BUILD Architecture Awards 2017 by AI Global Media

Build Architecture Awards 2017

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ARCHITECTURE AWARDS sponsored by

Best Contemporary Architecture Firm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Shanghai & Best Chinese Commercial Building Refurbishment: F659 Boutique Offices - page 18

Also in this issue: Apollo Architecture & Architekturburo Bossard Pantone wird immer gemischt. 15_100_100

I N T E R I O R

jeremy steere

ARCHITECT mtunzini durban johannesburg

D E S I G N

design : parkes architecture SARL

G R O U P

HOFRICHTER-RITTER Architects ZT GmbH

RISOM

product retail interior

DESIGN #646469

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Welcome to the 2017 Architecture Awards Now in its third year, the prestigious Architecture Awards 2017 endeavour to recognise the amazing work done by the imaginative designers, artists and visionaries whose talent and innovation have created talking points that will span generations. We aim to focus on a myriad of disciplines that fall under the ‘Architecture’ umbrella. From the multinational corporations with offices in the world’s largest cities, to the small sole traders, our awards look to highlight only the best, only excellence is important. Sponsored by LANDSCAPE, the UK’s leading trade event dedicated to bringing the industry together, our awards have gone from strength to strength.

The Winners Are... 6. Landscape Show Ltd Best Landscaping Trade Event 2017 8. Capital A Architecture Best Contemporary Architecture Design Firm – Scotland & Best UK Contemporary House Extension: 4 Bramdean Grove 9. Golf Optimum Best Golf Architecture & Design Firm - France 10. Rosa May Sampaio Interior Architecture and Decoration Interior Design Company of the Year 2017 - South America 11. Arphenotype Best Cultural Architecture Firm – Germany & Pier Design Project of the Year 2017: Maritim Seebrucke, Timmendorfer Strand 12. R3Design Developments Best Commercial Design & Development Firm – UK & Most Anticipated Leicestershire Agricultural Building Project: Moor Lane Farm, Coleorton

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13. WA International Best International Interior Design Consultancy 2017 & Best UAE Hospitality Interior Project: The Westin Al Habtoor City

Residential Project of the Year 2017: Paolino Di Vece Roux, Zapopan 30. DeMello & Associates

14. One Bite Design Studio Ltd

Best Commercial Architecture Firm - Bermuda

Best Interior Design Studio - Hong Kong & Hong Kong Retail Interior Design of the Year 2017: Green Ladies & Green Little

31. Arkitekturministeriet / AMPD

15. PCA Architecture

Interior Architect of the Year 2017 – Copenhagen & Best Nordic Hospitality Interior Design Project: Harvey Nightclub

Best Landscape Architecture Firm – Malaysia & Residential Landscaping Project of the Year 2017: Pavilion Ponderosa

32. Thompson + Baroni Architects Limited

16. Logon Architecture

Best Residential Design Architect – London & Best London Residential Renovation Project: Kensington Townhouse

Best Contemporary Architecture Firm – Shanghai& Best Chinese Commercial Building Refurbishment: F659 Boutique Offices

33. Optima, Inc.

18. Lilian H. Weinreich Architects

Best Luxury High-Rise Architecture Firm – USA & Luxury Residential Complex Design of the Year: Optima Kierland Center

Best Multi-Disciplinary Design Boutique - New York & Most Innovative NY Apartment Design: Murray Hill Studio Combination

34. James McDonald Associate Architects, PC

20. AV Architects

Best High-End Residential Architecture Firm - East USA & Award for Excellence in Bespoke Residential Designs - USA

Bespoke Residential Architect of the Year 2017 - South East England & Best UK Heritage Extension: Broughton House

35. Destilat Design Studio GmbH

21. Patalab Architecture Most Renowned International Architectural Studio – London & Best North West London Residential Design Project: Heath House 22. Bost Interior Design GmbH & Co. KG.

Best Furniture & Interior Design Firm - Austria 36. Hampton Architecture Ltd Best High-End Residential Architecture Practice - West Midlands & Best Warwickshire Large Residential Build Project: Downlands 37. CREATE Architecture Planning & Design

Best Commercial Interior Design Studio – Germany & German Hotel Interior Project of the Year 2017: Westin Hamburg Elbphilharmonie

Best Architectural Design Firm 2017 - New York

23. ETA + Partners Ltd

Commercial Designer of the Year 2017 – Kent & Most Innovative Kent Mixed-Use Project: 86-88 Junction Road

38. Cook Associates

Best Luxury Residential Architecture Firm -2017 39. Parkes Architecture 24. Rex Hawkesworth RIBA

Best Anglo/French Renovation Firm - France

Recognised Expert in Neo Vernacular Housing Initiatives - UK 40. SEHW Architektur GmbH 25. Robinette Architects, Inc. Best Full-Service Residential Architecture Boutique – Arizona & Best Contemporary Arizona Residential Design: Stone Canyon

Best Educational Facility Design Firm – Germany & Best Bavarian Condominium Design: Stadtlandbach 42. APOLLO Architects & Associates

26. El Equipo Creativo

Best Residential Architecture Firm - Japan

Best Commercial Interior Design Firm - Spain 43. RJG Architectural Design Services 27. Risom Design Best Retail & Hospitality Interior Design Firm – Denmark & Most Innovative Nordic Hospitality Interior Design Project: DREWSENS Coffee, Wine & Tapasbar 28. The Interior Design Group Best Full-Service Interior Design Company - Greater Los Angeles 29. Divece Arquitectos Best Residential Architecture Firm – Mexico & Mexican

Best Residential Architecture Firm - Merseyside 44. HLF Planning Ltd Best Town Planning Consultancy - South England 45. Hofrichter-Ritter Architekten ZT GmbH Architectural Planning Company of the Year 2017 - Austria 46. GW Architectural Ltd Best Family Living Architecture Practice - Newcastle

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47. TrueHome Design Build & Sentient Architecture, LLC

70. Paul Vick Architects

Best Full-Service Residential Architecture Firm - Colorado

Architecture Firm of the Year 2017 - West London

48. Arc Design

72. Goldmine Project Consultant Pvt. Ltd.

Best Residential Architecture Firm – Ireland & Design/Build Project of the Year 2017: New House Delgany, Wicklow

Best Interior Design Consultancy - India

50. Alice Poole Architects Best Listed Building & Conservation Architecture Firm - South England 52. Patrick Ahearn Architect LLC Best Full-Service Architecture Firm 2017 - New England 53. Breeze Architect Best Independent Residential Architecture Firm - West Sussex & BUILD Excellence Award for First Floor Extensions 2017 54. Cohanim Architecture Best Contemporary Architecture Design Practice - South East England & BUILD Excellence Award for Religious Architecture South East England 56. iarchitect Best Full-Service Architecture Firm – Manchester & Excellence Award for Conservation Services - North West England 58. Atelier Cachet Best Luxury Interior Design Firm - Southern Ontario 60. MCM Architecture Ltd Best Workplace Interior Design Company 2017 62. Lacasa Architects & Engineering Consultants Multidisciplinary Architecture Firm of the Year 63. KERN-DESIGN Best Contemporary Interior Design Studio – Germany & BUILD Excellence Award for Kitchen & Bathroom Design 2017 64. Concept Consult Architectes SARL Best Industrial Architecture Firm - Switzerland 65. Buoyancy Consultants & Engineering LLP

74. Harris McCormack Architects Most Innovative Architecture Firm - Peterborough 75. Brooks Kolb LLC, Landscape Architects Best Traditional Landscape Architecture Firm – Washington & Best Washington Residential Garden Design: Interlaken Park Garden 76. Domaen Best Contemporary Design/Build Firm 2017 – California & Best Californian Office Interior Design: VIL 77. KGA Architecture Best Hospitality Architecture Firm - South West USA 78. DKMY Architects Ltd Best Architecture & Sustainability Consulting Firm - East Midlands 80. Lynn Palmer Architects Best Residential Architecture Firm 2017 - Oxfordshire 82. RDT Arquitectura Best Architectural Design Firm – Mexico & Latin American Commercial Project of the Year 2017: Centro de Vivencia Lomas del Pedregal 83. Curiosity Best Multi-Disciplinary Design Studio – Japan & Shop Interior Project of the Year 2017: Dolce & Gabbana, Milan. 84. Maisuria Architects Ltd Best Design-Focused Architectural Practice - Surrey 85. Stephan Maria Lang Architektengesellschaft mbH Best Full-Service Architecture Firm – Bavaria & Best Restaurant Interior Design 2017: Restaurant Guido Al Duomo, Munich.

Best Specialist Marine Design Consultancy - India 86. GSD Architecture 66. NTA16 Architects Best Full-Service Architectural Design Practice - North London

Most Innovative Architecture Firm – East Midlands & Excellence Award for Energy Efficient Conversions – Midlands

68. Arkitektastofan OG ehf

88. Officium Design Engineering GmbH

Best Full-Service Architecture Firm – Iceland & School Extension Design of the Year 2017: Kletta School

Best Zoo & Animal Enclosure Design Firm - Germany

69. Laurie C Fisher - San Diego Architect

Best Architectural & Interior Design Firm - Germany

90. KITZIG INTERIOR DESIGN GmbH Best Full-Service Custom Home Architecture Practice Southern California & Most Innovative Californian Residence Design: Wayne Residence, Del Mar, California

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92. SKM Design Best Architecture & Interior Design Practice - Leicestershire

93. Andrea Vattovani Architecture Best Urbanism & Design Practice & Best Cyprus Urban Contemporary Design: Earth, Limassol, Cyprus 94. Andrea Clark Brown Architects Best Commercial Architecture Design Firm – South West Florida 96. Open Square Woodworking Best Interior & Industrial Design Firm – New York & Award for Excellence in Hospitality Interior Design – New York 98. Studio Negri Dublin Sustainable Architects Best Sustainable Architecture Firm – Leinster & Irish Commercial Refurbishment of the Year 2017: IWA Oak House Energy Upgrade, Cork 99. Mario Corea Arquitecture SLP Best Sports Architecture Firm – Spain & Excellence Award for Education Architecture 100. IDP Group Best Multi-Disciplinary Architecture Firm – England & Most Innovative Healthcare Design Project 2017 – Forum Health Centre 102. NODE Best Commercial Architecture Firm – Ireland & Car Showroom Design Project of the Year 2017: Toyota, Liffey Valley 103. Die Welle Sonja Bruckner e.K. Best Smart Control Lighting Provider – Western Europe 104. Timber Design Initiatives Ltd Best Timber Architectural Design Specialists - Europe 106. Jeremy Steere Architect Architecture & Planning Consultant of the Year – South Africa & Best South Africa Community Project Eshowe Police Station 107. Architekturburo Bossard Most Innovative Residential Architecture Firm - Switzerland 108. Studio Sprout Best Landscape Architecture Firm - Florida 110. Dobas Ag Best Shop Interiors Company - Switzerland 112. FR-EE Best Global Architecture & Industrial Design Firm – North America 114. Muhammad Nadeem Anwar - Executive Engineer Hortus Best Landscaping & Swimming Pool Designer for Residential Projects - UAE

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Contact: Emma Telford Contact Email: info@landscapeshow.co.uk Address: P O Box 3049, London, SW1V 3XG, UK Phone: 02078 218221 Website: landscapeshow.co.uk

Best Landscaping Trade Event 2017

Established as the essential trade event, LANDSCAPE attracts garden designers, architects, landscape contractors, local authority landscaping professionals, facilities managers and interior designers from all over the UK and beyond. We profile this great event to find out more.

ANDSCAPE 2017 comprises one venue across two days with over 2000 visitors and an unrivalled seminar programme packed with industry leading speakers. LANDSCAPE is the UK’s leading trade event, dedicated to bringing the industry together.

Visitors include the very best garden designers, architects and landscape contractors from the UK and beyond. The show is supported by over 40 trade associations and media titles. LANDSCAPE provides a vibrant environment to select, source and network with contacts from across the industry. With exhibitors showcasing everything from lighting to outdoor structures to living plants and trees. Come along to LANDSCAPE this September to find new and innovative products to transform your projects. The 2017 Seminar Programme is packed with CPD accredited sessions that aim to both educate and inspire our visitors and exhibitors alike. With 75 of the industry’s most influential speakers joining the line-up this year there is definitely reason to come down to some sessions. Established designers, Paul Hervey-Brookes, Charlotte Rowe and Ann- Marie Powell and top show garden designers Andrew Fisher Tomlin, Jo Thompson and Kate Gould join many others on the 2017 programme. The show also welcomes an ‘Architects of the Urban World’ afternoon chaired by New London Architecture’s Peter Murray. Peter will be joined by Neil Porter from Gustafson Porter + Bowman, Merrick Denton-Thompson from the Landscape Institute, Founder of Jane Duncan Architects and former RIBA president, Jane Duncan, and Matthew Short from Martha Schwartz Partners.

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For the first time ever LANDSCAPE is introducing a PechaKucha evening on Tuesday 19th September, also hosted by Peter Murray. He will be joined by a panel of top architects, including James Lord from HTA Design LLP, Holly Lewis from We Made That, Around the Block Ltd’s Sue Morgan, Townshend Landscape Architects’ Andrea Dates, Peter Heath from Atkins Global and Deborah Saunt from DSDHA. Alongside an incredible programme, LANDSCAPE provides the ideal platform for organisations to showcase leading trend products, new services, key skills as well as being the perfect environment for visitors to discover the newest and most innovative products and solutions to help them in their designs and projects. Anyone who supplies solutions for the landscape sector and who targets decision makers within this dynamic market including suppliers of artificial plants, artificial trees, artificial turf, decking, flooring, fencing, water features, water fountains, commercial furniture, garden furniture, structures, garden buildings, lighting, commercial lighting, irrigation, living walls, living roofs, metalwork, outdoor kitchens, barbecues, outdoor fire places, sculptures, planters, containers, pools, hot tubs, spas, soils, composts, mulches, stone, paving, aggregates, tools, machinery, living trees, living plants and living turf. Ultimately, this must visit events runs between Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th September, and anyone in the landscaping and agriculture markets needs to visit in order to stay at the forefront of the latest industry thinking and trends.

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Contact: Niall Hedderman Contact Email: Project@capitalA.co.uk Address: 23C Dundas Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6QQ, UK Phone: 0131 208 2075 Website: www.capitala.co.uk

Best Contemporary Architecture Design Firm – Scotland & Best UK Contemporary House Extension: 4 Bramdean Grove

Capital A is an award winning Architecture practice based in Edinburgh and Fife, specialising in contemporary house extensions and modern interiors. Founder Niall Hedderman talks us through the firm and the range of projects it undertakes.

ounded in 2009, Capital A Architecture focuses on providing innovative designs for domestic clients. Niall discusses the firm’s service offering in more detail, outlining how it works to ensure that every client receives the very highest standard of support.

