppliers and partners who believe in the same ideology. Together we seek to make great spaces for everyone, not just for those who can pay for it.” Looking ahead, Eve has ambitious plans for the future of Aylaa Exclusive which she is proud to share with us in her concluding comments.

“Overall, the future looks bright for Aylaa Exclusive, and our plan is to work on larger projects and schemes, both in London and abroad. We want to expand our company to manage the build from end to end on more medium and larger schemes, adding some public schemes to our list is definitely a focus and looking at how we can branch abroad. Our shorter term goal perhaps is to work with some unique manufacturers to become a supplier for chosen few products via our website, perhaps also coming up with some product ranges of our own too. This would be for furniture and home items as well as for interior items like tiles, and bathroom furniture. “These developments will offer us many great opportunities, which we are all very excited to take advantage of over the years to come. We are a relatively young company currently and we are keen to build upon our current success and help even more clients to create their dream premises.”

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Company: DE-TALES Design Studio Contact: Annupha Reddy Sarasam Address: 403, Lahari Residency, Shobana Colony, Hyderabad, 500526, India Phone: 0091 8008798777 Email: annupha@detalesdesignstudio.com Website: www.facebook.com/detalesAnupaReddy

Architect and Interior Designer of the Year 2018: Annupha Reddy Sarasam - India

DE-TALES Design Studio DE-TALES Design Studio is a young and dynamic Architectural and Interior Design firm which strives to create design that inspires, approaching each project, regardless of size and scale, with an understanding that architecture has a unique power to influence lifestyle and society. Founder Annupha Reddy Sarasam provides us with a unique insight into the firm and her role in its incredible success. rawing on a combination of cultural roots in India, a strong affinity to create challenging things, and an educational foundation Bachelor of Architecture in Sci_Arc from Los Angeles, USA, Annupha Reddy Sarasam, founder of DE-TALES Design Studio offers her clients a global perspective and a unique approach to design. After thorough exposure to both the design and architecture markets, as well as exposure to both eastern and western cultures, the studio is now operating from Hyderabad, India and is doing projects in multiple cities with an expansion plan to step foot in other countries as well.

This global perspective approach to design has become the style of this bespoke design studio, and is central to its approach, as Annupha highlights.

“Globalization, in general, has mainly blurred boundaries creating hybrids. We at DE-TALES play with multiple interior design and architecture styles and merge them to create a hybrid style; a contemporized version of the style unique to the client needs, and site analysis. We strive to create a dynamic and individual design that would speak strongly of a character and enhance the emotion of a space. “Architecture and design, in my opinion, is the art of sculpting a space that subconsciously triggers and enhances your emotional experience with it. Hence our project output is highly artistic oriented, of which the under layer is mathematical or parametric.” The practice’s mission revolves around achieving client satisfaction and a unique outcome, as Annupha is keen to emphasise.

“Here at DE-TALES, our mission is to constantly push the boundaries of architecture and to experiment with new spatial concepts. Our practice is a place for innovation and for challenging the way we think about design. Using design as a mode of enquiry, the studio explores architecture and design that can enable new forms of communication. Our work is often informed

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by experimenting with concepts and techniques outside the architectural profession, including music, science, and computation and integrating the disciplines and techniques of cultural research, graphic art and architectural design to create experientially dense environments. “Embracing a behavioural approach, the studio develops open systems that construct participatory and interactive frameworks that engage the everyday. Constant reinvention of our architecture with an on-going sense of discovery, honesty to design, and client satisfaction are the driving forces, along with the ability to explore and evolve.” Among the firm’s recent projects is Tollgate, a casual street-style restaurant, has a thematic space to dine in, that addresses the client’s specific concept of serving signature dishes inspired from local “Dhaba” (eatery joints alongside Indian highways) food to Global bite-size cuisine. The firm has also worked on India’s first whiskey club, The Highlands, and a range of additional residential and corporate projects which keep the team on their toes. Overall, being based in India offers DE-TALES a myriad of possibilities for further innovative, as Annupha proudly explores as she concludes her fascinating overview of this dynamic company.

“Ultimately, India is a country with rich and extensive heritage. This can cause design firms to create a wave of traditional approach to design and execution where the society appreciates modern design and technology, but however is not willing enough to embrace it. Creating a dynamic output, drawing out of the boundary lines, and creating concept-specific out-of-box designs are not accepted easily. In such an environment we have taken it as a major challenge to specifically focus on concept and create dynamic spaces at various scales and typologies of spaces, and this will remain our ongoing focus as DE-TALES as we look towards a bright future.”

2018 Architecture Awards Build

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Company: Eric Design Architect Ltd Name: Eric Chan Address: 1002, 101 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Telephone: 852-2512 0727 Email: eric@edarch.com.hk Web Address: www.edarch.com.hk

BUILD Pioneer Award for Environmentally Conscious Architecture & Design

Drawing on over 23 years’ experience, Eric Design Architect Ltd is a Hong Kong based architecture and design practice which creates truly unique projects. We invited Eric Chan to provide us with a fascinating insight into these projects and how the firm creates extraordinary outcomes for its valued and discerning clientele. ounded in 1995, Eric Design Architect has always been exploring new design possibilities, whilst creating designs that are pleasingly functional. The team pursue for beauty aspiring from freedom and vitality, designing with passion and joy, constantly aiming to achieve design excellence. Eric shares an insight into the firm’s key inspirations and how these shape its work.

“Here at Eric Design Architect the concept of light is the key in our designs. We particularly believe in the impacts of natural lighting on architecture, which, if aptly applied, would bring life to architectural forms and space.” “Additionally, we love nature. We take ‘Nature’ as the spirit in our designs. We have always been exploring ‘Green Designs’ in a high density urban environment, and we are also an enthusiast of energy efficient architecture. The materials we use are always low cost and environmental friendly. The characteristics of each individual material are all self- expressed, invoking lightness and openness, and dissolve the boundaries between indoor and outdoor. Prefabrication of construction elements is always used to All-weather Swimming Pool for CHCLS College HKIA Award 2007

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enhance the possibilities of reuse and recycle. As a team we are also an enthusiast of Green Architecture. Environmental concerns have always been apparent in our works. We show our love of nature in our designs by incorporating and featuring elements of nature in them.” These inspirations shape the firm’s designs and work; and what is more, Eric has been pioneer to explore new design approaches over the years to create one-of-a-kind projects, exemplifying innovative and experiential aspects of emerging architecture.

“Inspired by the simplest life in the form of protozoa, we have been exploring ‘BRANE Architecture’, in which membrane is the essential material. The adaptability to changes, the fluidity in form and space, and the glow and float properties of membranes are to be fully explored in searching for new architectural expressions. We have also been exploring biomimicry in design. Inspired by microorganism and jellyfish, we pursue a new architecture of which ‘Skin’ and ‘Bones’ become one.

Water Lantern HKTB Gold Award 2006 & Design for Asia Award 2007 Finalist

Precious Blood Children’s Village Ancillary Complex HKIA Award 2016-17

Hong Chi Jockey Club Pinehill Training Complex HKIA Award 2015

“During the course of our architectural exploration, ‘Water’ has been emerging as the main theme in our architecture. We have always been exploring abstract sculptural forms and spaces expressing free flow and fluidity, which manifested the beauty aspiring from freedom and vitality - an architectural language translating to people beyond geographical boundaries.

amalgamation. We admire the beauty of uncertainties. Our designs identify the essential elements and set out the conditions for the process of creation out of the symbiosis and amalgamation, under which architectural forms and spaces with vast potentials and possibilities are created, and such generates surprises.”