“Capital A cover all aspects of domestic property, from conversions of Listed Buildings, to House Extensions. We have a track record of delivering complicated projects on challenging sites. Capital A take on projects with a minimum construction cost of £30k for internal alterations and £50k for house extensions. “Most of my projects have been for homeowners who never hired an Architect before and I work hard to explain and simplify the process. I love contemporary extensions and modern interiors and am fortunate to have clients who feel the same. I provide a full service, from initial feasibility to post-construction snagging.” To ensure that clients receive the very highest standards of support and service, Niall works with them right from the beginning, as he discusses. “When starting a new project, the initial feasibility study is key, this is where the basic moves are set in stone. It is the only stage of a project for which I charge by the hour, all other stages I usually work to a fixed price. It is open ended and I cannot predict how many times a client will ask me to revise the layout. Get the feasibility study wrong and it does not matter how well the tender, planning application, detail drawings or construction stages go, the project will not be a success.” Currently Niall is very selective about the projects he takes on and works on a ‘quality not quaintly’ basis. Moving forward, he is keen to grow Capital A

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whilst retaining this selective approach so as to continue offering the very highest standard of quality, as he explains in his concluding comments. “Looking ahead, I want to branch out and build new houses. To date all my work involves altering existing buildings, I have built a reputation for delivering high quality contemporary projects and want to use this to get into the luxury, new build market.”

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Contact: Michel Niedbala Address: 26/12 rue de la Noyera, F-38090 Villefontaine, France Phone: + 33 672 90 80 93 Email: contact@golfoptimum.fr Website: www.golfoptimum.fr

Best Golf Architecture & Design Firm - France

Golf Optimum are dedicated to designing innovative golf courses, focusing on creating great spaces which are also environmentally sustainable. We caught up with Golf Course Architect Michel Niedbala to get an overview of the firm and the types of projects it undertakes.

rawing on Michel’s vast experience in the golf course design market, which spans over 30 years working on projects around the world, Golf Optimum works on a range of golf course developments including Garden Golf de Villenave d’Ornon, which comprises of 18 holes plus 9 holes, located close to Bordeaux City in France. This project and the others the firm is undertaking all strive to be as environmentally friendly as possible, using the latest techniques to enhance the natural landscape, as Michel explains.

“The balance between the golf course and the protection of nature is the target to reach when you are designing a golf course; this approach will definitely create its originality. This balance is the keystone in the process of developing a golf course, from its concept, through its construction phase and ending up with its maintenance, which should be completely respectful of the environment. “The insertion of the golf course on the site, relies firstly on its proximity to the land, not only from the topographical point of view, but also by adding more intimately the layout and shapes into the hydro-geological characteristics, as well as in the numerous and different features of the landscape, where all the wealth of Mother Nature is nestled. The maintenance of the new golf course must remain constantly in the golf course architect’s vision. “Today it is undeniable that the maintenance must be virtuous, by removing the negative impacts on the environment, by making its implementation easier which will generate considerable financial economies by the reduction of an intensive use of machines due to a too difficult layout which generates additional financial expenditure and forms of pollution: the more machines used, the more fuel consumption, the more waste, the more CO² emissions, the more tired the staff feel, etc.

authorities and the population. On a successfully completed project, the ecology of the site and the ecology of golf fit on the same valuable scale. The solutions proposed by the golf project must preserve biodiversity, the landscape and cultural and historical heritage in the long term.” To ensure the success of any project, Michel believes that communication and collaboration are key, as he is eager to highlight. “The success of a sustainable development depends considerably on the understanding by the actors involved in the construction, the environmental and golf issues of the project, as well as the appropriate implementation in the framework of the building site of management procedures and of the protection of the environment. “Another aspect not to be neglected is the communication, which does not stop on the doorstep of different protagonists of the project; a positive collaboration must be reflected between all of the organisations and associations concerned with the environment. This communication must not be limited only to simply informing but it must go beyond this congruent form of communication in only one direction by installing a real voluntary step towards the outside world to favour regular contacts, discussions and common research initiatives.” Looking to the future, Michel foresees continued development in the sustainable golf course space which will provide Golf Optimum with many great opportunities to create even more creative projects. “Ultimately, the future developments of golf courses will be the moral reflection of our human and professional commitment towards our descendants and the heritage that we will leave them, and I am excited for the latest innovations which will allow me and my firm the chance to create real change.”

“Despite these challenges, a well-thought out project, which has been looked at from every angle, will increase its credibility with regard to the

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Contact: Rosa May Contact Email: rosamaysampaio@terra.com.br Address: Rua Alemanha, 691, Jd. Europa, CEP 01447-010 Sao Paulo – SP, Brazil Phone: 0055 11 3085 7100

Interior Design Company of the Year 2017 - South America

Rosa May Sampaio Interior Architecture and Decoration has its main office in Sao Paulo with a total of nine people working, including two architects. We invited Rosa to tell us more.

osa May Sampaio is an interior designer based in São Paulo. Her firm has also done architecture projects as well as set design for clients in Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. Rosa explains the secrets behind the firm’s success in interior design and how it works to support clients right from the start.

“Designing has much to do with living life as we create the spaces where relationships flourish, professional and personal conquests are made. For that reason I believe curiosity, interest in life and art and availability are fundamental qualities any professional in this field must have. It is important to understand the clients’ needs, and help them build their homes or their work spaces. Finding a common language with them is fundamental to get to know their tastes and desires. What kind of lifestyle do they have? What habits? All this information is fundamental. Later I try to see what their tastes are as far as art, lighting, materials, etc in order to start on the details of the project and create an outcome they can be proud of. My personal aim is to please my clients and try to give them the best possible interior design using my own experience and tastes.” Looking ahead, Rosa has many exciting plans as the firm embarks on a galvanising new project. “Currently we are undertaking the interior design of a 1000 square meter house in the countryside of São Paulo. It is a very ambitious project and we do not usually do both the architecture and the interior design, so this has been a challenging and fun new project. In the near future, I would like to design a hotel and incorporate landscaping to our services.”

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Contact: Dietmar Köring Contact Email: office@arphenotype.com Address: Hahnenstrasse 20, Koeln, 50667, Germany Phone: 0049 221 204 607 99 Web Address: www.arphenotype.com

Best Cultural Architecture Firm – Germany & Pier Design Project of the Year 2017: Maritim Seebrucke, Timmendorfer Strand

Arphenotype is a Germany based architecture firm dedicated to creating innovative projects using the very latest cutting edge technologies. We invited Dietmar Köring to tell us more.

ince inception, Arphenotype have maintained a deep interest in blurring and observing the boundaries between various artistic disciplines. Currently the firm is focusing upon utilizing techniques and constraints present within the production of synthetic systems and immersive digital virtual environments to influence architectural thoughts and potential modes of production, as Dietmar is keen to highlight.

“Here at Arphenotype, we see computation as an inextricable and intrinsic property within our environment that may be used to reconceptualise the current state of architecture. It raises the question of how the body as system is being recomposed. The changes are seen as electronic templates that become a part of the body – the body is no longer an isolated system; it is being recalibrated. We can apprehend that computers are extended phenotypes of our bodies and our skin. “The question of mortality and immortality has been around for thousands of years. The development in techno genetics have profound possibilities not only for reengineering the body but also to reformat it. The new body is in its old skin augmented and perhaps simply redirected. The construction of the body as a series of electronical templates mixed with bones and The “other body” raises the question of how the body itself is a material – a Palimsest of electronic scripts and blood – a series of Phenotypes burning on each other; bending the flesh with digital scratches. The idea of information of systems in the body become part of experiencing causes, this causes the body to be a responsive site.” Looking ahead, Dietmar foresees many great opportunities for further growth as Arphenotype seeks to adapt around the latest industry developments. “In the near future, certain jobs as we know will become obsolete. This is due to the fact that robotics, new ways of production and AI will replace workers. On the other hand, these technologies optimise resources and

production methods. As the whole economy is under the pressure of global warming caused by greenhouse gases, we should admit that only a new consciousness in combination with technology and intelligent policies can tackle this problem. As we are in a phase of transition, we need to see how we can create a buffer for society, as the evolution of AI and robotics is faster than the adaptation of mankind.”

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Name: Mr. S. Raju Address: The Glasshouse, 9 Hallam Close, Littlethorpe, Leicestershire, LE19 2LA Telephone: 0116 2165175 Email: r3@r3ddl.com Web Address: www.r3ddl.com

Best Commercial Design & Development Firm – UK & Most Anticipated Leicestershire Agricultural Building Project: Moor Lane Farm, Coleorton

R3Design Developments Ltd is a Bespoke Architectural Design Consultancy. We invited Mr. S. Raju to tell us more.

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 clients requirements and expectations continue to increase. With a good 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.” Overall, this company 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.”

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Contact: Claire Craig Contact Email: Claire.c@wai.ae Address: First Floor NGI House, Port Saeed, Deira, Dubai (Opposite Deira City Centre), Dubai, UAE Phone: 00971 4 2663050 Web Address: www.wa-international.com

Best International Interior Design Consultancy 2017 & Best UAE Hospitality Interior Project: The Westin Al Habtoor City

WA International is renowned in the hospitality market for creating original and distinctive destinations. We spoke to Claire Craig to find out more.

International prides itself on the precise interpretation of its clients’ requirements within integrated parameters of budget, feasibility and programme, which is enabled by its team of experienced designers and an extensive and updated reference library allowing focus on aesthetic detail and the generation of solutions which are exclusive, avant-garde and viable, incorporating the latest technology and global trends. Claire tells us more about the firm’s service offering and how it works to meet the needs of every client it works with.

“Here at WA International, we combine extensive international experience with dynamic creativity and an appreciation of local aesthetics, materials and conditions, to create some truly exceptional interiors. We believe our success is down to the simple philosophy, to stay loyal to the Clients brief and to meet the operator’s requirements of functionality, yet at the same time to create an interior that exceeds the highest international standards whilst providing a unique and memorable experience for the guest. We are proud to be associated with a variety of prestigious developments and premium brands such as Starwood Luxury Collection, JW Marriott, Four Seasons, One & Only, The Address Hotel & Resorts, Sofitel, InterContinental and Hyatt”. As she looks towards the future Claire is optimistic that her firm can continue to build upon its current success and grow even further. “Moving forward, our focus is on continuing to grow our portfolio, expanding globally with new resort and hospitality projects. Clients are always exploring where future top travel destinations will be and with this we aim to expand our portfolio. It is important for WA International to remain design leaders and trend setters and to remain competitive in an ever evolving market is crucial. We aim to be more than designers but to partner with our clients ensuring profitability and sustainability of projects coming from our wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the market.”

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Contact: Alan Cheung Contact Email: studio@onebitedesign.com Address: G/F 48 Tung Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Phone: 00852 2803 0202 Website: http://www.onebitedesign.com

Best Interior Design Studio - Hong Kong & Hong Kong Retail Interior Design of the Year 2017: Green Ladies & Green Little

One Bite Design Studio is a creative studio based in Hong Kong and Singapore. Alan Cheung tells us more about the firm and the projects it undertakes.

ne Bite specialises in architectural and interior design; art and pop-up exhibitions, visual communications and event curation, serving a range of clients include private developers, government, NGOs, retailers and F&B operators. Alan outlines the firm’s mission and how this helps it to support these clients and create an outcome which meets their needs.

“At One Bite, our overall mission is to utilise a design of which helps our clients speaks the right language for their target audience and to ensure our design is inclusive to the users of the space. From a simple design of a building façade to a piece of urban furniture, our team is accustomed to spending sufficient time engaging with the users of the project with various creative engagement exercises to ensure a genuinely inclusive project to be delivered.” To ensure that it is always offering clients cutting edge solutions, One Bite is

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constantly seeking to implement the latest relevant technologies, as Alan is keen to highlight. “Ranging from traditional approach on using technology for the production of drawings and visualisations, we have implemented virtual reality technology throughout the design stages. We maintain a bottom-up approach to inform and to be informed by our clients and users. VR technology is by far of one of the effective means for communication and user engagement. Also, design details are easily noticed and discussed within the design team at an early stage to achieve a high quality of design outcome.” Looking to the future Alan is excited about the chances his firm has to build upon its current achievements. “Recently One Bite has recently opened a new office in Singapore to help fostering our collaboration opportunities in the ASEAN region, offering us many great opportunities for growth and further success.”

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Contact: Paolo Cucchi Contact Email: paolo@paolocucchiarchitects.com Address: No. 51, Jln Strait View 4, 80200 Johor Bahru, Malaysia Phone: 0060 7222 0900 Web Address: www.paolocucchiarchitects.com

Best Landscape Architecture Firm – Malaysia & Residential Landscaping Project of the Year 2017: Pavilion Ponderosa

PCA-PaoloCucchiArchitects is a multi-disciplinary international architectural practice. We caught up with Founding Principal and Design Director Paolo to learn more about the firm and the approach it takes to its projects.

stablished in 1987, PCA operates at different levels, from attentively crafted interiors to large scale projects. The design embraces residential, commercial, hospitality, landscaping and urban planning. Full architectural service is provided from concept to supervision and final completion in a close, active collaboration with client and specialist consultants. Paolo outlines how he works to ensure that clients receive the outcome they desire no matter what the project.

“The narrative of my architecture is informed by the vocabulary of climate, culture and context and speaks through a clean, modern language. The aim is to ‘tailor’ to a specific place innovative formal and technological buildings’ expressions, able to offer significant experiences, to make the people feeling well, excited for the place they inhabit, whether they are houses or public spaces.” To truly highlight his architectural style, Paolo uses a recent project and explains how he worked to ensure that the client received the service and solution he needed. “A small project, recently completed in Malaysia, synthesises my idea of architecture, highlighting several aspects I particularly concern about in my work. It’s a small pavilion, organised on a modest plot of land: architectural sign and landscape, closely blended together, interact with empathic consonance, offering a harmonic ensemble where water, greenery and light play a primary role of regeneration. Essential, modern idiom and integration between inside and outside maximise the sensorial experience closely connected with the beauty of nature, exalting the calming and soothing power of the regenerative, healing corner. “Compact and porous, the pavilion, nestled on a strip of current water, opens up at the center with large opposite openings that, besides encouraging cross ventilation, minimise the transition between exterior and interior, arousing the feeling to sit immersed in the tropical context. Material and

visual contaminations highlight this continuity, reinforcing the pleasure to live directly in the greenery. Glass voids break the external envelope, letting glimpses of the garden invade the internal space, almost everywhere. Rhythm of running water, from the sprightly jets along the granite wall fence, acts in unison, performing a miracle of freshness, provoking and renewing emotions. Attentive combination of light, natural and artificial, rhythmically enhances the belt of fluidity that embraces and nurtures as vital lymph the composition. “Sustainability has been one of the major concerns for ensuring, apart energy and costs saving, the best indoor and outdoor comfort. Here in Malaysia, for objective difficult climatic conditions as humidity, hot weather all year around, sadly today people has abandoned a kind of life carried out mostly outdoor in the exuberant green environment, preferring to live in cool closed ambiences. The satisfaction has been to restore, appealing to traditional and more recent technological devices, ‘a modus vivendi’ more appropriate with the context, hearing from the client, who didn’t want to renounce to the installation of the air conditioning, that I was right and he did not need it. It is gratifying, when you are able to prove that sustainability is not a renounce, a sacrifice but at the end a privilege, helping to experience and enjoy the pleasure to live more connected with the nature.” In his concluding comments Paolo discusses how his firm’s latest project will allow it to build upon its current success. “Currently, we are involved in three large projects in South East Asia region: a high end touristic/residential development incorporating housing, villas, resort, sport facilities and two mixed use developments including retail, housing, hotel as well as a bus terminal, all of which will provide us with great opportunities to grow our portfolio.”

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Contact: Marie Jing (Project Operation Director) Contact Email: shanghai@logon-architecture.com Address: Unit 3A Building 4., No 727 Ding Xi Road, Shanghai, 200052, China Phone: 0086 2162 713207

Best Contemporary Architecture Firm – Shanghai & Best Chinese Commercial Building Refurbishment: F659 Boutique Offices

Logon Architecture is a contemporary German-Chinese architectural design firm. We spoke to Wang Fang, CEO to find out more and explore the secrets behind the firm’s success.

or over 10 years, Logon have provided clients with innovative urban, architecture, landscape and interior design solutions. Wang discusses the firm’s service offering and how it works to ensure excellence at all times for clients.

“Here at Logan, our multidisciplinary team extensively researches and provides strategic analysis before tackling any project. We believe that successful design must consider site and location, city and culture, the people using it, but also the surrounding context and market trends. We place great importance on the viability of the business model, to create better places for people. As proof of our design excellence, logon projects have regularly won awards and been recognized in the media and industry forums and exhibitions worldwide. “Through two core approaches we are able to provide a full service to our clients. First, we provide many types of design from urban design to interior design, supported by a multi-disciplinary team. Second, we serve clients throughout the design cycle, from the preliminary research hosted by the Logon lab, and through the different design processes, up to the construction and completion.Our approach to every project is to create better places to apply our concept“From Space to Place” that is about quantity to quality, with great emphasis on how people feel within a certain space. A distinguished space with identity and personality that has the ability to satisfy mixed functions and events, is a qualitative one, able to appeal to its target group.” Thanks to its full service approach, Logan spearheads all phases of planning: project positioning, preliminary design, schematic design, design development, construction documentation and onsite construction site service. logon’s design services are numerous: architecture design, urban design and planning, landscape design and interior design. The firm seamlessly integrates unlikely professions and internal departments to ensure that every plan is finalized in a holistic way.

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To ensure excellence at all times for clients in such a fast paced market, the firm has to continually adapt and develop, as Wang is keen to highlight. “At Logan, we believe that modern contemporary design should solve the problems the users are facing today. It is with this perspective that we are constantly tweaking our methodology by learning from each project, incorporating new trends and technologies. Like a good wine, our service keeps getting better. We believe that each project is unique. logon has chosen not to gravitate to a certain eccentric signature style of architecture. Above all, we are in the business of understanding and responding to the context and circumstances of your project. It’s your guarantee that we value making your project a qualitative space for your people and not just a place for our recognition and fame. “Our architecture is the product of the process of analysis and logical choices, which has been formed over many years within our growing team. logon remains confident that the best design comes with the seamless integration of research and positioning, design approach and project execution. Our approach is to use techniques inspired by local traditions. It is a process that we are proud of, and the proof is business success for our partners.” Ultimately, it is staff that are key to Logan’s success and form the basis of their ability to create unique and innovative projects, as Wang is proud to conclude. “Fundamentally, our team, which has 50 members from 10 countries, is the secret to our success. Within the team, architects, urban planners, interior designers, landscape designers, engineers, 3D artists, marketing consultants as well as sociologists work together from the beginning of every design process. By doing so, team members learn from one another and combine their knowledge forging wholly integrated design solutions. The design teams are supported by a number of specialty professions in-house, ensuring that we have the knowledgebase to design reasonable and responsive buildings.”

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Contact: Lilian H. Weinreich, AIA Contact Email: lhweinreich@rcn.com Web: Weinreich-architects.com Address: 150 Central Park South 502, New York, NY, 10019.1566, USA Phone: 001 917 770 1000

Best Multi-Disciplinary Design Boutique - New York & Most Innovative NY Apartment Design: Murray Hill Studio Combination

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Lilian H Weinreich Architects (LHWA) is a boutique architecture and interior design firm based in New York City with roots in Australia. We profile this innovative practice to find out more.

ed by Lilian Weinreich, AIA, RAIA, LEED AP(BD+C), NCARB, the practice aims to transform ordinary spaces into spectacular and unique environments in the most straightforward, practical, precise, and functional way. #646469

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Formal simplicity requires intellectual rigor and aesthetic restraint, which is immediately apparent in each of the firm’s projects from the recently completed, award-winning Murray Hill Studio Combination to a range of high-end apartment building, duplex, and townhouse renovations, as well as institutional work. Every Weinreich project is opulent in the clarity of its spatial and functional resolution. The firm’s pure sensibility evolves not from a predetermined architectural style, but rather from the intent to design clean, intelligent, and functional space that operates as a background to what is contained within them. Working with space and light as sculptural materials, Weinreich constructs architecture dramatic in its purity of means. “My aesthetic is entrenched in the modern, using prevailing technology to create leading-edge environments that are simple yet intelligent and sophisticated”, Lilian states. “My goal is always to aim for the essence of timelessness and the paramount in design as well as in execution.” Weinreich’s symbiotic exchange of ideas with clients results in responsive solutions original to each situation and informed by collaboration throughout the design process. When beginning a new project, LHWA’s approach to design is defined by a specific set of criteria: the unique needs of the individual clients and their space; the development of an unequivocal, clean, simple, seamless, and sophisticated background for the programmatic requirements; and the creation of an aesthetically unencumbered environment. The firm’s latest project, the Murray Hill Studio Combination, illustrates the inventive ideas that emerge from creative synergy with a client and from the space demands that come from living in New York City, where real estate is at a premium.

In combining two small 450 square foot studio apartments, Weinreich created a smart, flexible, efficient space that can easily adapt to numerous living, entertaining, and working scenarios. Purchasing twenty square foot of public hallway enabled an easy, free-flowing circulation. Despite its modest budget and small scale, the project exhibits a new level of refinement in minimalist spatial resolution using flexible planning principles to create dramatic results. Sliding translucent panels feature prominently as both partition and connection, offering a variety of interior volumetric possibilities and enabling the passage of light throughout the space. The open loft-like kitchen and island counter is the heart of the space around which the other spaces adjust and converge. The entertainment, living and study areas can transform into three separate bedrooms with two full bathrooms and a laundry closet or a variety of other combinations. Strategically located soffits house recessed panel tracks, while hidden light coves that add volumetric drama. The entire apartment is designed without swing doors in order to not obstruct the flow nor the openness of space. The sliding doors to the master bathroom enable an otherwise non-compliant bathroom to be handicapped accessible by accommodating the required 5-foot turning radius in the adjacent bedroom space. All closet doors throughout have a dual function as room divider and closet door. Natural materials, including solid white ash flooring and veined Venetian solid surface material wrap around countertops in the kitchen and master bath, provide touches of neutrals that contrast the apartment’s minimal color palette of whites. Large grey porcelain tiles ground the master and guest baths. Cool tones and carefully calibrated light elevate the fully flexible spaces to a crisp, elegant, and urbane home. Currently, Weinreich is working on several new projects, including two large apartment renovations, one on Park Avenue and the other on Central Park

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South; a building in Gramercy Park with duplex units; and a house in Avon, Connecticut. The firm is also exploring new markets, including the design of

private jet interiors and commercial projects, where Weinreichâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s considered design aesthetic and innovative use of sustainable materials can be applied in new and challenging ways.

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Contact: Neil Edwards Contact Email: neil@architectsav.co.uk Address: 51 St Marys Road, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 2LE, UK Phone: 01732 388223 Twitter: @architectsav Website: www.architectsav.co.uk

Bespoke Residential Architect of the Year 2017 - South East England & Best UK Heritage Extension: Broughton House

AV Architects is an RIBA Chartered Practice based in Kent, England, founded by husband and wife team Neil Edwards and Esti Buesa Diaz. We invited Neil and Esti to provide an insight into their young and vibrant studio.

ince 2010 AV Architects have delivered a more personal and bespoke service to our clients in Kent, London and the South East, building on experience gained from over 20 years in award winning practices in Europe and Asia. Esti and Neil met whilst both working in the renowned RIBA Gold Medal winning practice of Scott Tallon Walker in Dublin during 2001. Neil was returning to STW following a year working in Australia whilst Esti had decided to leave Spain to broaden her knowledge by working in a unique modernist studio.

A desire for greater design freedom lead to a move back to Spain where Neil collaborated with Dr. Fernando Bajo and Esti created her own practice. On returning to the UK with their young family Neil and Esti decided to take the plunge and create their own practice. Neil and Esti share a little about what makes them stand out and their current commissions. “What makes us different? There are undoubtedly lots of talented designers out there but we think we strike the right balance of meeting our client’s requirements without compromising the intellectual concept and the quality of the architectural design. After working on different scale projects we ended up falling in love with domestic architecture. Firstly, because we find working with traditional houses really inspiring and, secondly, because we are excited about working closely with our clients to create unique living spaces. To create something timeless apart from a good design team you need a special client and a great builder. Dedication and respect are fundamental to our success, together with integrity.” Looking ahead, there are plenty of exciting projects to keep AV Architects busy, as Neil and Esti conclude. “Currently we have lots of really diverse projects. From a newly designed Neo Georgian mansion, to a minimalist glass extension in a grade 2 listed building. We have a great deal of respect for the past but are passionate

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about creating 21st century architecture, not just in terms of the aesthetical language and modern lifestyle parameters, but also incorporating energy saving technology and working towards a more sustainable building environment, and this will remain our ongoing focus moving forward.”

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Contact: Uwe Schmidt-Hess Contact Email: info@patalab.com Address: 15 Garrett Street, London, EC1Y 0TY, UK Phone: 02072 532036 Website: www.patalab.com

Most Renowned International Architectural Studio – London & Best North West London Residential Design Project: Heath House

Patalab is an architectural studio with offices in London and Berlin designing distinctive contemporary spaces for a wide range of private, public and corporate clients in the UK, Germany and across Europe. We profile the firm to showcase the hard work and dedication that have led it to the success it enjoys today.

ounded in 2008, Patalab Architecture’s completed work includes a number of acclaimed award-winning schemes: Cascade House in Hampstead; The Gables in Primrose Hill; and Marconi House in central London.

The studio enjoys transforming existing buildings for new uses in a way that respectfully juxtaposes traditional architectural styles with modern design interventions. Inspired by ‘Pataphysics – a philosophical and artistic movement dedicated to exploring the imaginary – the studio is interested in the poetic potential of architecture. The bold, and sometimes experimental use of materials, exemplifies this in Patalab’s pursuit of an architecture for the everyday that nonetheless feels special by celebrating life around us. “We love to do bespoke designs that reflect the personality of our clients and are very passionate about detailing: we design furniture and even products to complement and extend the architecture” states Uwe Schmidt-Hess, founder of Patalab Architecture. An exemplar for this approach is the recently completed project Heath House in North-West London. The brief for the architects for the transformation of a detached Arts and Crafts townhouse was to create an airier, lighter and more contemporary feel for a young family’s home and their modern art collection. Patalab opted for a design that expands the house horizontally thus making most of the spacious garden that surrounds the building. The living spaces include a new-build wing that is a long gallery-like space, establishing an inside-outside relationship not previously present in the house. This has been a critical factor in giving the remodelled home a feeling of openness and fluidity in keeping with the client’s desire for a less formal ambience. Looking ahead, Projects and enquiries for Patalab are getting larger and more international. The studio is currently involved in a residential project in Amsterdam, the masterplan for a country estate in the south of France and

the refurbishment of three apartment blocks in Berlin. This has led to the decision to open a second office in Berlin which will provide the firm with many great future opportunities for growth and success.

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Contact: Christina Bost Contact Email: c.bost@bost-group.com Address: Bismarckallee 24, D-14193, Berlin, Germany Phone: 0049 3030 83070

Best Commercial Interior Design Studio – Germany & German Hotel Interior Project of the Year 2017: Westin Hamburg Elbphilharmonie

Bost Interior Design GmbH is a Berlin based Interior Design specialist creating innovative projects. We spoke to Christina Bost to learn more about the firm and how it goes about creating projects that are both stunning and functional.

ost is a commercial interior design studio with a focus on hotel design and architecture, as Christina explains.

“At Bost we draw on our many years of experience to realize national and international hotel projects for clients such as Steigenberger, Marriott International, Rezidor or Kempinski. We plan mainly in the 5-star deluxe projects for the hospitality industry, but also develop new brands in the creative budget sector. “One of our recently completed projects is the hotel The Westin Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg-Germany. It lasted over a period of planning of over 8 years. The design for this hotel is from 2009 and has lost none of its attractiveness, when it opened last year in November. This is really very extraordinary and we are very proud of this innovative project and the work we did to realise it.” With regards to the future, Christina believes that Bost will continue to grow and achieve even greater successes as the team seek to continue evolving and adapting around the latest trends and developments in the architecture and interiors markets. “To build upon our current success, at Bost we are constantly looking for new possibilities of design to carry our hotel projects technically and culturally forward. In all our present and future tasks, the influence of art and culture on the one hand and the technical innovations on the other hand are decisive. We are constantly traveling and learning to develop our skills and knowledge, and this will remain our ongoing focus as we look towards a prosperous future. “Among our core focuses is turning historic buildings into hotels, as this is something we are truly passionate about. This is a challenge for architects and designers to combine the history with modern visions, and we are

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looking forward to undertaking more projects in this area over the coming months and years. We will also go further into the brand development for various projects to enhance our service offering.”

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Contact: Ernest Tsui + Immanuel Gaskin Contact Email: ernest.tsui@ernesttsui-architects.co.uk Address: 25 Maidenshaw Road, Epsom, Surrey, KT19 8HE, UK Phone: +44 7957 650451

Best Luxury Residential Architecture Firm -2017

ETA + Partners Ltd is an award winning architecture and design firm specialising in high end private residential and development projects. We invited Immanuel Gaskin to tell us more about the firm and the range of projects it undertakes.

TA + Partners is a RIBA Chartered architecture firm specializing in the residential sector, supporting a range of clients, from homeowners through to overseas’ investors. Immanuel discusses how his firm works to ensure that these varied clients receive the solutions they need.

“Here at ETA + Partners we have been in the business for almost five years with 15 live projects, challenges are now opportunities to deliver an improved and award winning service. We offer cost effective solutions from the initial meeting, such as feasibility studies, that allow clients to talk to estate agents or investors and assess the projects viability. Plus, we also offer creative high-end luxury schemes that do not break the budget, ensuring clients always receive the very highest standard of service from our firm.” Efficiency is vital to the firm’s success, therefore they are always striving to integrate technology into their offering, as Immanuel explains. “Technology is seamless and essential to us. For communication, we use Whatsapp and email to allow for working from home and greater flexibility. We are drawing in 3D as standard practice. We are currently enhancing our design process with the Samsung Gear 360 cameras on site visit and Oculus Rift VR headsets to allow the team to experience the environments being created and solve problems. Additionally, we now presenting to clients using consumer Virtual Reality headsets that can be attached to the client’s phone such as Google Cardboard.” Overall, the future looks bright for ETA + Partners as the firm unveils a new dimension to its offering which will enable it to work on even more projects, as Immanuel concludes. “Recently, we have developed ETA Workshop, a small construction firm with the scope, and reach, to produce bespoke items and complete smaller

schemes. We can apply some of our design, residential expertise and the finest quality craftsmanship directly to smaller projects that miss out on this owing, mainly, to budget constraints. This will provide us with the opportunity to work with an even wider variety of clients going forward.”