“Fundamentally, we see the unique characteristics of Hong Kong lie in the mixture of activities, the intermingling of different visions and the overlapping of multi-disciplines both in the tangibles and the intangibles. ‘Differences’ is the keyword. Balanced or not, it is a co-existence of differences and variations. Our designs always draw inspiration from these unique characteristics of Hong Kong. We explore symbiosis and

Despite the architectural heritage and traditional influences, Eric Design Architect understands the importance of modern technology and how it is changing architecture. Eric shares his outlook on these changes and how they will impact on his firm and its designs.

Precious Blood’s Home for the Aged Sisters HKIA Award 2013

“The fast advance of information technology stretches the limits of possibilities in obtaining, sharing and creating information. In this era, the concept of reality is to be redefined, and existence in the virtual world to be unveiled. Reality coexists with virtual-reality. Architecture will become an event for experiencing one’s sensations and sensibilities at a specific time and in a specific place. We invent the ‘Quantum Grid’ in searching for a new order of architectural spatial properties. Architecture is visualized as 4-dimensional organization of various spatial properties - an ‘Architecture of Sensations’; a ‘Cinematic Journey’; a ‘Spatial Montage’. Our designs afford unique sensational experience to subject in motion through the paths in the spaces with different spatial properties, and people will experience its own existence in an abstract space of sensations and virtual realities.” Ultimately, Eric and his team are constantly finding new inspiration, establishing a new vision and seeking to shape the landscape of Hong Kong in its image. As such, the future looks bright for Eric Design Architect, as is evident from Eric’s optimistic concluding comments.

“Having been inspired by modern Chinese ink paintings, our designs attempt to express the new spirit of Chinese tradition. With nature as the spirit, tradition as the framework, contemporary as the expression we are aiming to make the tangible from the intangible by searching for order within change. Our designs capture the vitality of the past in the exploration of expressions for the future, and we are excited for what is to come as we look forward to creating even more unique and breath-taking projects.” 2018 Architecture Awards Build

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Company: Golf Optimum Contact: Michel Niedbala Address: 26/12 rue de la Noyera, Villefontaine, Isere, 38090, France Phone: 0033 672 9080 93 Website: www.golfoptimum.fr

Recognised Leaders in Golf Architecture & Design 2018

Golf Optimum is a French golf course design and architecture specialist which has created some of the greatest courses in the world. We profile the firm to learn more about the incredible spaces it designs which bring joy to golfers internationally.

or over thirty years, Golf Optimum has been committed to an environmentally-responsible approach in order to reconcile the economic requirements of golf courses with the maintenance of biodiversity in courses.

Golf Course Architect Michel Niedbala develops new ideas by joining up necessities and needs to develop projects that innovate, in the areas described above, and also in terms of reasoned economic approaches. For Michel, any course he creates must be designed to play harmoniously with nature, movement, architecture and engineering. All of these factors give his projects lasting success. Today, Michel and his team firmly believe that golf courses are developing towards a much closer relationship with the natural and geographical surroundings, the environment and collective and individual memories, and playing a part in the changes to creation in the new millennium. From the time a golf course is designed, laid out and throughout its life, clear goals are identified with partners and authorities in order to conserve the ecosystem of the project site and restore or even create and develop spaces that are favourable to the fauna and flora. During the preparatory and design phase the firm undertakes site exploration, environmental impact studies and all applications for permission. Then, laying out is managed in parallel with the gradual restoration of areas. Finally, during the operating phase the golf course is adapted as widely as possible to support biodiversity, by maintaining the wetlands created, controlling invasive species, managing and monitoring ecological inventories etc. As a result of this innovative process Golf Optimum goes well beyond the legal requirements applicable to the creation and operating of golf courses, investing time in research to develop ever more advanced

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know-how to list animal and plant species and understand and control the working of ecosystems. Thus, procedures for conserving the natural environment are finetuned and improved over the years, along with good practices for each project phase, making it possible to not merely conserve species, but also enhancing biodiversity as has been observed in many a case. After all, the failure of industrial practices has driven us to promote an ecosystem that accumulates organic material to replace a mineralised ecosystem that loses organic matter till the soil becomes barren. As such, in order to state its commitment to sustainability and changing the golf course creation market for the better Golf Optimum has created the ECO-BIO-GOLFÂŽ mark, which is designed to change mentalities and practices. The basic principle is to restore balanced ecobiosystems with each project, by looping up the biological cycles of nitrogen and carbon. Put simply, the team understand the need to draw on the original ecosystem, and move from deserts to forests when designing new golf courses, as well as exploring the effects that their work will have in the long term on the landscape and ecosystem. Soil is at the interface between the earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crust and the biosphere, and contains the largest mass of living beings in land areas and also the greatest biodiversity. Golf Optimumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approach is comprehensive, and consists in protecting resources, providing renewable services, the principle of zero waste, reducing irrigation needs, limiting weed removal, nurturing the creatures that live in the soil, and offering shelter to those that limit pests and disease. Recycling the soil by using organic conditioners that feed the soil and the fauna it harbours makes it possible to increase the energy stored

in the soil in a short time, and thus the development of humus, while keeping the clumpy structure of the soil. That structure promotes the digestion of conditioner by the fauna in the soil, and forms decomposing

matter that binds clay and silt into aggregates that are characterised by microporosity, effectively aerating the soil and storing water. These are non-exhaustive orientations for creating and sustainably maintaining our green spaces (courses) and soils, which are the greatest reserves of biodiversity in the world. The firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s focus on developing an overall view of the biodiversity dimension and sing environmental engineering, before the design process, during work and during the life of the course has resulted in exceptional environmental benefits which the team at Golf Optimum are proud of. The results of inventories completed in earlier projects show that there is an increase in plant species, greater diversity and wealth of butterflies, grasshoppers and birds, and that some of the habitats created are conducive to amphibian breeding. The land on which a golf course is laid out can very well be adapted in a coordinated manner, by recreating wetlands and obtaining biotopes that are favourable for the expression of greater diversity within a few years. Currently, Golf Optimum is studying a project for developing an alpine resort including a golf course, a golfing school, walking, cycling and bridle paths, and in the winter season, the possibility of practising longdistance skiing, snowshoeing, sledging and biathlon. A five-star hotel complex is also part of this alpine resort, located in a reputed ski resort to the north of the Alps. To ensure that the project is a success, Golf Optimum has advised the resort to secure the services of GEO (Golf Environment Organization â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Scotland), which has studied the project and accepted it in the On CourseÂŽ Developments programme. That makes it incumbent upon the project and its developers to strictly apply the requirements for sustainable development approval from GEO. Ultimately, Golf Optimum is committed to setting an example by showing its future clients its know-how and the high quality of its projects.

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Company: Optima, Inc. Contact: David Hovey Jr., AIA Address: 630 Vernon Ave, Suite E, Glencoe, IL, 60022, USA Website: www.optimaweb.com

Luxury Urban Housing Designer of the Year 2018 - USA

Drawing on over 40 years’ experience in the market, Optima, Inc. is a vertically-integrated luxury residential development firm providing development, architecture, design, construction, sales, and property management services. We profile the firm to gain a fascinating insight into the work it undertakes and explore the secrets behind its incredible success.

ince its inception in 1978, Optima has continuously maintained its passion for creating quality, luxury spaces for people to call ‘home.’ The company’s founder, award-winning architect David C. Hovey, FAIA believes the best way to achieve total quality control is to direct and manage development, design, construction, sales/leasing, and property management, and as such the firm abides by this and offers a full complement of architectural and real estate services to its valued clients.