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Contact: Rex Hawkesworth Contact Email: rex227@btinternet.com Address: 4 Rampart Gardens, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO3 5LR, UK Phone: 023 9266 2330

Recognised Expert in Neo Vernacular Housing Initiatives - UK

Rex Hawkesworth RIBA Rex Hawkesworth RIBA is a Hampshire based Architect creating a range of innovative projects. He talks us through his work and his most recent project, which highlights the superb quality which he works towards at all times.

Both pairs of houses were identically designed therefore with the empahasis on a projecting open porch-way for one pair and a recessed porch for the other.

The building envelope was the complete elevation to the road and was divided into two with a pair of houses set back two metres and the other pair forward. This had two benefits, one to provide a much needed special break and the other a chance to project part of the elevation forward as a feature.

exâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most recent undertaking was a set of four modern terraced houses within an ordinary town road of late nineteenth century dwellings, now comprising up-dated elevations and some newer buildings inserted. This provided an opportunity of a realistic compromise in circumstances which throughout the UK are generally very common indeed.

A three-dimension opportunity therefore allowed a brick porch on two of the setback houses to provide a feature and a projection which could compare with the reset door inserts on the other two houses. This was the only physical design difference to both pairs of houses which otherwise were identical incorporating brick soldier courses and cantilevered eaves supports throughout.

The opportunity of utilising the ancient Golden Section Rectangle allowed a simple all brick elevation with a moderate cutback elevation on two houses which did not exist in the original highway at all.

Looking ahead, all future projects will be offered to the same exceptional style in order to ensure that clients continue to receive the very highest standards of service and the outcome they need.

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Contact: Ronald Robinette Contact Email: rwrobinette@robinettearchitect.com Address: 1670 East River Road, Suite 112, Tucson, Arizona, 857 18, USA Phone: 001 520 323 3979

Best Full-Service Residential Architecture Boutique – Arizona & Best Contemporary Arizona Residential Design: Stone Canyon

Robinette Architects, Inc. is a boutique firm focused on producing unique and creative homes that are responsive to their owner’s lifestyle and respectful of the Sonoran Desert. We invited Ronald Robinette to tell us more.

obinette Architects has been specializing in unique custom home design since 1984. Since inception the firm has expanded its architectural services to include interior design and construction services to fully serve the clients’ needs.

“At Robinette Architects, our mission is to design unique homes for extraordinary clients that fully respond to our clients’ lifestyle and site context. As such, my approach to each project begins with learning as much about my clients, their needs and dreams, and then meld those with the natural and sometimes challenging features of our clients’ property. The majority of our work is located in southern Arizona and the desert southwest. Our work is focused almost exclusively on the design of custom homes that respond to the harsh yet sensitive and beautiful environment. “Overall, I would like to think we differentiate ourselves from our competitors thanks to our experience and conscientious approach to serving our clients and their best interests.”

As technology continues to dominate many industries, Ronald believes the architecture industry will have to keep abreast with this development, and is determined that his firm will be at the forefront of emerging developments in order to continue offering clients the solutions and service they need. “Looking ahead, future architects will continue to fully embrace new technologies to explain and explore design options, including virtual reality applications. As such, at Robinette Architects we use the latest in technology to help explain our designs and design intent to our clients and to the craftsmen who construct our designs and will continue to do so as we look towards a bright future. “Ultimately, good design speaks for itself. The search for client specific design concepts for each of our projects is what creates good design and is what makes our work exciting every day, and will remain our ongoing focus.”

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Contact: Natali Canas del Pozo Contact Email: Info@elequipocreativo.com Address: Llull street, 57, 5th floor 2nd door, 08005 Barcelona, Spain Phone: 0034 93 221 68 75

Best Commercial Interior Design Firm - Spain

El Equipo Creativo is an innovative interior design firm based in Barcelona. We invited Natali Canas del Pozo to tell us more about the firm and the services it offers.

liver Franz Schmidt, Natali Canas del Pozo and Lucas Echeveste Lacy are three architects that founded El Equipo Creativo studio based in Barcelona and specialized on gastronomic spaces, as well as brand and commercial spaces. Natali outlines how the firm was founded and how far it has come since inception.

“Our core team began our work together in 2010, with the design for the emblematic restaurant Tickets of Ferran and Albert Adriá. EL EQUIPO CREATIVO, the informal way we were named during that first project, is today the name of the studio. As we are architects, Interior Design was the logical step towards a more detailed and atmospheric approach to architecture. The key of the success was that the three of us, with different backgrounds, experiences and expertizes, joined forces together and the multidisciplinary combination worked”. “Since the birth of the company, our team has grown up and now is as cheerful and diverse as our proposals. Architects and designers, creative and technical, work all together on a big table where the projects are developed from initial sketches to final construction documents”. ´´We share the idea that space, the same as food, tells stories, creates sensations and experiences. We work closely with our clients in order to provide the best translation of their gastronomic or commercial concepts. Therefore every new project is a challenge that starts with thorough visual investigation of the topics related to the concept. This methodology of work always leads through unexpected ways to create new solutions, specific and surprising for each project. “Many projects have been developed, always related to the world of gastronomy, and have been recognized in numerous international design awards such as the prestigious Restaurant and Bars Design Award, The Great Indoors Awards, FX International Award or the Best of the Year Award.

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They have also been published in paper and web publications in more than twenty countries. “Recently, El Equipo Creativo’s Blue Wave Bar was crowned as the most beautiful bar in the world. A great recognition, especially when there has been a great team of people behind who have worked hard to get it. A prize of this category gives added value to the design sector in our country but it also leads customers, present and future to value more and more the importance of a well-designed space.” Looking ahead, El Equipo Creativo is now starting a new professional stage with international projects and as directors of the Master of Interior of the European Institute of Design in Barcelona, and will continue to grow and prosper, as Natali concludes. “As we look to the future we are focusing on growing our firm from an emerging interior practice to an established one. This means expanding to other design categories locally and internationally. We have more designs for restaurants lined up and very soon we will open our first hotel in Madrid. Also we are starting to work internationally in three different continents, with projects in Rome, Rotterdam, Boston and Rabat. The challenge for the future is to keep growing without losing the quality we offer and staying true to our philosophy.”

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Contact: Jeanett Risom Contact Email: jr@risomdesign.dk Address: Ballevej 1C, 8600 Silkeborg, Denmark Phone: 0045 20 68 30 25 Website: http://risomdesign.dk/

Best Retail & Hospitality Interior Design Firm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Denmark & Most Innovative Nordic Hospitality Interior Design Project: DREWSENS Coffee, Wine & Tapasbar

RISOM

product retail interior

DESIGN Risom Design is an innovative design bureau characterized by innovation and design, and their speciality is consumer behaviour with focus on decorating and tendencies within the retail and restauration business. We profile the firm to find out more.

rawing on more than 20 years of experience with concept development and business decorating from Denmark, England, Germany, and Belgium Risom Design is an innovation and design company specialized in consumer behavior focusing on the interior design and trends in the retail and catering industry.

Working commercially the firm focuses on creating a well-developed concept that can be read directly at the bottom line. The goal is unique results that add value to both the client and the end user. Operating in the trend focused and fashion led interior design market, Risom Design aims to be at the forefront of emerging trends including slow luxury, a tendency spreading on the American market right now after a period of years with staging, the digital platforms, and the state of being â&#x20AC;&#x2122;onâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; all the time and performing maximum, as well as showrooming, when the customer arrives in the physical shop to see or try out the product, after which they go home and order the product from the internet. This is something most retailers know about, and many see it as a big threat for the turnover in the physical shops. The customers have become experts, as many check out prices and functions before making a purchase, which can either take place from home or in the shop via their smartphones. Additionally, the firm focuses on understanding the needs of each generation to ensure that it meets the needs of its clients and can reach their customers. Looking ahead, remaining at the forefront of emerging industry trends will be the continuing focus of Risom Design as the company seeks to build upon its current success and grow even further.

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28 Company: Interior Design Group Contact: Julia L. Diamond, ASID (American Society Interior Designer) Address: 3625 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd #271 Westlake village, CA 91362 Phone: 011 805 428 8294 Email: julia_diamond@sbcglobal.net Website: www.houzz.com/pro/juliadiamond/julia-diamond-interiordesign-studio

Best Full-Service Interior Design Company - Greater Los Angeles I N T E R I O R D E S I G N G R O U P

Interior Design Group is an award-winning, interior design firm offering full design services to commercial and luxury residential real estate owners. With global perspective and multi-disciplinary teams, we believe our diversity and capability with special attention to functionality, detail and environmental awareness set us apart from the crowd. Julia Diamond is an accredited American Society Interior Designer; she talks us through her role in the firm’s success. ith many years as a corporate travel professional, Julia has flown, dined, sailed, snorkelled and trekked across the globe in search of some of the world’s greatest treasures…from ancient civilizations and places of worship to some of the most modern and cosmopolitan landmark hotels and palaces, from architecture (ancient and modern) to Michelin-star rated cuisine to international haute couture fashion! Life is to be lived and enjoyed and Julia tries to carry that “theme” or mind-set throughout her company. Interior Design Group is a team of dedicated experts and professionals of their industry. From talented draftsman, rendering artists, architects, engineers, artisans, craftsman, factories and specialty installers (the ones that truly makes us shine) to specialty finishers, textile and rug suppliers to some of the world’s best product reps and vendors. Interior Design Group is proud to be celebrating their 12th anniversary in business this year.

IDG works with a wide variety of clients, who tend to be highly-educated, well -travelled, successful innovators of their field, often with a specific design objective in mind; although the firm also works with clients that give them full creative control, to procure the furnishings, goods, crews, services and equipment or materials necessary to complete the project. Their client demographic has ranged from 13-90 years of age. Julia discusses recent trends in the market and how her firm adapts around these to offer clients fashionable yet functional designs: “With the new millennial generation loving the “open concept” look, often in neutral palettes with clean lines, attention to energy-efficient and ADA compliancy with technology at every turn; in contrast we also cater to the “golden generation” clientele, that love their luxurious fine goods and compartmentalized rooms; that still believe in a personal invitation and a hand written note instead of an email (and yes, they still want wifi in every room; on every floor), while preferring separate spaces; a library, a study, a foyer, a washroom, a kitchen etc., instead of unifying the spaces as a “great room”, or suite, they enjoy many rooms with coziness instead of mass open rectangles of space. In short, each and every client and project is so very different, there is zero chance for boredom to ensue. We inspire to infuse

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fresh perspectives and ideas in our home, living and workspaces. From the air we breathe inside to the materials we select for our furnishings and finishes, it all matters. Aesthetic beauty is only a portion of the overall design objective. Overall, Julia has a passion for incorporating technology, spatial design and function to create totally unique environments, is keen to emphasise that this is the future and shares some of the ways in which technology can be added to create a truly phenomenal space. “From smart homes to digital design plans and drawings, to LED lighting and motion detectors, to motorized blackout drapery and window shades, to cable, data, fibre optics and energy-efficient home offices, to surgeprotecting computer and security systems and cameras to hidden audio speakers and surround-sound theatre systems to “pet tenders” and plant-irrigation systems; to mini-bars in the bedroom, to full keg and wine management tenders to craft beer refrigeration in the basement, cooking systems in the kitchen to state-of-the-art steam and shower systems in the bathrooms; honestly the sky (or our imagination) is the limit.

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Contact: Paolino Di Vece Roux Contact Email: paolino@divece.mx Address: Justo Sierra 2326 int. 2A, Ladrón de Guevara 44600, Guadalajara Jalisco, Mexico Phone: 0052 333615 1581 Website: www.divece.mx

Best Residential Architecture Firm – Mexico & Mexican Residential Project of the Year 2017: Paolino Di Vece Roux, Zapopan

Di Vece Arquitectos is a small architecture firm which takes pride in the personalized process of making architecture. Paolino Di Vece Roux talks us through the firm and the services it offers. i Vece specializes in small to mid-size architecture ranging from low income housing, religious architecture, public spaces, small retail, residential-high end and mixed-use projects. The firm concentrates in design quality, through simple forms and technical solutions that convert reasonable budgets into high levels of efficiency and satisfaction. Paolino discusses his latest project and how it epitomises his firm’s architectural style.

“My latest project, the one that gives me more satisfaction because of its conception and execution is “Capilla Filamentario”. This is probably one of the smallest projects we have ever done in the office but also one of the most significant because of its simplicity and symbolism. “The project is an Ecumenical Chapel that better represents our philosophy of design because it breaks the rules of the religious typology; instead of making an axial path through the space, with the altar at the end of the visit, we propose a peripheral procession instead. It is a five stage procession that better helps you to mentally prepare for the religious event or only to have a personal introspection visit to the place.” Overall Paolino believes that the best architecture is done with very little because with fewer elements of composition it becomes possible to achieve the perfect balance between the elements of contrast inherent to architectural creation. Contrasts set in balance help to solve the dichotomy between form and function just as DNA regulates processes and forms in nature. He concludes by explaining his philosophy in more detail and how this guides him in his projects. “Looking ahead, I propose that design can be conceived as a plot of balanced contrasts that contain within their DNA the formal components that aim for harmony between building and context. Architectural language evolves as a search for the balanced mediation between man and nature through solutions that promote technical progress, cultural advancement and social integration.

“Furthermore, metamorphosis in architecture can be achieved only when it is perfectly integrated to its place, to its time and to its social reality. This is my ongoing focus as I look towards a bright and exciting future.”

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Contact: Dennis DeMello Contact Email: ddemello@logic.bm or demelloasso@btcnet.bm Address: 38A Long Bay Lane, Somerset, Sandys, MA04, Bermuda Phone: 001 441 334 8821

Best Commercial Architecture Firm - Bermuda

DeMello & Associates is a professional Architectural and Structural Engineering company. We spoke to Dennis DeMello to find out more.

eMello & 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.

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“To ensure excellence for our clients we are an 100% digital company, from concept design works to construction documents ready for 3D Printing.” 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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Contact: Bo Benzon Contact Email: bob@ampd.dk Address: Otto Busses Vej 5A, Building 020, 2450 Copenhagen SV, Denmark Phone: 0045 2244 0273 Website: www.ampd.dk

Interior Architect of the Year 2017 – Copenhagen & Best Nordic Hospitality Interior Design Project: Harvey Nightclub

Arkitekturministeriet is a Danish architecture studio which undertakes a wide range of projects. We caught up with Bo Benzon to find out more.

rkitekturministeriet is a multidisciplinary studio based in Copenhagen Denmark and do all kinds of creative activity within architecture, design, art, interiors, set-designs, festivals and constructions. Bo tells us more about the firm’s service offering and the clients it works with.

“Recently the firm has been expanding and over the coming years we will be seeking to build upon our current success and grow even further, supporting more clients seeking the very highest standards of architecture and design.”

“Here at Arkitekturministeriet we are architects, designers, production technologists, builders, engineers, business minds, dreamers and eventmakers. We are thinkers and doers and with in-house production facilities, our studio and showroom along with our logistic machinery we create and deliver everything and anything from scratch to give you well-articulated customizations. We strive to create beautifully, functionally and in a different way than the ordinary. Abstract and conceptual thinking create ideas for innovation. We do as much as possible in an environmentally friendly way, and are constantly exploring new materials. “Our clients vary from private to commercial as well as governments and counts some of the biggest companies in Denmark and we are on the verge of expanding into other countries around the world. We like to work on everyday making the world a better place.” Ultimately, Arkitekturministeriet is committed to creating innovative designs and supporting clients, as reflected in the firm’s mission and ongoing strategy, which Bo outlines in his concluding comments. “Overall, our main goal every day is to make the world a better place to be in. We try and do that by challenging our thinking to be outside the box, abstract and turn everything upside down to make it worthwhile. In that conceptual thinking you keep exploring your horizon and try to reach for originality in every project or idea. This is achieved through our unique approach to the tasks, from idea to final product, where we have removed the middlemen, drawing on our vast network to ensure excellence.

2017 Architecture Awards Build

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Contact: Ray Thompson Contact Email: ray@thompsonbaroni.com Address: Suite 232, Linen Hall, 162 - 168 Regent Street, London, W1B 5TD, UK Phone: 02077 346372

Best Residential Design Architect – London & Best London Residential Renovation Project: Kensington Townhouse

Thompson + Baroni Architects Limited is a contemporary architecture practice that creates thoughtful environments influenced by minimal, poetic, light-filled spaces and calming homes. Ray Thompson talks us through the firm and the services it offers. stablished in 2001 by Raymond Thompson and Carolina Baroni, their London-based practice includes a dedicated and dynamic team of architects. The company works with both private clients and property developers; the private client looking for a unique new house or turn-key refurbishment of an existing property and the developer that appreciates both the firm’s ability to add quality and value through the way the buildings and projects are designed.

With English and Italian architects respectively at the helm the firm’s projects combine clarity and warmth whilst always focusing on providing the client with the solution they need, as Ray highlights. “Here at Thompson + Baroni Architects we have a strong understanding of return on investment. The commercial side of the practice’s work draws on numerous years of dealing with planning applications with a key objective to maximize the value of land. Working on high-end projects, Thompson + Baroni have developed a minimal, modernist style for London. As such, our approach to work is very simple. We establish a clear brief with our clients. We are realistic and honest about expectations but strive to push the boundaries where we can. We are skilled and adept at planning consents, which maximize potential value and architectural integrity. “Our private clients are prepared to push the budget and brief in order to get the house that they dreamt for and aspire to. We work hand-in-hand with these clients to deliver a truly bespoke project. There are some core principles that we like to adhere to but the projects are fully tuned to the client’s requirements. The developer appreciates our technical and strategic knowledge and understanding of the planning process to deliver a project with a strong return on investment.” “Overall, our mission is to maintain and grow a successful, widely recognized architectural office where we can continue to develop our design signature and continuously improve the service we offer to our clients. In order to achieve this, we need to always continue to produce exceptional quality work that surpasses clients’ expectations.”

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What sets the firm apart, according to Ray, is the experience he and his fellow directors bring to the projects they undertake, and their commitment to creating innovative projects. “To ensure that we stand out from our competitors, our directors work closely on all projects and offer our clients, both residential and commercial, a direct route to speak to us throughout the project. This means that there is always an experienced steadying hand closely connected with the job. “Alongside this, our work is distinctive as thoughtful environments influenced by minimal, poetic, light-filled spaces and calming homes. We pride ourselves on producing work with a minimal, modernist style.” Looking ahead, Ray has big plans, both for the future of Thompson + Baroni Architects and the wider architecture space. “Over the coming months, we have a Belgravia mews house project in the pipeline that will be a great way to carry forward the expertise we have gained from the previous two we have completed and the one we are working on now. We also have new developer clients we are working with that have come to us for our design inspiration as well as financial acumen. It’s exciting to work for the best development potential from the site as well as create great architecture. This is a project that enhances the user’s quality of life and well being through plenty of light and emotionally satisfying environments to live and work in. “Within the wider architecture industry, we are hoping that we will see a lot of new housing projects that steer away from the suburban sprawl you see on the edges of most of our cities, and evolve into something more cosmopolitan, both stylistically and hopefully also in the mindsets of the people that will live there. Although we love designing modern, minimalist architecture alongside exciting new buildings we are always careful about the context in which our buildings or architectural interventions will be realized. Buildings do not exist in a silo and need to take in the surrounding styles and uses to exist within that context.”

Contact: David Hovey Jr. Contact Email: hoveydjr@optimaweb.com. Address: 7157 E. Rancho Vista Drive, Suite109, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Phone: 480-874-9900 Website: www.optimaweb.com

Best Luxury High-Rise Architecture Firm – USA & Luxury Residential Complex Design of the Year: Optima Kierland Center

With complete capabilities under one roof, Optima has been developing, designing and building some of the most striking urban and suburban luxury residential communities in the United States. We profile the firm and its latest project, the innovative Optima Kierland Center. ptima carefully considers, manages and controls the thousands of details that go into creating a distinctive quality home, and it is this that is what makes an Optima home something owners will value from the day they move in. It is a focus on creating powerful cost efficiencies that enables the firm to be more responsive to the marketplace and the discerning personal tastes of its homeowners.

To ensure peace of mind and quality of service and outcome, Optima handles all aspects of development, design, construction, sales/leasing, and property management in-house. The company 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. A recent project which has come to the attention of our judges is the firm’s Kierland Center, designed by David Hovey, Jr., AIA. It will be the International Green Construction Code pilot project for the City of Phoenix. The project, when complete, will be an inspired oasis in the heart of North Scottsdale’s vibrant urban core. Designed to accentuate the Arizona desert surroundings, these new condominiums and apartments offer a unique approach to luxury living. Owners can enjoy elegant, modern living spaces, magnificent mountain views, exclusive rich amenities for health and well-being, and a vast array of outdoor area activities in one of the premier destinations for active living.

of each floor to grow both up and over the edge of the building. The buildings consist of a post-tension concrete structure, energy efficient in-fill window wall, perforated panels, louvers, and vertical landscape system. The architecture of the development is a 21st century urban solution to residential design that utilizes an articulated façade, innovative shading devices, sustainable systems and varied building materials to create exciting interior and exterior space. Each residence is designed to take advantage of the outdoors with large terraces and open floor plans that provide interconnected indoor and outdoor space. The architectural detailing of the exterior enclosure has been carefully crafted to mitigate the harsh aspects of the desert climate with features that add a dynamic quality to the spaces, both inside and out. Overall, this unique project will help drive Optima to even greater success as the firm looks ahead to an exciting future where it can build upon its current success.

As sustainability has become increasingly important in architecture, Optima has imbibed this into the Kierland Center, and as such the vibrant articulated façade of perforated panels, louvers, and vertical landscaping system provide both sun protection and privacy to residential units. Energy conservation and CO2 emission reduction are achieved with high performance glazing, overhangs, building configuration, plant material, and exterior shading louvers and perforated panels. Additionally, an innovative vertical planting system with self-containing irrigation and drainage enables a palette of vibrantly colored plants at the edge

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Contact: James McDonald Contact Email: james@jamesmcdonaldarchitects.com Address: 10135 Colvin Run Road, Suite #200, Great Falls, Virginia, 22066, USA Phone: 001 703 757 0036 Website: http://www.jamesmcdonaldarchitects.com/

Best High-End Residential Architecture Firm - East USA & Award for Excellence in Bespoke Residential Designs - USA

James McDonald Associate Architects is a Virginia based architecture firm supporting a wide range of clients. We invited Founder James to tell us more about the firm and the range of services it offers.

ames McDonald Associate Architects is a residential full service architectural firm specializing in designing unique solutions for all of its clients and their needs. This is particularly vital to ensure excellence, as James is eager to emphasise.

“At James McDonald Associate Architects, we understand that it is important for us to understand what our clients are looking for, as well as understanding their life style and preferred tastes and wishes. Only then can we start to explore the many possible design solutions. “As a design principle, we do not dictate a style or direction of the homes to our clients. We start every project the same way, with a Charrette meeting with our client. This process allows us to explore multiple different possible concept solutions, that start meeting the clients likes and needs. Each nod of the head or stroke of the pen brings the verbal and graphic discussion into focus. In a brief couple hours, we can have explored several different ideas and have come to a consensus, on a preferred design direction. We encourage the client to provide direct feedback as a means to understanding what will meet their needs. Only in this method, can we start the design to create, not just a house for our clients, but a home. It is an engaging and fun experience for the client to see the ideas develop on the rolls of sketch paper right in front of them at our conference table or their own dining room.” Being based near Washington DC, gives the firm the opportunity to work on projects throughout the east coast, enabling it to create a broad portfolio of work, as James explains. “Over the years, we have completed projects up into New York, and down to North Carolina. Almost every project brings an interesting and unique site constraint and opportunity to the design solution for our client. The projects we work on vary in scale even more than the geographic location. We have enjoyed working on modest 2600 s.f. jewel box cottages, all the way up to 26,000 s.f. custom estates and chateaux inspired homes.”

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Discussing his clients, James believes that they are all looking for a unique service, and as such his firm works hard to ensure that they receive exactly what they need. “The clients of our custom homes are both based upon the traditional client/ architect roll, while others are based upon teaming up with a builder to design the home in more of a design/build partnership. Each of the methods provide their own set of benefits. Even when we are providing the more traditional roll between client and architect we like to encourage the builder selection to happen at the completion of the design stage. “These early estimates from the builder allow us to confirm that we are within the comfort level of our clients’ budget. With the builder selected early, we can provide a team to balance the design intent with the reality of budget and constructability. This process makes client driven changes or value engineering changes, less impactful to costs and timing. Using this team process we have more than 90% of our home designs get built.” Overall, James McDonald Associate Architects is committed to providing clients with the very highest standards of service and creating innovative projects that will stand the test of time, and this will remain its ongoing focus as the firm looks towards a bright and exciting future.

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Contact: Thomas Neuber Contact Email: office@destilat.at Address: Lehargasse 10, Wien, 1060, Austria Phone: +43 (0) 699 104 105 11

Best Furniture & Interior Design Firm - Austria

destilat is nationally and internationally active in interior design and furniture design and maintains offices in Vienna and Linz. We profile the firm to find out more.

rawing on the expertise of its creative team, destilat is developing architectural concepts for private and corporate customers. Each project is seen in a holistic context and offers comprehensive, elaborate interior concepts, paying careful attention even to the smallest details.

With regards to interior architecture, the firm’s conceptions are based on analyses of the respective premises to determine their functional and aesthetic qualities, which are the basis for the premises’ design. Destilat then develop interior design concepts for the private as well as the public sector, for shops, office and retail spaces, hotels, restaurants, and trade shows. In corporate architecture, the integration of brands and products in the respective interior design are key aspects of the firm’s work. As such, destilat integrate its clients’ corporate design into customized interior design concepts by connecting our clients’ corporate philosophies with their brands and product goals. After all, values, brands, and products need to be staged perfectly to speak to their respective target groups. The firm’s goal is to create locations where people and brands meet, where visitors are emotionalized strengthen their trust in the respective brand. Overall, destilat describes its mission as follows: “There is no such thing as past, present or future – what counts is what you make out of it.” Design is a process without beginning or end, a vast area of curiosity, a depository of ideas. This creative surrounding is the space we inhabit, roaming somewhere between the old and the new. At destilat the team are searching for innovations that appear familiar, for provocations that touch their inner self, for functional gravity that makes them laugh.

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Address : Forward House 17 High Street Henley-In-Arden B95 5AA Name : Marcus Ham Telephone : 01564330714 Email : hamptonarchitecture@outlook.com Web Address : www.hamptonarchitecture.co.uk

Best High-End Residential Architecture Practice - West Midlands & Best Warwickshire Large Residential Build Project: Downlands

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. Principal Marcus Ham tells us more about the firm and the services it provides.

ampton Architecture is a well-established CIAT registered practice, based in Solihull and founded in 2003 by Principal, Marcus Ham. Whether it is 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 explains the firm’s core focus.

“At Hampton Architecture, we pride ourselves in being able to respond to client’s specific requirements, by balancing original thinking with proven residential design principles and sound design team management. We have been very successful in securing planning permission for several large scale private dwellings 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.” Staff, as in many businesses, are essential to the firm’s success, but Hampton Architecture also focuses on supporting its clients and ensuring excellence for them at all times, as Marcus is eager to emphasise. ‘Ours is a people business, you must be able to understand your client, their needs and aspirations, even their daily routine and their style – this applies to one off clients, and also to the new build market. When we see that our designs have changed the way people live - on a small or large scale, it spurs us on to do the same for each and every client going forward’. “With almost all of our new projects coming from retained and repeat clients, or word of mouth recommendations, we will always go the extra mile to maintain our reputation for a high level of service, and innovative design.” “Another factor that always features very highly in positive feedback received, is our ability to listen. It almost sounds too simple - reports from clients, local

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authorities and industry partners all commend our willingness to take on board ideas and react accordingly to improve and add value to a developing design.” Moving forward, Marcus is focused on expanding and growing the business, concentrating on continuing to provide the highest quality design possible. With several industry and local authority awards already in the bag, the opening of new offices in Henley-In-Arden in July, and some very interesting projects in the pipeline, 2017 looks set to be another exciting year for Hampton Architecture.

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Contact: Frankie Campione Contact Email: fcampione@createapd.com Address: After 20 years CREATE is moving to new expanded offices at: 45 West 34th Street, Penthouse, New York, NY 10001 Phone: 001 212 297 0880 Website: http://createworldwide.com /

Best Architectural Design Firm 2017 - New York

CREATE Architecture Planning & Design is one of the boldest and most energetic comprehensive architectural firms in New York City, dedicated to creating truly spectacular projects. We profile the firm to find out more about the creations it has developed over the years and how the firm continues to drive innovation and excellence today.

stablished in 1997, Today CREATE remains dedicated to quality architecture as it applies to the diverse needs of its varied clients.

The firm’s team of dedicated professionals strives to maintain and establish long-term relationships with its clientele, earned by combining unmatched value with a commitment to excellence. Additionally, CREATE’s boutique approach ensures its Principal’s involvement in every project it undertakes.

Focusing primarily on commercial architecture with a focus shopping malls, open air centers and master planning, the firm is able to infuse its creativity into every aspect of each project to ensure ongoing satisfaction for both clients and end users. Overall, drawing on over 20 years’ experience in the architecture industry, CREATE remains at the cutting edge of industry developments and will continue to support its clients and produce architecture which meets their needs as it looks towards a prosperous future.

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Contact: Peter Cook Contact Email: peter.cook@cook-design.com Address: Capital House, 3 Jubilee Way, Faversham, Kent, ME13 8GD, UK Phone: 01795 532834 Website: www.cook-design.com

Commercial Designer of the Year 2017 – Kent & Most Innovative Kent Mixed-Use Project: 86-88 Junction Road

Cook Associates Cook Associates is a multi-disciplinary practice embracing architecture as well as civil and structural engineering. We profile the firm to learn more and explore the secrets behind its success.

ook Associates seek to understand a Client’s problems to thereby inform a creative and effective solution. All schemes must recognise commercial reality. As such, the firm’s buildings celebrate their owner’s aspirations; light and space; form; flexibility; and function. The practice seek practicality of build conversant with innovation and sustainability.