From the beginning, David C. Hovey, FAIA has worked as CEO while his wife Eileen is the designated broker and oversees marketing and sales. Son David Hovey Jr., AIA, is an award-winning architect and acts as president of Optima Holdings and is the lead architect on design and development of the company’s properties. Daughter Tara Hovey is COO and manages and directs the firms’ projects. The company’s name summarizes Hovey’s ambitions then and its achievements now. Hovey wanted to reinvent residential housing by optimizing development, design and construction. Even more, he wanted to raise the design standard by building architecturally ambitious housing designed to accommodate modern people with their contemporary needs. Today, as a family-owned real estate firm, Optima remains committed to innovation, sustainable design, and creating open spaces full of natural light for its residents. Over the years the company has developed over 40 mixed-use and residential developments in both the Chicago and Phoenix metropolitan areas and received over 50 awards for architecture, sustainability, and innovation. The scale has risen dramatically since the firm first began: from the company’s first project of six units — town homes in Chicago — to more than 800 units in four towers at its most recent project, Optima Kierland in Phoenix, Arizona and 495 units at Optima Signature in downtown Chicago. The company has received dozens of awards for everything from architectural excellence, to planning and green design.

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Thanks to the vast array of services it offers, the firm is able to offer clients a complete service under one roof, a fact which has been central to its success. Optima carefully considers, manages and controls the thousands of details that go into creating a distinctive quality home, which is what makes clients value their Optima home from the moment they move in. With a focus on creating powerful cost efficiencies that enable it to be more responsive to the marketplace and the discerning personal tastes of its homeowners, Optima handles all aspects of development, design, construction, sales/leasing, and property management in-house. The firm is proud to call AIA and LEED-certified architects, expert construction managers, sophisticated real estate brokers, experienced accountants, and financial analysts part of the Optima family. They all contribute to delivering an unparalleled spectrum of services and communities. To ensure excellence for every client and an outcome they can be proud of, the company’s process is streamlined and controlled. A concentrated, multi-disciplinary structure eliminates the inefficiencies and redundancies that plague conventional developers. Optima is staffed by engineers, construction managers, accountants and architects. Among the last group are past students of Hovey’s from the architecture program at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago where he was both an associate professor and alumnus. The firm’s collaborative approach extends from internal staff to outside collaborators, and as a result Optima is committed to strategic innovation, and works with a range of firms and solutions to provide clients with unique solutions. Among these collaborators is bimSCORE, a dynamic solution whose evaluations and advisory empower Optima to integrate BIM technologies with Optima’s business planning, objectives, organization, and processes. Through continuous benchmarking and attention to improvement, Optima and bimSCORE have formed a long-

term partnership that is poised to revolutionize the way Optima develops, designs, constructs and manage its building communities. Ultimately, while each Optima project is distinctive and customized to its physical location, there are shared aesthetics that have become hallmarks of the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s architectural vision: strong geometric shapes, simple details reflecting the inherent beauty of quality building materials, large expanses of glass, and open, flexible floor plans. Even the way each building sits on its site is carefully considered to optimize the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beauty and functionality. The team at Optima is committed to promoting advances in sustainable building design and construction by integrating innovative selections, finishes and solutions into the master planning and creative development, including LEED, BIM and Virtual Building Technologies. The result makes Optima elite and its homes state-of-the-art: environmentally, aesthetically and structurally. These principals will remain Optimaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guides as it looks towards a bright and opportunity-filled future.

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Company: Building Design Group Ltd. Contact: Ian Harding Address: Grosvenor House, 11 St Paul’s Square, Birmingham, B3 1RB, UK Phone: 0121 272 3647

Most Dynamic Architecture Practice 2018 - West Midlands

B|D|G

Building Design Group Ltd. B | D | G is an innovative Birmingham based design firm dedicated to creating unique projects, as Ian Harding highlights as he provides us with a fascinating insight into the firm’s work.

ith a great track record, B | D | G has established itself as a forward thinking, youthful, dynamic practice, that draws on its technical and commercial past. Ian shares an insight into the firm’s history and how it came to achieve the success it enjoys today.

“B | D | G started as a sole trader and have grown and developed steadily, expanding both our project base and our skill set, including RICS services, project management, quantity surveying and obtaining RIBA Chartered status. “Today, we have around 20 staff and in recent years our hard work and special approach has helped establish B | D | G as a leading architect’s practice in the West Midlands, with a rich variety of work throughout the UK. We are committed to excellence, inside and out, so we use the best and most relevant methods and tools for office life and architecture. From building information modelling (BIM) to social media, we have a keen interest in staying up to date with technology, sustainability, construction and the economy. However, we are also dedicated to the personal approach, and as such we still use pencils and drawing boards, make real artists sketches and stay hands on.” Over the years the firm has grown and adapted, however it remains committed to providing its clients with innovative service offerings that meet their needs, as Ian explains.

“As part of our commitment to meeting our clients’ needs, at B | D | G we provide all the services you would expect and more, sketches, 3D visuals, architectural renders and Building Information Modelling (BIM). Our staff includes architects, project managers, quantity surveyors, technologists, technicians, energy consultants and artists. We strive to understand our clients so we can personalise our response and create architecture that is Most Advanced Yet Acceptable. (The MAYA principle). Together we work

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St Martins View

hard to create a valuable and wide-ranging mix of shared experience and knowledge, enabling a comprehensive response to any architectural project. “Treating every brief as a one-off, we strive to create the best architecture using a thorough understanding of the project, considering aspects like culture, history and society, modern methods of construction, build costs, sustainability, the big picture, the small detail, context and people. Our aim is to create bespoke, considered, progressive architecture for commercial and private clients. We pool our skills, resources and expansive project history to enable us to respond quickly and effectively, while producing the most diverse, creative response.” Looking ahead, Ian believes that the future is bright for his firm as it seeks to build upon its current success, as he proudly concludes.

“Moving forward, B | D | G is making plans for the future and we are keen to continue learning, growing and creating even better architecture for our clients and the public.” St Martins View

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Company: Diebel and Company I Architects Contact: Gary Diebel, AIA Address: P.O. Box 1044, Burlingame, California, 94010, USA Phone: 001 650 558 8885 Website: www.diebelstudio.com

Residential Architects of the Year 2018 - San Francisco Bay Area

Diebel and Company I Architects Diebel and Company | Architects is an architecture firm based in the San Francisco Bay Area dedicated to working closely with its clients to thoroughly understand their needs and to develop solutions that are unique, appropriate, and strategic responses to the constraints and opportunities of the project. We profile the firm to find out more and explore how it has achieved the phenomenal success it enjoys today. E

stablished in 1990 by Gary Diebel, AIA, after he began receiving requests for work, many of them personal for residential projects, over the years Diebel and Company has flourished.

Since inception, Gary has cultivating a diverse client base that has resulted in considerable experience with residential, office, service, retail, restaurant, and recreational projects. Extensive experience allows the firm to maintain quality and attention to detail with all sized projects. Today, as it was 28 years ago, much of the firm’s work still comes from repeat clients and referrals, which is a testimony to the level of excellence that Diebel and Company provide. The firm’s dedicated team view each new project as the beginning of a long-term relationship, and as such they highly value and respect all of their project partners, including clients, contractors, engineers, collaborating designers and community members. These relationships not only produce better results, they make the team’s work more rewarding and meaningful. Recent projects include a 2415-square meter (26,000-square foot) industrial building conversion and expansion into tech loft office space, a restaurant, recreational space, and custom homes. The firm’s work takes them across a range of California sites, mostly in the San Francisco Bay Area, Hawaii and Mexico. By working nationwide, the firm has gained a strong experience supporting clients in the region, which it draws on when starting any new project. Ultimately, Diebel and Company are committed to coupling strong design expertise with engaging teams that know how to listen, and this innovative, client focused approach will remain central to the firm’s service offering as it looks towards a bright future.

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Company: Aisaka Architects’ Atelier Contact: Kensuke Aisaka Address: 1-3-11-2F, Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan Phone: 00821020083 Website: www.aisaka.info

Best for Nursery & Educational Architecture - Japan

Aisaka Architects’ Atelier Aisaka Architects’ Atelier is a Tokyo, Japan based firm committed to creating unique solutions for a range of clients. We provide a fascinating overview of the firm to find out more and explore how it aims to provide exceptional service and support to every client to create outstanding projects.

ollaborating with clients, Aisaka Architects’ Atelier aims to create stunning projects that combine form and function in perfect harmony. After graduating from Department of Architecture, The University of Tokyo, and then subsequently working at Tadao Building Research Institute, Kensuke Aisaka founded the firm to offer high quality services to a range of clients.