Thanks to the firm’s creativity, English Heritage have praised one of its schemes as “An attractive contemporary design that utilises traditional materials in an interesting and innovative manner.” The firm’s collaboration of architecture with civil and structural engineering allows the firm to deliver both creative and practical design solutions to its clients. Based in Faversham, Kent, Cook Associates work extensively in London and have had projects in Scotland, Wales, Sweden, Holland and France. Operating internationally, the firm has staff who are able to communicate in English, French, Italian, Turkish, Russian, Chinese and Arabic. In terms of design, Cook Associates have particular interest in timber frame and prefabrication and are long standing members of the Timber Research and Development Association. Cook Associates have the capacity and experience to design one-off timber frame for manufacture by carpentry/ joinery workshops as well as more traditionally using timber frame specialists. Schemes vary from domestic one-off houses to multi-million pound high-rise residential schemes, retail, offices, hotels, hostels, student housing, factories, lecture theatres, teaching studios and libraries. New build, conversion, regeneration, historic, listed and old properties all form part of the firm’s portfolio. As testimony to their flexibility and collaborative abilities, Cook Associates’ Architects work both with our ‘in-house’ Engineers and also other

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Engineering Consultants where employment by the client. Peter Cook leads the architecture division and is supported by Samuel Bowman and an experienced team of Architects and Architectural Assistants working on projects up to £23 million in value. One of the firm’s architects, Richard George is an accredited Conservation Architect and has also worked on the Palace of Westminster. Looking ahead, Cook Associates will continue to innovate and provide clients with the very highest standards of service and support to create unique projects which stand the test of time.

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Contact: Stuart Parkes Contact Email: mail@parkesarchitecture.com Website: www.parkesarchitecture.com Address: Fonseigner, 24310, Bourdeilles, France Phone: 0033 05 53 09 33 45

Best Anglo/French Renovation Firm - France

design : parkes architecture SARL

Parkes Architecture is a Franco - British company dedicated to the creation of architectural design solutions which are both innovative and exciting. We caught up with Stuart Parkes to learn more.

ith over 20 years of professional practice both in the UK and France Parkes Architecture is able to offer a full bilingual architectural design service for both renovation and new build projects in the Dordogne and neighbouring departments of South West France. The practice has an international clientele, with clients from all corners of Europe, the Middle East, Canada and the United States. Stuart outlines the services the firm provides to these clients and how it works to create the outcome they desire.

“Renovation of historic and character properties is our speciality at Parkes Architecture. We are always keen to expand our knowledge and we endeavour to focus our skills on achieving the best design solution for each client and each project. “Through our work, we often work on historic and listed buildings, the latest example being the renovation of the Buildings containing a former restaurant and hotel in St Yrieix le Perche to form a new restaurant and 5 apartments. The project was a challenging mix of medieval through to early twentieth century constructions amazingly a 14th century wine cellar was discovered under the bar floor. Now open the restaurant offers 80 covers and is an unqualified success the building has been beautifully renovated by an excellent team of Artisans.” With regards to the future, Stuart believes that Parkes Architecture has many great opportunities for further growth and expansion. “Looking ahead, we remain very optimistic for the future for France and for Europe. The challenge we all face are climate change and the practice meets or exceeds French Building Regulations, in terms of the thermal values, carbon neutrality and green energy production on all projects. We use the latest BIM Software in the studio and work with a team of specialist engineers to obtain the best solution for each project.

“Currently we are working on a large renovation project in the east of the Dordogne, a mixed-use development containing apartments; business spaces housed within a former church, swimming pools, open landscape and eco homes. In addition, we are at Planning Application stage for our move to larger premises in 2018, which will allow us to grow as a company and support a wider range of clients.”

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Contact: Prof. Xaver Egger Contact Email: info.berlin@sehw.de Address: Wikingerufer 7, 10555 Berlin, Germany Phone: 0049 3030878510 Website: www.sehw.de

Best Educational Facility Design Firm – Germany & Best Bavarian Condominium Design: MörnbachLOFTS

SEHW is a dynamic German architecture firm with offices in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart and Vienna. We invited Prof. Xaver Egger to tell us more about the firm and the projects it undertakes.

nitiating project development is a top priority for SEHW. Prof. Xaver Egger, who is teaching this subject at the Bochum University of Applied Sciences, sees the primary role of his company as capturing the whole picture of the community into which a project is to be planted.

Whether it is a residential building, ministry office or a research institute, the most important question needs answering at the very start: who will ultimately use the space? More generally, a community-oriented approach: how will we live together in the future? Xaver discusses how the firm works to understand the answers to these questions and incorporate them into its work. “The architects here at SEHW ask themselves this question every day with a holistic view that consequentially results in a great variety of designs. Each place has its own history and its own future - perhaps it is undergoing change at this very moment and is asking for something new and looking for an architectural answer.” “An example of this is the remodelling of a former department store into an ‘urban farming’ project by SEHW. By using the spacious floors for greenhouses, a market hall as a meeting point on the ground floor and a restaurant at the very top of the building, the plan represented a sustainable and especially innovative future-oriented idea. An idea based not least upon a precise analysis of the demographic development and economic situation of the location.” Community themes are of huge importance to the architects at SEHW, such as the transfer of knowledge graduates from university and not every graduate finds a job. Confronted with this fact, SEHW dedicates a large proportion of its work to project development of knowledge-oriented institutions. Additionally, the research and analysis of demographics through to implementation of the findings are a core pillar of project development for SEHW. “How do we want to live? New modes of work demand new living concepts. Our new building reacts to these developments with modern shared-living

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apartments. The compact, five-story building stands as a courtyard building in a typical Berlin block. It is oriented, in building depth and cubature, on the adjoining neighboring buildings, but projects out from the existing buildings through its modern façade-design made of anthracite-colored plaster, floorlength windows, and metal balconies interconnecting pairs of residential units.” “Our contribution for the new construction of the Gustav-Heinemann-School in Essen-Schonnebeck was awarded the first prize in the competition. The design envisions dissolving the building into differentiated structural elements. A strict arrangement creates well defined external spaces within the school campus. In height distribution, the new school is kept in-plane with surrounding buildings. The offset of the individual building parts ensures a scale-based classification in the urban environment. Towards the West, the building protects neighboring residential buildings from the noise of the outdoor and recess areas.” “The MörnbachLOFTS in Altötting are located right in the middle of the upper bavarian Alpine foothills, nearby lake Chiemsee and between the cities of Munich, Sazburg and Passau. Just a couple of minutes walking distance from the historic city center we are planning the refurbishment and extension of a former medical building. After the conversion the building will contain 14 luxurious condominiums. Maisonettes at the upper two floors will provide a fantastic view over the city and its surrounding landscape. Two gardens at ground level, loggias at the upper floors as well as exclusive views into the planted patio will provide sufficient space to contemplate and relax.” The theme of colour was also central to the bilingual Phorms kindergarten project in central Berlin. The transformation of an old industrial building, which housed a primary school and secondary school, integrated the existing criteria such as high ceilings and large spaces and provided for a wide range of experiences in these spaces. Each space has its own theme and was designed with a corresponding use of colour. The entrance area is designed as an undersea world whilst a desert camel points the way to the lavatories.

41 Prof. Xaver Egger, Eva Poggenklaß, Martin Krüger-Holdack, Víctor Maquílon Yelo

Gustav-Heinemann-School in Essen, Visualization

Gerald Krüger, Tatiana Nunes Trindade

Primary School with After-School Programs and Sports in Potsdam, Visualization: Antony Simoes

Patricia Rathcke, André Maurice Stülp, Prof. Xaver Egger, Kathi Weber

MörnbachLOFTS in Altötting, Visualization

Prof. Xaver Egger, Photos: Lisa Kattner (SEHW Architektur)

The architects at SEHW accomplished a small work of art with respect for both structural circumstances and the demographic development of the area, which is defined by a rapidly increased birth rate in a bilingual environment. Looking to the future, Xaver is keen to highlight one of the firm’s upcoming projects and how this will provide SEHW with many exciting opportunities. “Moving forward, one of our upcoming projects which we are very excited about is the TALENTARIUM®, an institution that wants to bring stakeholders from the education sector together. It provides a world of experiences in which entry level professionals, trainees and students gain an impression of potential careers and can discover their talents. It will create a platform for entrepreneurs and visionaries, in close contact with companies, foundations and other stakeholders who commit themselves to a sustainable model of society. Our design provide an architectural image of this idea: a golden metallic treasure chest, which captures talents as the treasures of every individual and brings them to light. “

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Contact: Yuya Sato Contact Email: ys@kurosakisatoshi.com Address: Terminal 1F/B1F, 5-11-23, Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 107-0062, Japan Phone: 0081 36433 5095 Website: kurosakisatoshi.com/english/

Best Residential Architecture Firm - Japan

APOLLO Architects & Associates APOLLO Architects & Associates is an international architecture firm dedicated to creating innovative spaces which meet the needs of its varied clientele. Yuya Sato discusses the firm and its approach to design with us.

eadquartered in Tokyo and with additional offices in Okinawa and Seoul, APOLLO is able to support a range of clients worldwide with projects which range from private residencies to offices, renovations to new builds. Yuya talks us through the firm’s approach to architecture and how it works to create truly unique spaces.

“Design, Security and Function are the first imperative elements of architectures but simultaneously, we as architects need to design creative space which meets and exceeds our clients and societies expectations both aesthetically and logically. The space originated from the rapport of Human, Nature and other artefacts interconnects the society and the environment in the gradual evolving time. “The coexistence of this life form is the intrinsic role of architecture to determine the state of spatial leads, the channel of light and wind, and the selection of materiality. With a sensitive and drastic posture, APOLLO is committed to delivering innovative architectures which widen perspectives and deepen insights without being prevailed by the trend.” Alongside architecture, APOLLO provides a range of branding services, often supporting clients to develop their brand from nothing. Working on such a vast array of projects requires a communicative, supportive approach, as Yuya explains. “Whenever I start a new project, I try to ask all clients’ requirement, then clarify the building concept. Through this approach, I am able to meet their needs and ensure an outcome which they will enjoy.” Technology is taking a strong hold over the architecture industry, however Yuya believes that traditional approaches ensure client satisfaction and a strong overall outcome which meets everyone’s individual needs.

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“Personally, I think the 3D CG technology is force to raise up architecture presentation level. Despite this, I also think that making the physical model is more important to share the idea with stakeholders. Traditional techniques in architecture are at risk of dying out in Japan as many young people do not wish to work in this market, and therefore it is important that we continue to offer them to meet the needs of our clients and preserve the level of excellence which we have come to pride ourselves on for as long as possible.” Overall the future looks bright for APOLLO, as the firm seeks to expand even further and grow to meet the ever evolving needs of its clients, as Yuya concludes. “In the future, architecture will be systematic, and thanks to this development in the market I can produce better quality of the buildings and reduce the working time. Additionally, I am looking to grow the business internationally, moving more into the UK market, and as such I want to get the advice to promote my architecture studio and projects.”

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Contact: Rich Gallagher Contact Email: rich@rjgarchitecture.com Address: Rainford Hall, Crank Road, Crank, St. Helens, Merseyside, WA11 7RP Phone: 07832 341644 Website: http://www.rjgarchitecture.co.uk/

Best Residential Architecture Firm - Merseyside

RJG Architectural Design Services RJG Architectural Design Services is an innovative architecture firm based in Merseyside. We profile the firm to find out more and explore the secrets behind its success.

Cold roof construction to all areas of roof that are to remain uninhabited. Cold roof construction comprises of 300mm (2 layers of 150mm) of rockwool insulation laid between floor joists. Insulation to extend out to wall insulation to avoid any cold bridges.

Marley Eternit Hawkins Plain tile in Blue Smooth colour (to be confirmed by client) roof tiles replacing existing tiles and to the new proposed extension Provisional purlin locations for vaulted bedroom, depending upon location of existing purlin. To be agreed once existing roof design confirmed.

Add ply boards either side of 50x50mm studs (50mm insulation between) to stiffen the wall, taken up to underside of rafters, existing ceiling joists to dressing room side to be trimmed onto wall offering additional structural stability, line either side with 12.5mm plasterboard and skim finish.

RIDGE LINE

BEAM Z-Z 1 no: 152 x 89 UB

Timb C16 x 75 200 1 no: V1 LEY VAL

Timb

NEW RIDGE LINE

C16

Existing wall and lintol over opening 200x50mm timber across with existing ceiling joists sat on to dressing side only

x 75

VOID

100x75mm SW Wall plate strapped down with 30 x 6 x 1200mm mild steel straps at 900mm centres.

200

Dark grey UPVC fascias and RWP's and gutters to match windows

Provisional steel support if wall plate supported existing rafters at max span.

FRONT ELEVATION

1 no:

f.f.l ground line

RIDGE BEAM Y-Y 1 no: 152 x 89 UB

INCREASE EXISTING RAFTERS TO 150mm DEPTH BY ADDING TIMBER BELOW (assumed 75mm x 50mm added) SO THAT UNVENTILATED COLD ROOF SPECIFICATION CAN BE UTILISED

LEY

RIDGE BEAM Y-Y 1 no: 152 x 89 UB

2 number total 550x980mm centre pivot velux roof windows, to vaulted master bedroom er

Ridge tile

Room fully vaulted up to dressing room dividing wall, existing ceiling joists remain in front section, along with vented cold roof, 300mm rockwool minimum, add suitable air bricks to side gable and perimeter eaves vents to front

VAL

Stone to chimney breast and forward entrance area to be chosen by client

f.f.l

Re-board all existing first floor joists retained and add 100mm rockwool between joists, floor finish to line through.

Perimeter eaves vent to vent the cold roof void. Dark grey wood grain effect UPVC windows throughout

EXISTING ELEVATIONS SHOWN FOR REFERENCE

RL01

f.f.l

DRESSING

300mm thick cavity external wall's comprising 100mm fully filled cavity with 100mm drytherm insulation, 100mm block inner and medium dense block outer leaf (as per specification) and render finish (as per specification).

WF04

Juliette balcony with glass balustrades (1100mm high handrail above f.f.l)

WF09

MASTER BEDROOM

WF08

New joists doubled up here to support stud All internal walls within habitable rooms to be dry lined with 12.5mm plasterboard on dabs with 5mm skim to be suitable to recieve a paint finish.

f.f.l

Marley Eternit Hawkins Plain tile in Blue Smooth colour (to be confirmed by client) roof tiles replacing existing tiles and to the new proposed extension

Cavity tray and weep holes DPM to lap up to and over DPC

WG15

f.f.l

LEFT SIDE ELEVATION

ground line

Chimney breast with art stone feature coping and chimney pot above, as selected by the client to match stone colour throughout the property

re-inforced self supporting stone heads or fixing detail from beam NN, to be agreed once stone manufacturer is approached (to avoid bottom plate)

Existing lintol to reemain, steel installed to outer skin due to added loading.

19mm thick mdf skirting board

LIVING ROOM

BEAM N-N 1 no: 152 x 89 UB

BEAM L-L 1 no: 152 x 89 UB

PLAY ROOM

New 200x50mm C16 flat roof joists @ max 400mm centres with 2 layers of 100mm Celotex full fill WG14 (warm roof style) and 25mm below

25mm perimeter upstand insulation acting as expansion joint for concrete slab and screed.