Having worked on a wide range of projects, including office buildings, nurseries and residential housing, the firm has a broad range of experience which allows it to meet the needs of any client. From the beginning of any project, the firm works closely with them to understand their needs and utilise its expertise to create a solution that meets their requirements. Specialising in nurseries, the firm works hard to create spaces where children can learn and play in comfort. The firm has worked on a myriad of projects in this area, and to share its expertise in this niche space the team often publish articles and contribute to literature so that its peers in the architecture space can draw on this in their own work. Using a simple and elegant design, the firm design highly flexible buildings and products. Ultimately, this award-winning architecture firm has a bright future ahead of it as the team seeks to build upon its current success and undertake an even wider range of projects.

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Company: Hobbs+Black Architects Contact: Betsy Hobbs Wagner Address: 100 N. State Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, USA Phone: 001 734 663 4189 Website: hobbs-black.com

Best Healthcare Architecture Firm 2018 – USA & Best Hospital Project (USA): Phoenix Children’s Hospital - West Pavilion

With more than 50 years’ experience providing architectural services to a range of clients across America, Hobbs+Black Architects is a nationally recognized design firm that provides architectural design and related consulting services. As we have recently recognised the firm in our prestigious Architecture Awards, we caught up with Betsy Hobbs Wagner, Vice President and Director of Business Development, to learn more about the firm and the services it offers. ounded in 1965, today Hobbs+Black is one of the top 10 largest architectural firms in Michigan and nationally recognized as one of the Top 500 Design Firms by Architectural Record (2017). Over 70 dedicated professionals provide architectural, interior design, and related consulting services from the firm’s offices in Ann Arbor and Lansing, Michigan as well as its newest office in Phoenix, Arizona. Betsy is keen to explore the unique nature of this innovative company and how it aims to offer clients a truly bespoke service.

“At Hobbs+Black, our diversified practice meets design challenges that often require extensive research and innovation. Our work philosophy embraces innovation and flexibility, which translate into increased efficiency and a unique approach to solving complex problems. As a full-service architecture firm, we can provide our clients with complete support from conceptual study through to construction administration. “Over our 50+ years in practice we have prided ourselves in our ability to produce architecture of value that represents the client’s brand and the image of the overall venue, not just the building image. The understanding our team gains of our client’s goals allow us to better hear all the stakeholders as we discuss, review, and understand the needs of the project. Hobbs+Black believes in true team communication from all levels; we do not divide our project team into user groups nor do we exclude any of the client’s stakeholders’ opinions and ideas from the core project team.” The success of this communicative, collaborative approach to client service can easily be seen in the firm’s award-winning Phoenix Children’s Hospital project. One of the major objectives for the new Phoenix Children’s Hospital Emergency Department was to improve overall efficiency and performance. The former location involved a department that grew into other areas as space was available. Staffing

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for these areas was difficult due to operating in garnered spaces that were not originally designed to support the emergency care function. Logistics for material management were compromised due to the layout and required that staff travel extended distance; furthermore, direct contact between the clinical staff and patients was equally difficult. Additionally, staff had to contend with the expected chaos of an emergency department. Patient traffic, logistics, visitors, and the clinical team all shared the same circulation network. The new department demonstrates a linear design for patient treatment areas. This model provides for greater efficiency in staff additions/ subtractions to meet the increase and decrease of patients being seen over a 24-hour cycle. Patient exam rooms are located on either side of staff cores which provide landing spaces for physicians and clinical staff, supply storage, medications, nutrition, and equipment. Further, the new design provides for an outer corridor for visitor, transport, and logistics travel outside of and separated from the clinical cores. The separated transport and care zones significantly reduce the chaos of the department and as well, reduce the anxiety level of these pediatric parents and their parents.

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The project is noteworthy not only for its magnitude, but also for the special coordination and communication challenges involved in working on a team that included hospital administration, staff, and decision makers, as well as dozens of sub-consultants located in multiple time zones. Long-distance coordination for such an extensive team and complex project were made possible by digital communication, as requests for information, field reports, drawing revisions, and shop drawing submittals are transmitted electronically. Betsy discusses the importance of this relationship and how it helps her firm to achieve success and create something truly spectacular.

“Fundamentally, the relationship between Phoenix Children’s Hospital and the design team was instrumental in making the project a success. The selection committee toured representative existing projects of the short-listed design firms. To our good fortune, the team toured one of our existing Emergency Centers and liked the design concept in place which placed clinicians closer to patients and providing for a less stressful environment. The director of the Emergency Department, who is now Vice President of Critical Care Services, became an advocate for the design concept. “The partnership continued throughout the project without problem, partly due to the professional knowledge of the client; they understood and participated actively throughout the process. They were extremely engaged and made sure all bases were covered. From administration to clinicians, each team member made the time to become involved not only with the broad concepts; the participating extended through the decisionmaking process on every building system, finish, texture, and color.” Looking to the future, Hobbs+Black has a number of exciting projects in development, especially in the State of Michigan, which reflects the upswing of the economy when compared to the recession that greatly impacted businesses only 10 years ago. These exciting projects offer the firm many opportunities to growth and further enhance its already impressive portfolio of satisfied clients.

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Company: Jam Space Ltd Contact: Marcia Peters Phone: 07903 820 655 Web Address: www.jamspace.uk

Best Residential Interior Design Firm 2018 - London

In collaboration with Eklego Design, Jam Space offers a full interior design service for both residential and commercial clients across London. Founder Hedayat explores how she has driven the firm to the success it enjoys today.

uilding on her twenty years of interior and furniture design expertise, Hedayat established Jam Space in 2014, as a onestop design destination with full access to a growing industry of furniture and product designers in both the United Kingdom and Egypt. Together with Eklego Design, the company is committed to creating unique spaces that will stand the test of time. In her opening comments, she provides us with a detailed overview of how she came to create this visionary firm based on her own experiences.

“Personally, I moved to London four and a half years ago and while furnishing my own home, it was very difficult to find exactly what I wanted, let alone commissioning bespoke pieces. I love working with workshops and craftsmen on creating bespoke pieces and have been designing spaces and furniture since 1998. I felt there was room to provide a tailored personalised service for bespoke spaces and pieces. “Building on my experience as founding partner of Eklego Design, an award-winning Cairo-based design firm with a retail arm, I decided to create another company in London which would build a solid portfolio of interior design projects in Europe.” To achieve this mission, the firm works collaboratively with clients to create striking designs. Hedayat shares an insight into the firm’s approach and how it works to produce quality results to meet the needs of each individual client.

“We begin our projects with a blank sheet and start developing ideas based on an open and collaborative approach. This leads to highly diverse design results as is visible in past projects. For example, our latest project was a three-bedroom apartment in Battersea which needed to be redesigned to suit the needs of a family of five. The challenge was coordinating and meeting with the client who lives overseas. However, good drawings, clear communication and efficient procurement helped with the process

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Hedayat at one of her latest projects

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The reception in the Pyramids Hills Villa

and led to a successful ending to the project. Our personalised service and attention to every detail when it comes to client requests and project constraints is what sets us apart from our competitors and marks us out as the best possible option for our clients. It is the collaborative approach with them which always wins.” With regards to the future, Hedayat is excited for her upcoming projects, as she proudly concludes.

“Going forward, in London, we are working on the full refurbishment of a Lion House in Parsons Green as well as completing the furnishing and styling of a buy to let property in Battersea. We are looking forward to

acquiring more commercial and residential projects in the near future. We are also working on the launch of our new line of products. “Additionally, we are very excited to be embarking on a collaboration with O&T Developments which is a real estate company with a great portfolio. They specialise in property acquisition, buying to let and property management. With O&T Development we will be handling the interior design and procurement for their properties. “Overall, we feel privileged to act as a design bridge between London and Cairo, and building on the dynamic pool of talent found in both cities.”

Detail from Master bathroom, Chelsea Town House

The grand entrance of Hedayat’s Pyramid Hills project for Eklego Design

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Company: Justin Smith Architects Address: 5 Queen Street, Derby, DE1 3DL, UK Phone: 01332 460044 Website: www.justinsmitharchitects.co.uk

Best Sustainable Design Practice 2018 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; UK & Best East Midlands Residential Architecture Project: Marsh Flatts Farm

Justin Smith Architects is an award winning creative architectural practice which specialises in innovative, inspiring and sustainable designs. We profile the firm to find out more and explore how it has come to achieve the success it enjoys today.

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stablished in 2002, Justin Smith Architects specialises in innovative, inspiring and sustainable designs; including homes, offices and leisure buildings. Headquartered in Derby, and with a regional studio in Nottingham the practice is conveniently located to serve clients across the midlands and the rest of the UK.

The practice uses innovative cloud technology which provides all projects have their own online management system allowing the team to communicate with clients in any geographical location and provide 24/7 access to drawings, documents, tasks, milestones and updates with a complete audit trail. This innovative approach reflects Founder Justin Smith’s belief in a fresh, modern approach offering a very transparent yet personal service to every client. Many of the firms’ projects sit at the edge of planning policy and are very proud of the many planning successes which have been achieved in Greenbelt and open countryside, the firm has a current planning approval success rate of 95%. In locations such as these robust processes, outstanding visualisations and background supporting information is crucial. Justin firmly believes that the outstanding success rate is a combination of the exceptionally well thought out designs and the high quality design and access statements that are provided to support their designs. Among the firm’s recent success stories is its award-winning residential project Marsh Flatts Farm, which was designed to Passivhaus Plus standards - the German term referring to a rigorous, voluntary standard for energy efficiency in a building which reduces its ecological footprint has an extremely high energy efficiency rating and being one of the first designs in the East Midlands to meet these standards. Whilst the

project was focused on the energy efficiency the design was by no means compromised. The property sits in the countryside and has a material pallet to compliment the surrounding farm structures including a curved zinc roof, stone and wooden cladding. Recently, the team has obtained planning permission for a sustainable home in open countryside which covers 5 acres over a hillside. The home has been designed not only for the family but also to accommodate the families rare breed goats and miniature Mediterranean donkeys. The highly innovative and sustainable design nestles into the hillside and provides easy access to maintain the land and support animal husbandry. Moving forward, Justin has a clear vision for the practice for the future and as part of the continued growth has recently announced the acquisition of Derby based practice Eaton Design Architects. The acquisition also sees ESA owner and Chartered Architect Stephen Eaton join Justin Smith Architects as lead project architect. Justin saw a great deal of synergy with Eaton Design, particularly in the hospitality sector. JSA’s work in the sector has delivered the White Hart at Moorwood, The Horse and Jockey at Wessington and The Hurt Arms at Ambergate. Eaton Design compliments this with the Horseshoes at Long Lane, The Cock in at Muggington and The Bluebell at Kirk Langley. Justin commented “Eaton Design Architects are an excellent fit for JSA with their complimentary portfolio of work, whilst Stephen brings with him a wealth of experience whose work resonates with our creativity and passion for sustainability”. This acquisition will help drive even greater success for Justin Smith Architects and create a partnership that will better support the firms’ clients over the years to come. Creativity is central to the practice philosophy, and this will remain a core focus as the practice seeks to further enhance its already enviable success.

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Company: Kitzig Interior Design – Architecture Group Contact: Olaf Kitzig Address: Marsstraße 74, 80335 Munich, Germany

Best for Hospitality Architecture & Design 2018 – Germany

Kitzig Interior Design – Architecture Group is an innovative, Lippstadt based collective which draws on the vast knowledge and experience of its interdisciplinary team, led by Olaf Kitzig. We profile the group to find out more and explore the secrets behind its incredible success. n 1998 Kitzig Interior Design was founded by Olaf Kitzig, and since then the firm has undertaken a range of interior design and architecture projects on national and international base. The focus of the creative office is set on hotel industry, gastronomy, office and retail. Its projects are handled comprehensively at the firm’s locations in Lippstadt, Bochum, Munich and London.

Earlier this year, to celebrate its 20th anniversary, Kitzig Interior Design expanded by another office in Lippstadt. Additionally another location will open in the end of 2018 in Duesseldorf. Due to its focusing to the customer’s requirements, Kitzig Interior Design restructured its’ professional instances in 2017. As a logical consequence, the hitherto internally operating competences communication design and product management had been dissolved and were built up as independent companies – Kitzig Identities and Kitzig Details. This operative creativity is further on strategically bundled under the management holding Kitzig Design Studios. Kitzig Interior Design is and will be the center piece – the office for interior design architecture on the whole range of interior design. Kitzig Identities stands for communication and graphic design and builds the interface between architecture and brand architecture. At Kitzig Details, it is all about the product and its’ staging. Both, interior styling and corporate equipment as well as individually manufactured furniture and decorative art are the absolute special topics. The strength of all three arms of Kitzig Design Studios instead is to identify the customer’s unique characteristic and prioritize it. The customer’s brand message is very important for Kitzig. Here, the brand qualities of

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product and brand take the centre stage of the firm’s work. National and international companies and groups trust in their experience. All projects, irrelevant whether they come from interior design or interior architecture, brand architecture, branding and communication design or interior styling and corporate equipment, are realized with passion, creativity, but also reliability and perfection. This is what Kitzig Design Studios International stand for. More than 60 creative staff members are working successfully for this target on an international basis. Interdisciplinary teamwork is essential to achieving success for the firm’s vast client base. The results are design solutions on highest level. Without any frictional losses. The team takes its ‘experience from almost 600 finalized projects. Collectively, this vast knowledge and experience makes Kitzig Design Studios International a strong reliable partner. Testimony to this is the firm’s vast international client base, which includes household names such as Lufthansa AG, Hilton London, LBS Bayerische Landesbausparkasse, AccorHotels Group and Mövenpick. Among the current projects the firm is undertaking are international and national concepts like the 7-Pines luxury resort on Ibiza, the Lufthansa Lounge Mailand Malpensa, new fair concepts of the Messe München GmbH, an extensive restoration of the five-star luxury hotel Roxburgh in Scotland and the complete redesign of the DB info desk 4.0 (allocated to 82 train stations all over Germany). Moving forward, in 2018, an additional location in Duesseldorf will arise and the group’s hitherto existing sales office in London will be enlarged, offering Kitzig Interior Design – Architecture Group the chance to grow even further and provide its award-winning service offering to an even wider range of clients.

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Olaf Kitzig - Founder: KITZIG INTERIOR DESIGN - ARCHITECTURE GROUP

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Company: Laroya & Co Contact: Reema Laroya Address: 20 Marlborough Hill, London, Greater London, NW8 0NG, UK Phone: 07834 081891 Website: www.laroya.co.uk

Most Innovative Interior Design Studio - London

Laroya & Co is a full-service renovation and interior design firm based in London. We invited Founder Reema Laroya to provide us with an insight into the firm and the range of projects it undertakes.

aroya & Co was founded with a commitment to deliver outstanding architectural design and real estate solutions centred around the clients’ lifestyle and expectations. At the core of its design ethic is to not only fulfil present needs of clients but importantly to create spaces that they can grow into and enjoy for years to come. Reema shares her background and how she came to create this dynamic and creative company.