SECTION A-A

Split fascia detail to match main entrance feature window

All new ground floor beams indicated to be positioned as high as possible to avoid downstands in ceilings. Beams to be encased in 2 layers of fireline plasterboard to give 1 hour fire protection to the floor above.

WG05

WG01

f.f.l

HALL

Assumed existing footings. Existing walls to be taken down to approximately 200mm below f.f.l ready to lay new floor over as per specification. DPM to be continuous between new and existing floors if applicable. Dark grey UPVC or GRP modern style 5 module garage door NEW FRONT ENTRANCE AND FEATURE WINDOW STARTS LEFT SIDE WALL TO HALLWAY AND NOT CENTRAL TO THE ORIGINAL FRONTAGE BUILDING WIDTH

FRONT ELEVATION

WG13

Additional 25mm celotex insulation laid underneath joists Dark grey wood grain effect UPVC windows throughout

25mm floor finish Cavity tray and weep holes DPM to lap up to and over DPC Cavity to be filled with concrete to remain clear to a minimum of 225mm below dpc.

Staircase designed by specialist to clients approval, design to be confirmed. Non slip design. New stairs to comply with part K (15 x 188mm approx risers, 4 x 250mm goings) 975mm between handrails to either side of stair, see main note

SECTION B-B

RJG

BEAM S-S 1 no: 152 x 89 UB

KITCHEN

25mm floor finish

5metres

JG primarily works within the residential market and has experience dealing with projects worth over ÂŁ1million, providing a full service, working with clients from conception through to completion. Projects undertaken include new home construction, extensions and alterations, remodelling of an existing property and small industrial / commercial ventures.

As a small business, RJG leverages its close-knit team and dedication to client service to ensure that everyone it works with receives a personal service tailored to meet their individual needs.

Assumed existing joists span horizontally, to be checked by contractor on site, if so, beams to have no downstands in large rear area, 100mm suspended ceiling to be included, add timbers in steel flange and hangers for front to back steels

RJG

Architectural Design Services

12.5mm fireline plasterboard and skim

25mm perimeter upstand insulation acting as expansion joint for concrete slab and screed.

ground line

1:50 scale bar

Joists to be doubled up below first floor walls when running parallel.

Anthracite coloured UPVC pre fabricated feature rooflight by specialist company, contractor to include for timber trimmers and building up timber side walls for the rooflight to sit on, 75mm insulation to side walls 150mm code 4 lead upstand flashing tucked belowstone coping

303mm thick cavity external wall's comprising 103mm facing brick, 100mm fully filled cavity with 100mm drytherm insulation and 100mm block inner leaf (as per specification)

T1 1 no: 75 x 175 C16 timber trimmer

Facing stonework to be taken down to 3-4 courses below ground level.

WG01

PROPOSED ELEVATIONS 1

Existing cavity wall Re-board all existing first floor joists retained and add 100mm rockwool between joists, floor finish to line through. Silver pearl or similar approved coloured render

BEAM R-R 1 no: 254 x 254 x 73 UC BEAM J-J 1 no: 152 x 89 UB

ground line

Anglican Beacon Sahara range Ibstock brick or similar approved brickwork to garage extension and single storey flat roof extensions

WG04

Perimeter eaves vent to vent the cold roof void.

RL01

BEAM H-H 1 no: 152 x 89 UB

Level threshold to front door, ground levels raised, macclesfield cill utilised

GYM DORMER TRUE ELEVATION WG03

19mm thick mdf skirting board

BEAM F-F 1 no: 152 x 89 UB

Anthracite Grey (to be agreed) Rockdoor front door with side vision panels

WG02

WF07

DRESSING EN SUITE

Existing block wall retained

f.f.l

170x50mm C16 joists to landing area above hall allowing them to downstand on the steels at 152mm depth.

WG16

f.f.l

Stonework for outer skin to feature front porch wall, utilise remedial ties or frame anchors rather than wall ties at same max centres when block and stone joints don't match flush.

Dark grey UPVC fascias and RWP's and gutters to match windows

VOID

Glass balustrades to bridge, minimal deck to be agreed once steel sizes added to plans, base of bridge to be lit as per electrical and lighting layout

All internal walls within habitable rooms to be dry lined with 12.5mm plasterboard on dabs with 5mm skim to be suitable to recieve a paint finish.

WF04

f.f.l

Check that existing cill and head heights similar to shown

New blockwork wall to line through with existing

Dotted line indictaes handrail in foreground

Dark grey UPVC fascias and RWP's and gutters to match windows (dark grey, provisionally anthracite)

WF03

WF02

Special lintol / steel tbc, steel not sized so lintol to be designed by specialist manufacturer

WF01

RL05

WF01

WF09

RIDGE BEAM Y-Y 1 no: 152 x 89 UB BEAM Z-Z 1 no: 152 x 89 UB

= TOUGHENED GLASS TO AREAS OF GLAZING THAT IS BELOW 800mm ABOVE F.F.L

Marley Eternit Hawkins Plain tile in Blue Smooth colour (to be confirmed by client) roof tiles replacing existing tiles and to the new proposed extension

Ridge tile

Cavity to be filled with concrete to remain clear to a minimum of 225mm below dpc.

Feature wood burner built into wall, fire surround chosen by client

1 number 780x1180mm centre pivot velux roof window

Dark grey wood grain effect UPVC windows throughout

Vaulted ceiling to area above feature window. Ceiling joists in this area up to edge of stairs to be raised in this area so that feature window is fully visible from within house. Insulation in this area taken up to apex to avoid the need to vent. Walls to landing area taken up as required and lined to the cold side with suitable insulation to avoid cold bridging, cold roof side to be fully ventred, include additional air bricks to gables as necessary to comply with BC requirements.

4 module bi-fold doors to playroom, provisionally central opening, to be agreed on with client

25mm floor finish

ground line Facing brickwork to be taken down to 3-4 courses below ground level.

LEFT SIDE ELEVATION

ALL VERTICAL DIMENSIONS IN EXISTING PART OF PROPERTY TO STRUCTURAL OPENINGS TO BE CHECKED, DIMENSIONS SHOWN ARE APPROXIMATE

Split fascia

12.5mm fireline plasterboard and skim

Assumed existing joists span horizontally, to be checked by contractor on site

f.f.l

ground line

Fixed window light

WG16

ROOF STRUCTURE PLAN TO LANDING AREA

303mm thick cavity external wall's comprising 103mm facing brick, 100mm fully filled cavity with 100mm drytherm insulation and 100mm block inner leaf (as per specification)

Additional 25mm celotex insulation laid underneath joists

f.f.l Silver pearl or similar approved coloured render

Anglican Beacon Sahara range Ibstock brick or similar approved brickwork to garage extension and single storey flat roof extensions

f.f.l

Architectural Design Services

PROPOSED SECTIONS 1

1:50 scale bar

5metres

What sets the firm apart is its re-modelling, extensions and alterations work, and in the local area they come highly recommended, which is a testimony to the level of service they offer every client and the excellence of their finished projects. Ultimately, as a relatively new company currently expanding, prices for all levels of service remain extremely competitive, and moving forward continued expansion and success for RJG will remain its ongoing focus.

2017 Architecture Awards Build

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Contact: David Bevan Contact Email: dbevan@hlfplanning.co.uk Address: 5 Poole Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5QL, UK Phone: 01202 205017 Web Address: www.hlfplanning.co.uk

Best Town Planning Consultancy - South England

HLF Planning is an established town planning consultancy that specialises in obtaining planning permission for home-owners, the leisure industry, commercial clients and property developers. David Bevan tells us more about the firm and the services it provides.

LF Planning is a professional and complete town planning consultancy supporting a wide range of clients with many innovative projects. David discusses the firm’s service offering in more detail as well as showcasing the latest project that has helped drive the firm to the success it enjoys today.

“At HLF Planning we offer the full spectrum of town planning and design services to both individual and commercial clients, our practice covers planning permission for all types of development including changes of use, planning appeals for both individuals and assisting other industry professionals, land promotion and design services working alongside respected architects. We are also one of few consultancies recognised by the Royal Institute as having the capacity and knowledge to provide legal advice. To ensure excellence for our clients, we approach each project as a bespoke entity, we first make sure that what our clients are hoping to achieve is both achievable and will ultimately deliver their end goals. It is a silly assumption not to make, but we explain that there is no point getting permission for something that you don’t want or that will not work for you in the long run. “Looking back over the last year, the project that we are most proud of in 2016/2017 was the grant of planning permission for eight new detached dwellings in a sensitive village location abutting a national park. The project was particularly rewarding as the site started as a grazing field outside the settlement boundary, but through hard work, determination and against a backdrop of fierce local opposition the site was eventually allocated for housing and planning permission subsequently granted. The project needed a design led approach and we undertook public consultations and presented to the local parish to encourage the local opposition to work with us to get a scheme everyone could be proud of.” Moving forward, HLF Planning is looking to build upon its current success and grow even further, as David concludes.

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“This year we are seeking to modernise our website, a project that is expected to be completed by the autumn, we are looking to add value to the architectural industry and will be looking for regional partners to form working relationships with.”

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Contact: Gernot Ritter Contact Email: office@hofrichter-ritter.at Address: Färbergasse 6, A-8010 Graz, Austria Phone: 0043 316 723538

Architectural Planning Company of the Year 2017 - Austria

HOFRICHTER-RITTER Architects ZT GmbH

Hofrichter-Ritter Architekten ZT GmbH is an innovative architectural planning firm based in Graz, Austria. We invited Gernot Ritter to tell us more.

ofrichter-Ritter work with clients to ensure that they create innovative projects which stand the test of time. Gernot outlines the firm’s innovative approach to its work.

of the approach. The surrounding space is a kind of foyer, which prepares the user to the building. Working with this aspect is important for us, in the drama of experiencing a building.”

“Architecture is an artistic fact an emotional phenomenon; it has nothing to do with pure design issues, through form, symbolism, expression and posture. Architecture is not only for the privileged, but the whole society. “In addition to the design architecture is the vision and commitment of the owners for the success of a building. There should be a synergy between architect and client. We see all kinds of structural intervention as object of architecture Also it is your intention and attitude should match ideally with the builders. Only the merging of the place, the design and the identification of the client to the building leads to a good solution. On the contrary, the current situation in Austria, the architect should have been instrumental in the quality of our surrounding habitat. Here we mean not only the “material” spatial elements, but also the “intangible” such as sound and light as well as structuring infrastructure, transport systems and spatial planning.” Ultimately, Gernot believes that his firm’s skill lies in creating a space which enhances the area which it inhabits. “Overall, we must be active architects and communicate the importance of the quality of the habitat for the company again and again in the formation of opinion. In addition to the urban environment every place has a story his, sort of memory. Its geographical location for millions of years. In order to deal respectfully is for us, crucial. “With regards to the surrounding space, the quality of a building also consists

2017 Architecture Awards Build

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Contact: Guy Whitehead Contact Email: info@gwarchitectural.co.uk Address: Clavering House, Clavering Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 3NG, UK Phone: 0191 2696963 Web Address: www.gwarchitectural.com

Best Family Living Architecture Practice - Newcastle

GW Architectural Ltd are a friendly and innovative architectural practice based in Newcastle upon Tyne who have been established since 2010. We invited Guy Whitehead to tell us more.

ver the past seven years GW Architectural Ltd have gone from strength to strength as a practice and seen their portfolio of work span across several sectors of the industry, whilst maintaining the core area of the business in the private residential market. The firm offers a comprehensive ‘concept to completion’ service from initial concept design all the way through to ensuring the project is successfully delivered on site by the main contractor. Guy outlines how the company approaches each different project, and how they work very hard in order to achieve the company’s main aims.

“Every project brings its own challenges and difficulties and we address these all on an individual basis. We have faced a variety of different ones over the years from looking at pre-fabricated construction methods to avoid inclement weather conditions to complex waterproofing systems to deal with contaminated ground conditions. We are always proud to detail the best possible solution for our clients ensure that the end product we deliver is design defect free” Making sure the client is always put first, the firm takes time to understand what exactly it is that the client needs, and the company strives to deliver a unique design, of which Guy is keen to point out. “Always looking to go further than the clients’ basic requirements, we strive to deliver more to our clients than simply proving a functional building or new room to their home. We believe that every project, no matter how large or small, should provide an innovative space that is truly unique to them. We do this by taking the time to listen to client needs and aspirations and to understand the end use of the scheme in order to deliver a truly bespoke design.” With a similar approach to every project, the process which works for the company is implemented, ensuring that the client will receive only the best work from the firm. Guy notes that with many assets to the firm, there is never a problem too big, as there is always someone from the company available to help with any issues.

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“We approach all of our projects in the same way, regardless of size or value and always strive to deliver the best possible service to our clients. We initially focus strongly on the concept design of our schemes to ensure that the brief is met, design options have been fully considered and client has inputted into the frozen design. We also have a strong technical arm who review the buildability & construction detail of the project to ensure that the main contractor can deliver the scheme with minimal input from the design team. We are of course always on hand to help when required!” An ever changing industry can be difficult to navigate at times, but Guy explains that the company is always looking to adapt to the changes required by the clients. With new solutions being implemented with every client, old or new, GW Architectural Ltd are able to stand out in the industry, working hard to satisfy all its clients. “The architecture industry in the North East can be at times, very functional, but with more and more of the general public obtaining an understanding of design quality, we are starting to see a lot of our clients shifting away from the norm and trying to do something far more contemporary. In an area with significant listed buildings, conservation areas & areas of outstanding natural beauty, the real challenge is providing design solutions which complement and enhance the architecture and landscapes we already have in place.” When discussing the future, Guy believes that the firm can build on its current successes. Expanding their client base within the area, and building new relationships, there are plenty of exciting new projects coming up which Guy hopes will see the company’s burgeoning reputation grow even more. “The future looks bright for the practice. As we continue to grow in the area, our skillset has not gone unrecognised. We have been forging relationships with new principal contractors and developers across the region and hopefully you will see some of our larger projects coming to fruition in the not too distant future. I hope we can continue to see design quality and innovation grow across the industry and more and more projects being constructed that we can look at decades in the future and still be proud of the ideas and schemes we have delivered.”

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Contact: Christopher K. Travis Contact Email: cktravis@sentientarchitecture.com or christopher.travis@truehome.net Address: 16070 South Elk Creek Road Pine, Colorado, USA Phone: Colorado - 303-838-0888 or Texas - 979 249 5961 Website: www.truehomedesignbuild.com

Best Full-Service Residential Architecture Firm - Colorado

Truehome Design.Build and its allied architecture firm, Sentient Architecture LLC, are a residential design and build firm that also has deep experience with adaptive reuse historic properties. We invited Christopher Travis to tell us more.

ruehome Design.Build and Sentient Architecture, LLC is an award-winning high-end company known not only for its designs, but for its unique approach to gathering design criteria for the new homes, major remodeling projects and restored historic properties it creates. The company’s founder, lead designer and Managing Partner, Christopher K. Travis, is an internationally recognized expert in the application of human factors disciplines and psychology to architectural problems related to living and work spaces. Christopher explains how he developed a program which enabled him to meet the specific requirements of his clients and how he bought in others from different areas of expertise in order to get the best results.