“Personally, I have always been surrounded by design - my father was an Architect, and we often moved around the world, setting up new homes as we travelled. However, I felt that a professional degree in the field would enhance my skills and give me insights into the running of a design business. With this in mind, I enrolled for the Architectural Interior Design full time diploma course at the Inchbald School of Design, London, and set up my company in 2014. “Today, Laroya & Co is a small boutique firm with a USP of providing refurbishment and design services through close personal contact with my clients. I want clients to interact with me through the whole process from start to end and not through a layer of junior designers. As a result of this, I take fewer projects on, concentrating on each fully. As a team, Laroya & Co look at space planning, procurement, project management and completely kitting out a space. We therefore offer turn key solutions to our clients, who range from owners of small flats to large homes, complete refurbishment projects to even just buying furniture for a room. Over the years I have also had many overseas clients who have investment homes in London that require renovating. We mostly receive recommendations, which is evidence of how seamless and trouble free the whole process is for my clients.” Creating this seamless, hassle-free experience for the client involves a thorough process and a lot of communication. As such, Reema explores how this has been woven not just into her approach to client service, but into her overall mission.

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“My mission is to establish a boutique design firm that provides creative ingenious and integrative solutions to clients, Among other things, this entails extensive research, visiting fairs and suppliers from around the world. Additionally, a keen eye for detail and bold use of colours and patterns has really helped me define my work. I like to challenge design rules e.g. I like to use dark colours for a small room, which I think helps in dramatizing the space and deflecting attention from the constricted space. “Whilst I want my projects to reflect individuality, am very aware that it should feel like a home and offer all the comforts of one. My primary focus is to design a layout that utilizes space well, meeting and adapting to the changing needs of the client. I sincerely believe that space planning is the most crucial element in my work because if the layout doesn’t work then no amount of decorations will make it look and feel good. Detailed meetings with clients to understand their needs, how they use spaces every day, forms the basis of my design work.” As she looks to the future Reema is optimistic about the ongoing success of her burgeoning company, as she is proud to conclude.

“London continues to be a centre of excellence for high quality and innovative design. There are exciting times ahead and Laroya & Co is looking forward to the many opportunitiies this booming industry will offer us”.

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Company: MCM Architecture Ltd Contact: Alexandra Green Address: 71 Hopton Street, London, SE1 9LR, UK Web Address: www.mcm-uk.com

Workplace Design Consultancy of the Year 2018 - UK

MCM Architecture is a creative consultancy of architects, designers and workplace strategists. We profile the firm to find out more and explore how it has come to win one of BUILD Magazine’s prestigious Architecture Awards.

ounded in 1989, MCM is a vibrant team of creative professionals who are passionate about design and shaping award-winning spaces. Today, MCM is a RIBA Chartered Practice which, over the past year, has grown from 45 to over 60 talented architects, designers and workplace consultants. All of the practice’s staff are passionate about producing the best for our clients and take great pride in the work they do.

Since inception, MCM’s core focus has always been on realising the power of design to inspire and transform, and releasing the potential of people, wherever they are. Over the years, the firm has built its reputation

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on listening to its clients’ business aspirations and designing imaginative solutions that perform and inspire. Its clients are challenging, forward thinking and demanding businesses of all sizes from blue chip multinationals to entrepreneurial enterprises. To support them, MCM works by combining sound design thinking with a deep understanding of its clients’ requirements. The team at MCM firmly believe passionately that a knowledge-led approach combined with imaginative and simple creative solutions will deliver an inspirational environment that will contribute to business success and as such this is a central driver to every project that it undertakes.

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As a result of this client focused approach, MCM’s work has achieved multiple awards and many of the firm’s clients have long term relationships with the firm. This collaborative approach is crucial to the firm’s ongoing success, and as such MCM have established alliance partners in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Its work takes the team to a

growing diversity of locations. The practice’s growing global network of collaborators ensures that it can deliver a consistent product to its clients around the world. Recently, MCM has completed project for global media agency, Havas Media, located in London, which is just one example of the firm’s innovative approach in action, successfully bringing together people, space, technology and brand. MCM reimagined the modern office with Havas UK’s award-winning headquarters at London’s Pancras Square. The new scheme has won the regional British Council for Offices (BCO) “Best Fit Out of Workplace” Award 2018. Spanning 167,000 sf, the ‘vertical village’ is home to over 25 different agencies and a creative community bringing together over 1,700 people under one roof. The complex design and extensive renovations included a wide array of design features, including 10 new staircases, arranged in a way that no stair connects more than two floors at one place, which directs the flow of people through shared common areas; and a dynamic, 200-person auditorium dubbed The Forum; as well as open-plan working areas. MCM’s Design Director, Sean Hatcher commented on the project and how the outcome reflects the success of his firm’s approach.

“Havas wanted the design itself to connect people throughout the building to make these chance meetings—these collisions—happen. So, we created the Havas Vertical Village: a new Havas creative community within a building that moves, meets and enjoys each other’s company. People are proud of the space; it gives them a buzz.” Looking ahead, MCM is continuing to enhance its team and build upon its current success so that it can continue to offer clients the award-winning solutions that they have come to expect.

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Contact: Rex Hawkeworth RIBA Address: 4 Rampart Gardens, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO3 5LR Phone: 023392 662330 Email: rex227@btinternet.com

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Rex Hawkesworth â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is remarkable that a house constructed 600 years ago can have some basic similarities with one built now. The Grevel House, is based in Chipping Campden and is late 14th century building, and the 21st century house is found in Havant, Hampshire. Of course what goes on behind the front elevation would be entirely different then and now and also the use then would be more for

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business which allowed the house to survive in its original form no doubt as well as its materials. There was no intention to repeat the front elevation which was coincidental, however what connects the two dwellings is the domestic scale of then and now and the blending together of the four elements in the elevations. This can only be done in a large house which shows that domesticity has not necessarily changed its visual fad over time.â&#x20AC;?

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Company: Sarah Breeze RIBA Contact: Sarah Breeze Address: 4 Manor Drive, Cuckfield, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 5BT, UK Phone: 07920 520 360

Best Home Renovation & Extension Design Practice - South England

Sarah Breeze RIBA Sarah Breeze RIBA is the Cuckfield, West Sussex based practice of experienced architect Sarah Breeze. We invited her to talk us through her work and how she achieves excellence on every project.

pecialising in listed buildings and conservation areas, Sarah offers a full design service for residential properties, with both extensions and renovations undertaken. She talks us through her mission and how she achieves this for her clients.

“Through Sarah Breeze RIBA, my mission is to create a wide expanse of existing and new clients, and to change their lives by extending and enhancing their family homes. The key to achieving this, I believe, is the relationship I have with the client. A successful project will happen if all aspects of the design process, planning and building regulations process and construction process is fully communicated between the architect and the client. “As testimony to the success of this approach, all of my clients come from recommendations - either from previous clients, or from local construction industry professionals, such as party wall surveyors and contractors.” Each project is unique, and as such Sarah tailors her approach to the individual requirements of the both the client and the site. She explores her latest project and the techniques she is employing to ensure success.

“Currently, I am working on a Georgian property which requires a twostorey extension and complete renovation. The design is in keeping with the existing historic property, with elements of modern technology and design intertwined. It is an exciting project and I am looking forward to showing the completed building to my client.” Looking ahead, Sarah will be seeking to undertake even more exciting projects and continue to provide her clients with the award-winning services that they have come to expect.

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Company: Stephan Maria Lang Architektengesellschaft mbH Contact: Stephan Maria Lang Address: Winterstraße 4 Rgb, 81543 München, Germany Phone: 0049 089 6610 80 Website: stephanmarialang.de

Best Bavarian Interior Design Firm 2018 - Germany

Stephan Maria Lang Architects is a full-service design firm whose work includes residences, museums and exhibition design, hospitality projects, commercial design, interior design and garden design. We profile the firm to find out more about the vast array of projects it undertakes and how it achieves success for each and every one.

ed by the founder Stephan Maria Lang, this innovative Munich based practice specialises in supporting a wide range of clients, creating unique solutions that will meet its clients’ needs and exceed their expectations.

The quality and beauty of Stephan Maria Lang’s works lay in hidden details, in the surprising views, in the play of light and shadow, and in the integration of landscape, garden, and interior into a Gesamtkunstwerk, an integrated and holistic masterpiece of architecture. Among the firm’s recent work is a villa near ST. Gallen. The major achievement has been to get planning application in Switzerland, however once this has been achieved the project will begin in earnest, and the team is set to create something truly unique in this beautiful region. The firm’s style revolves around simple, sophisticated architecture that enhances the landscape in which it resides, and this will be the aim with this project and the many that will follow. Ultimately, as the market turns towards green buildings with honest architecture for human beings, fitting quietly in the environment, and which will survive the egomania of architects, Stephan Maria Lang Architects seeks to create the most stunning houses all over the world in the most spectacular sites. This will remain the firm’s ongoing focus as it looks towards a bright future.

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Company: Archipelago Hawaii Luxury Home Designs Contact: Roseann Freitas Address: 905 Kalanianaole Hwy, SPC 2501, Kailua, Hawaii, 96734, USA Phone: 001 808 263 8891 Website: archipelagohawaii.com

Best Interior Design Studio - Hawaii

Archipelago Hawaii Luxury Home Designs artfully creates refined environments combining elegance with everyday functionality and practicality of construction. We felt that, having just recognised the firm in our prestigious 2018 Architecture Awards, the time was right to profile it and learn the secrets behind this dynamic team’s success.

ounded in 2003, Archipelago Hawaii is a dream fulfilled by founder and award-winning designer Tiare Pinto. She established TCB Island Interiors, Slipcovers, Etc., and Designs By Tiare, as well as co-owned Studio Becker-Honolulu.

In 2007, Tiare merged her three companies with Studio Becker to form Archipelago Hawaii. This experience has brought to light the disconnect that so often happens when several experts are brought in on a project at different phases. This compelled Tiare to create a design team; bringing together the designer, structural engineer, general contractor and any other specialists necessary for each project. Working as a team from the inception of the project with Archipelago Hawaii leading the way has proven to create a more cohesive process and avoid costly changes and oversights. Since the beginning, Archipelago Hawaii has been designing whole homes, interiors, kitchens and baths in collaboration with architects, structural engineers, general contractors, and all other specialists. Today the firm continues to strive for customer service excellence while maintaining responsible business practices. As testimony to the level of excellence the firm offers, Archipelago Hawaii are accredited with Hawaii’s Better Business Bureau.

procurement of products to delivery to the job site, they will manage the project to ensure complete success on all fronts. Dedicated to exceptional client service and operating with transparency and integrity, the team aims to deliver a home beyond expectations, while providing a satisfying experience for all involved. This client focused approach ensures that every project, from whole home through to single room and everything in between, is hassle-free for the client, and produces an outcome they can be proud of for many years to come. Overall, Archipelago Hawaii’s client focused approach has helped the firm to achieve the success it enjoys today, and going forward continuing to offer clients exceptional service will remain key to its approach over the years to come. Looking ahead, the firm is very excited with the launching of Archipelago Home, a custom upholstery furniture line, which has a contemporary island style which will complement its designs.

Drawing on the vast experience of its staff, the company is able to offer its clients a full service. From design detail to fine cabinetry, furnishings, fabrics and finish work, Archipelago Hawaii is the island’s most comprehensive design resource. With exceptional design expertise and knowledge of the latest products, the team is a complete design resource for the homeowner. Throughout the process, the firm’s Project Management Team will be on-site to ensure everything goes as planned, and that both client and contractor have all the answers they need to complete the project on time and on budget. From the design concept to selection of finishes and

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Company: Barru Arkitektura, SLP Contact: Xabier Barrutieta, Architect, Founder & CEO Address: Carlos I Avenue 28, 20011 San Sebastian, Spain Phone: 0034 658 739901 Web Address: www.xabierbarrutieta.com

Most Innovative Architecture Firm 2018 Basque Country

Barru Arkitektura, SLP Barru Arkitektura SLP is an innovative, growing architecture practice based in San Sebastian, Basque Country, Spain. We invited Founder Xabier Barrutieta to tell us more about the work that the firm’s dedicated team undertakes and how it ensures a satisfactory outcome for every project. rawing on the vast experience of Xabier and his team, Barru Arkitektura has been very dynamic since inception, and remains committed to expanding and moving into new sectors. In his opening comments, Xabier shares an insight into the firm’s current practice areas and how it works alongside clients and its industry peers to create truly unique solutions that will stand the test of time.

“Here at Barru Arkitektura we are a small, flourishing company that mainly focuses on three areas that correspond to different scales of action. On the urban scale we like to work on mixed used projects that are related to the dynamics of the city. Therefore, we conduct a strong and thorough analysis of the urban conditions to create our vision of future scenarios. We implement the concept of urban cells at these scales, which enables us to design diverse and healthy urban projects taking into account issues like sustainable energy generation, transportation accessibility and landscape design among others.

“In our corporative and green buildings branch we focus on offices and services for companies and research facilities. These are projects that require a close connection with the branding culture and personality of each company. We are also successful at designing showrooms where we incorporate cutting edge audio-visual technology to create unique experiences connected with the brands. “Finally, on the smallest scale we enjoy working with furniture elements where we test new materials and solutions. We also work with artists and other design professionals to produce singular projects and new solutions that push the limits of the current industry standards so that we can offer our clients something truly unique.” Among the firm’s recent success stories is a project it undertook for a client in the food production space, which Xabier is exceptionally proud of.

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Recently, we completed a research centre for Angulas Aguinaga, an innovative company in the food industry, where the activity to be held and the brief were quite open and we also helped shape it. We designed a complete refurbishment of a warehouse and it transformed it into an experience related with food and technology, where guests have an augmented experience of food tasting blending architecture and sustainable design with the latest audio-visual technologies. All the interior design and furniture pieces have been purpose built and the results are an amazing synesthetic environment. The façade looks like a weave landscape that relates to the sea and the water fluid geometries, as the company’s key products are those coming from sea. This design has been so successful that is about to become part of the branding image of the company.” Looking to the future, Xabier believes that his industry’s increased focus on sustainability and liveability in city spaces will offer Barru Arkitektura the chance to expand its service offering even further.

“Ultimately, I believe that the future is exciting, and that we have many great opportunities in store for us at Barru Arkitektura. However, we have to be looking at the wider global context to fulfil local requirements and be relevant. Sustainability is already seen as a necessary issue especially for the liveability of the big metropolises. “As such, now is the time to enrich the rational efficiency of the buildings with the more human quality aspects of sustainability that are difficult to measure. The connection to the nature, the views, the natural lighting, acoustics, healthy materials and wellbeing in general are going to be some of the future big issues to create a healthier architecture. These issues will be developed in an environment dominated by technology and big data, where buildings and cities still have a very long way to go. Our interaction with buildings will be much more intense and architecture can benefit from it. To achieve this, we will have to learn to manage integrated projects with fields that now seem far from architecture, but I believe that this can be a thriving future for our profession.”

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Company: Alice Poole Architects Contact: Alice Poole Address: 6 Woodstock Road, Bedford Park, London, W4 1UE, UK Phone: 020 8742 8800 Email: info@alicepoole.co.uk Web site: alicepoole.co.uk

Best Full-Service Architecture Practice - South England

Alice Poole Architects is a specialised architecture practice based in Bedford Park, London. We spoke to founder Alice to learn more about the work the firm undertakes and how her team aims to offer every client an exceptional standard of service.

ith a small team, Alice Poole Architects aims to offer its clients the expertise and experience of a large firm combined with the communicative, collaborative approach that comes from being able to offer a personalised service. Specialising in renovating and rejuvenating listed buildings, Alice believes that her team’s client focused approach is what has helped it to achieve the success it enjoys currently.

“At Alice Poole Architects, the bulk of our projects are domestic and involve Listed Buildings or properties in Conservation Areas. Work on these buildings is challenging as client aspirations can conflict with planning limitations. As a company, we believe that historic buildings can be altered to accommodate the life style and aspirations of the owners who now inhabit the buildings if reasonable flexibility and imagination is shown by all parties. “Additionally, although we do carry out projects abroad and in other parts of the country the majority of our projects are in walking distance of the office which is beneficial as we are able to monitor the work closely. We can also carry out more projects, as no time is lost in travelling. This is especially important, as we understand the constraints that our clients are under and aim to provide them with prompt service that allows them to complete on time and on budget.” Being based in Bedford Park offers the firm many benefits, as not only is it a central location, but it is also an area of particular architectural significance, as it is known as the first garden suburb. The area’s houses were built at the end of the 19th century and many were designed by Norman Shaw in a style known as Queen Anne Revival. Currently, the firm’s latest projects in the region are working on several listed buildings in London, including the full refurbishment of a Grade II Listed house where the team has designed a studio extension with

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basement under. The studio will be a kitchen/dining room and is designed to complement the style of the original architect, Voysey. Work is about to commence on the construction of a contemporary orangery type extension to a Georgian mansion. A strip of glazing on both the vertical and horizontal planes, acts as a separation from the existing house and the new extension features contemporary glazing in the roof and walls to act as a contrast to the original house which has small paned sash windows typical of the Georgian era. Outside London, Alice Poole Architects have just finished the conversion of a stable block in East Anglia and construction is now about to commence on a large country house in Bosham, West Sussex. As she looks to the future, Alice is keen to emphasise and how she and her team are keen to raise her firm’s profile, without jeopardising the personal touch which its clients have come to expect.

“Moving forward, at Alice Poole Architects we are looking to raise our profile and have done this by entering competitions. In 2017 Old Yard House, a small house in Bedford Park, seemed to capture the imagination of the architectural world and it was short listed for an AJ Award. We are also trying to raise our profile by publishing projects in various magazines and journals, which we hope will help our clients and industry peers to find out more about us and drive even greater engagement over the coming years.”

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Company: STUDIO DOHO Address: Chang An Lu 1088, Han Dian Commune, 4F, #406 Jing’an District, Shanghai, China Website: www.studiodoho.com Telephone: 0086 185 1638 5434

Best Emerging Boutique Architecture & Design Studio 2018 – China & Best Restaurant Interior Design Project: Boteco, Shanghai

STUDIO DOHO is a boutique architecture and interior design studio based out of Shanghai, China. In June, the studio was named among the winners of BUILD Magazine’s coveted 2018 Architecture Awards as the Best Emerging Boutique Architecture & Design Studio in China and Best Restaurant Interior Design Project, for their work with Boteco, a Brazilian bar and restaurant in the city. On the back of this success, we profiled the studio to find out how they have thrived in this highly-competitive industry. riginally created as a collaboration between architects Xin Dogterom and Jason Holland, STUDIO DOHO has flourished under Shanghai’s progressive, future-centric design ambition. Embracing the marriage of Shanghai’s past with its future – a celebration of function and form as one cohesive whole – the studio has forged an utterly unique sense of style that truly befits the city it works within.

They lead with an ergonomic flair, with clean lines that showcase a value for functionality without losing that essential bombastic punch of impact. More than that, STUDIO DOHO has mastered the ability to tread new ground in areas of design that seem, by all regards, well explored. Where there are minimalist or traditional flourishes, they partner it with a contemporary burst of colour, utilising modern techniques to create new visions that would almost seem out of place in any other city. In this, Shanghai has offered STUDIO DOHO a perfect playground and testing arena, allowing them to design urban areas that are both restrained and yet, paradoxically, bursting with life. Here they experiment with punk vibes, carrying the illusion of carelessness, when in reality, every line, every piece and every fabric has been specifically chosen, fit for purpose. Colour, equally, is used to evoke a specific narrative, with the overall design acting as a storytelling device, acting to frame the space within a set theme. A healthy eatery becomes an advocate for sustainability, and a lively hub for like-minded individuals to gather and socialise. A natural side product of working in a bustling landscape, STUDIO DOHO’s talent can be found in small spaces, and under tight budgets and timelines. They are able to put a lot into very little, seeing opportunity

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where others might see limitation. A small space becomes a snapshot of an idea, and an exercise in efficiency. Saying that, STUDIO DOHO shows true innovation in their high-end, high-budget projects, delighting in the freedom that a large space offers. This is most notable in their commercial work; a blank canvas becomes a taste of Peru, complete with open-air dining terraces, and rich Latininspired colour palette. A shopping centre floor becomes a minimalistic experience, with neutral tones and mid-century materials. In the three years since their conception, STUDIO DOHO has grown from co-founders Xin and Jason to a team of six. In many ways, the team’s size belies the scope of their work. Specialising in both architecture and interiors, and with Jason’s background in construction, the studio is able to complete a project from initial design brief to handover, overseeing all elements to ensure the space realises their initial vision. This has, arguably, been one of the driving forces behind their success, differentiating them from a crowded, and competitive industry. Recent years have seen them become a recognised name in the Shanghai interior design sector, with a rapidly growing presence on the global design landscape. In many ways, this recognition is long overdue: after all, BUILD Magazine launched the Architecture Awards to recognise the studios and sole practitioners who are achieving extraordinary success in their fields. STUDIO DOHO are the embodiment of the modern approach to design – adaptable, innovative and meticulous. Regardless of the size of the project, or the limitations, they are sure to deliver a space that exceeds their client’s expectations, and this will remain the firm’s ongoing focus as it looks towards a bright future.

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Company: Andrea Vattovani Architecture ZT GmbH Address: Färbergasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria Phone: 0043 0316 902926 Website: www.andreavattovani.com

Urbanism & Design Studio of the Year 2018 – Austria & Best Contemporary Residential & Commercial Design Project: Retro67, Beirut, Lebanon

Andrea Vattovani Architecture (AVA) is an award-winning studio specialized in architecture, urbanism, design as well as research. We profile the practice to learn more and explore how it has come to win this prestigious award.

aving developed over 100 projects and competitions in several countries over the years, today AVA has achieved incredible success thanks to the team’s hard work, dedication and consistently high-quality work.

Currently the team at AVA is working on a range of projects of different sizes, many of which are bespoke solutions designed specifically to the clients’ specifications. Most of these projects range from 4.000 to 6.000 sqm in size; for example, the team is currently working on an ongoing construction site in Beirut - the “Retro67” for Masharii, a visionary developer. Active across Vienna, Salzburg, Graz, Kapfenberg and Voitsberg, the firm’s superior quality and dedicated team has led it to gain international recognition, with competition pieces being noted as far afield as Cyprus. As part of its focus on creating unique projects that enhance the surrounding area, the firm undertakes a vast amount of research, seeking to ensure that it offers clients a solution that meets their needs and those of the landscape into which the structure will reside. The team believe that over the coming years two opposite developments will become crucial for the future: making the city grow but keeping it on a human scale and improving the transportation system, and secondly re-using the rural sites. More and more people want to be away from the city and others are coming to the city so there is quite a dichotomy that the team has never experienced before. Therefore, to ensure it remains at the forefront of this revolution in architecture, looking ahead AVA has ambitious plans to expand, both in Austria and globally, with the inclusion of satellite offices set to allow the team to work with an even wider range of clients over the coming years. Larger projects are also the focus, as the team seeks to expand into influencing the culture and identity of the cities and towns it works in. These ambitious plans will offer the firm many exciting opportunities to further enhance its already impressive success.

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