“I began to develop a systematic programming method in 1998 that combined ideas from psychology, neuroscience and architecture. I sought to fulfil the specific positive life outcomes desired by the clients in the spaces that were created. Partnering with a clinical psychologist and a family therapist, an exhaustive workshop was developed that enables our firm to tailor spaces in exact ways to the personality, psychological nature and past experience of clients.” Travis and his design build firm operated for almost forty years in Texas and still takes on projects there, but in 2015, Christopher relocated his practice to the mountain foothills of Denver, Colorado. Christopher discusses why he relocated the firm and how it has worked out for the company. Looking to the future Christopher believes that the rare process in which the firm operates will eventually become the normal way businesses approach residential design. “It was a risky thing relocating our firm to a new market, but we have been lucky. Our approach is radical and atypical but people here are more open to a human-centred approach. That makes sense because the most intimate, personal space of all is the home. In my mind, that is the future of residential design. I expect the kind of things we do now, which are exceedingly rare in

applied practice today, to become commonplace. After all, why would anyone want to create just a building, when they have the opportunity to create not only a pile of bricks and sticks, but a better life experience tailored to the nature and experience of those who will inhabit it?”

2017 Architecture Awards Build

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Contact Email: info@arcdesign.ie Company: Arc Design Address: Willowgrove, Delgany, County Wicklow, A63XY89 Ireland. Phone: +353 876875448 or +353 1 2010377 Email: info@arcdesign.ie Website: www.arcdesign.ie

Best Residential Architecture Firm – Ireland & Design/Build Project of the Year 2017: New House Delgany, Wicklow

Arc Design is an award winning, chartered architectural practice based in Wicklow. We invited Co-founder Mark Davies to talk us through the firm and the services it offers.

ounded by Brian Davies and his son Mark Davies in 2007, Arc Design draws on Brian’s vast architectural experience working in the UK and Ireland in various practices as well as Mark’s experience in both larger and smaller practices in Dublin. Brian always took interest in taking on private work commissions and when Mark began collaborating with Brian on projects they realized they enjoyed working together and the designs were benefitting from the collaboration. Mark discusses the start of the firm and how it works to ensure excellence for its clients.

“Myself and Brian started working for ourselves more and more as the projects and opportunities presented themselves and we finally decided at the end of 2006 to dedicate all our working time to Arc Design. Arc Design began in 2007 with just the us and now we have expanded our office to accommodate from just two to seven. “In the beginning, we made a conscious decision to target domestic work as it was more reliable and a steady stream. This is what the practice has grown out of and which generates the most referrals and repeat business. (About 80% of our work). The practice’s body of work is broad and international, with commissions including private houses, small and medium sized residential housing schemes, interiors, hotels, public houses, churches and commercial spaces.” Since inception Arc Design has built a reputation for producing bespoke, wellcrafted, contextual and contemporary projects within the built environment. Mark explains how this has helped the firm to grow and prosper. “At the heart of Arc Design working practice is a belief in the importance of engaging in the process by which spaces are made and how they are constructed to the highest quality. We approach each design exercise as a collaborative effort, one that demands an intimate understanding of both Client and Brief before the design process can begin.

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“Alongside this, we believe that successful projects start with careful listening; regular face-to-face dialogue with the client enriches the design process and ensures that clients are happy with the solutions we find. At Arc Design, we believe if you design and build something in such a way that people love it, they will take care of it and they building can last for many years.” Both Brian and Mark are closely involved in the design of all projects, with one of the partners attending client meetings and leading the project together with their staff. To ensure excellence for clients, ARC Design maintains a passionate multi discipline design team including; building surveyor, interior architect, structural engineer and quantity surveyor that maintains the tight coordination of a building project. Mark discusses the team in more detail and outlines how they ensure excellence for every client. “Everyone here at Arc Design sees our role as designers to be one that is about sharing our creative and technical expertise in design whilst exploring the alternatives, so that not only will our clients and buildings benefit from more energy efficient design and lower running costs, but so too the wider environment and future generations. “As such, our practice’s overall practice aim is providing our clients’ with innovative solutions through good functionality incorporating high standards of aesthetic design and detailing. It is important within the building design process to evaluate resources and assess the environmental impact to achieve building excellence and satisfied clients. “Fundamentally, we feel that our architectural firm service is different to others. It stems from our pride and passion in our projects and aims, combined with our extensive experience of working with a broad range of clients from public bodies, to communities to individuals. Over the years, we have come to recognize the areas where we stand out from the crowd.” To ensure the utmost efficiency and effectiveness, the firm uses various technologies, which enable it to offer the very highest standards of service

at a budget which suits its clients’ needs, which can be vital, particularly in residential projects. Mark discusses this further. “When working through the design we often use 3D as design tool-it helps us to bring the clients along much quicker on the process and usually makes it easier from them to appreciate what is bring proposed. This process can get the right decisions made early on and they usually don’t change, therefore streamlining it for all.” Looking to the future, Mark foresees exciting times ahead for Arc Design, as he is proud to conclude. “Moving forward, we plan to actively market ourselves to attract more medium scale private residential developments. We have been fortunate to secure some significant projects in recent years, many of which we hope will generate similar work. In addition to this, we would also like to branch our further into commercial and public sector tenders.”

2017 Architecture Awards Build

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

Best Listed Building & Conservation Architecture Firm - South England

Alice Poole Architects Alice Poole Architects offer a personal design service creating unique, imaginative and high quality environments for both domestic and commercial clients. We profile the firm to learn more.

stablished in 1984 with a rented office in Covent Garden, followed by offices in Chelsea, Thames Wharf and Hammersmith, Alice Poole Architects later moved to Bedford Park in 1995, which is a conservation area with 356 listed buildings. The firm is a small practice which enables founder Alice Poole to give a personal service to clients. The practice typically employs 4-6 staff with a secretary, architects and cad technicians and usually a Part II student.

Alice herself has worked on listed and period buildings for over 30 years, and agrees that Listed Buildings and properties in Conservation Areas are rightly subject to stringent planning rules and restrictions. Although Alice strongly believes that the buildings should be preserved for future generations, she also feels that listed houses are dwellings, not museums, and consequently they need to be able to be adapted to suit the needs of modern families, which can usually be achieved without compromising the original architecture of the house. When Alice Poole Architects was founded, England was coming out of the depressed period of the late seventies and people were spending money on their homes again. As the price differential was not so great as it is now, additional space was acquired by buying a larger house. Consequently, any extensions built were small and for ancillary facilities such as cloakrooms and utility rooms. House layouts were replanned but kitchens tended still to be separate from living areas although dining rooms were often incorporated into them. Ensuite bathrooms were a new requirement and most had a bidet in, and swags and tails abounded in Living Rooms. In the interim years, there have been several recessions which Alice has weathered and she believes this is due to working mostly in the domestic market and carrying out interior design as well as architecture. There also seems to be trends with projects and there are years when clients want loft conversions, years when kitchen extensions are favourite and then, in boom times, whole house refurbishments.

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As there is now such a price differential in property, clients are now staying put and looking at ways to increase the size of their homes. First it was kitchen extensions, then loft conversions and now it is basements if they are permitted by the planners. Although light is brought into properties wherever possible, via roof lights, lantern lights and walls of sliding folding glass doors, clients also wish to make their houses as environmentally friendly as possible. Houses are insulated throughout with walls being drylined, roofs and floors being insulated, windows are double or triple glazed and even secondary glazed. Eco-friendly renewable energy sources are used on projects although this can be difficult in London and on Listed Buildings. New materials are constantly being developed to improve the thermal efficiency of the properties and these are investigated and incorporated into Alice Poole Architects projects where possible. Technology is another area that the firm has now moved into. In 1984 very few architectural practices used CAD (computer aided drawings) as it was prohibitively expensive (Alice had a quote of £28,000.00 for the software in the late 1980’s) and therefore all projects were drawn on the drawing board. Today, Alice’s practice now uses CAD and the transfer of information between all parties involved in a building project is very quick. However, Alice says she still prefers seeing a whole drawing on a drawing board rather than a small piece of a drawing on a screen. Ultimately, over the years, much has changed at the practice, but Alice’s design ethos has always remained the same, combining architecture and interior design to achieve a fully integrated scheme. She believes in the principles of the Arts and Crafts movement, and also of the Bauhaus where architecture and interior design were also combined to give a unified scheme with great attention to detail. In line with this design ethos, fixtures, fittings, furniture and finishes are often designed by Alice and produced by craftsmen and, in most projects, there are stained glass and fitted furniture that are purpose designed. The Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts periods have always been personal favourites of Alice with the designs of Charles Rennie

Mackintosh being a strong influence. Alice does not believe in imposing a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; style on clients but works with clients to achieve their aspirations both spatially and stylistically. Emphasis is put on quality to ensure that projects stand the test of time. Looking ahead, Alice would like to be involved with more new build and larger projects. In the past, the practice had a mix of residential and commercial projects but all current projects are residential and a mix of project types would be welcomed. It seems that architects get more desirable with age and as Alice Poole Architects has a very good local reputation the practice is going from strength to strength with most clients preferring to use architects with experience and expertise. As such, the practice is recommended by all local estate agents and local competition does not present a problem. This is a favourable situation which the practice hopes will continue, thanks to its dedication to excellence and quality services.

2017 Architecture Awards Build

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Address: 160 Commonwealth Ave, Ste. L3, Boston, MA 02116 USA Phone: 001-617-266-1710 Website: www.patrickahearn.com

Best Full-Service Architecture Firm 2017 - New England

Patrick Ahearn, a master of New England vernacular architecture styles, is celebrated for preserving and enhancing top storied destinations, developing his schemes based on decades of careful study and extensive knowledge of historic and regional context.

elebrated as one of America’s top classical architects, Patrick Ahearn FAIA began his career with ambitious adaptive-reuse public projects, and for the past 25 years has focused primarily on historically motivated, site-sensitive private residences in New England. His firm, Patrick Ahearn Architect LLC, consists of 12 designers working in studios in Boston’s Back Bay and in Edgartown, on Martha’s Vineyard. Patrick and has designed more than 500 signature private residences, including the HGTV Dream Home 2015, and has been featured in numerous magazines and newspapers.

Patrick adapts and applies philosophy’s “greater good theory” to serve as a guiding principle for all his work. The idea of the greater good encapsulates his profound belief that architecture has the power to improve lives, to increase happiness, and to encourage friendly and familiar interactions. To achieve these goals, Ahearn designs buildings that are human-scaled and sensitively sited, paying as much attention to the spaces between structures as to the structures themselves. He has a vision for the creation of an active village at the intersection of modern function and timeless form. His work on The Boathouse, a restaurant in Edgartown, on Martha’s Vineyard is an example of a project driven by the overriding urban design goal to create a catalyst for the revitalization of Main Street, the harbour, and the Edgartown Village commercial district. The Boathouse achieved these goals and in doing so has become an anchor at the harbour’s edge for the village’s revival. The lively public restaurant “Atlantic” on the first floor, widening of the brick sidewalks, newly planted trees, street furniture, new public access to the water front and docks, and a significant amount of outdoor dining at the water’s edge has added life to the village experience. With the success of The Boathouse architecturally and from an urban design perspective, many other shops and restaurants have seen a renaissance and revitalization. Patrick and the firm create a storyline for every home they restore, renovates or builds. He then uses rich materials, artisanal craftsmanship and

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pitch-perfect period details to create buildings that look just right in their locations, as if they could have been built three centuries ago or last year. Whether restoring landmarked century-old townhouses in Boston’s Back Bay or creating new homes that reinterpret the local vernacular of Martha’s Vineyard, Ahearn demonstrates an unparalleled ability to combine the romantic aesthetic of traditional architecture with the philosophical ideals of modernism.

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Contact: Sarah Breeze Contact Email: sarah@breezearchitect.com Address: 4 Manor Drive, Cuckfield, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 5BT, UK Phone: 07920 520360

Best Independent Residential Architecture Firm - West Sussex & BUILD Excellence Award for First Floor Extensions 2017

Breeze Architect Breeze Architect is the architectural practice of Sarah Breeze, who has undertaken projects across the UK over recent years. We profile the firm to find out more.

reeze Architect is a West Sussex based architecture firm dedicated to creating innovative extensions and residential projects. The firm draws on the vast industry experience of Founder Sarah Breeze.

Having undertaken a number of projects over recent years including an internal house renovation in Lindfield, West Sussex and a double storey extension in Cuckfield, West Sussex, Breeze Architect are looking forward to more projects over the months and years ahead.

2017 Architecture Awards Build

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Contact: Joshua Harrison Contact Email: info@cohanimarchitecture.com Address: 3rd Floor, 207 Regent Street, London, W1B 3HH, United Kingdom Phone: 0203 6974 197 Website: www.cohanimarchitecture.com

Best Contemporary Architecture Design Practice - South East England & BUILD Excellence Award for Religious Architecture - South East England

Cohanim Architecture are a RIBA Chartered Practice based in Buckinghamshire and London and support a wide range of clients across the United Kingdom. We invited Joshua Harrison to tell us a bit more.

ohanim Architecture are a chartered practice with big aspirations who are devoted to executing their client’s projects to the highest standards. Having started trading as a limited company in 2015, the perseverance and commitment of their staff to each client and project has paid off and the company has experienced substantial growth in 2017. Joshua is the practice director, here he talks us through the practice’s ethos and how this influences its work.

“The potential within the field of architecture is remarkable, perhaps directly affecting more people every day than any other profession. Architecture influences people and those who interact with it on multiple levels. In your town or city, it will affect hundreds of thousands of people, every week. Architecture can inspire learning, encourage a positive work ethic and improve your productivity. Architecture can evoke wonder in people’s minds as they look up toward the skies, dreaming about their goals, or what sits behind shimmering glass walls. An uninspiring neighbourhood will do little to help retain talent, and will fail to set off the ‘spark’ that great architecture makes possible. Architecture also marks civilisation and greater progress; whether it’s the Eiffel Tower, the ‘Shard’, a Victorian terrace, or the Hoover Dam - these creations are markers of our own progress within the world. Therefore, we realise that we can influence both the sociological and psychological to cause pragmatic changes in society through architecture.” “Architectural design is incredibly important to us – and as a practice it is in our ethos to work on projects that are not solely profit-driven but ones which actively aim to engage the client and thereby create an interest in building something both beautiful and functional. Often these elements go hand in glove - good architecture creates value. We found that those clients who value the architectural process more, also benefit more. This dynamic is healthy for both parties. It spawns new ideas, creativity and increased efficiency. The dialogue emanating from the first chat with our clients informs our design. This then allowed us to expand the brief and generally create better results than anyone initially envisioned.”

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Currently, the firm is undertaking an ambitious 2-acre masterplan and design scheme in Chesham, which Cohanim Architecture are running as lead architects. The derelict former allotment land is bordered on one side by a London Underground railway and commercial estate, with common land on two other sides, and both marshland and residential housing on the fourth. The plot is naturally bordered by a series of great soaring willow trees, each over 25mt high. This context means that the plot is a fitting place to establish a local development, as Joshua emphasises. “A thoughtful plan for our latest project shows a new neighbourhood of around 50 high quality homes designed to sit within natural borders, providing much needed housing for the upper, middle and entry sections of the property market. “Constraints such as flood risk assessments, noise and vibration factors and natural trees blocking sunlight are all being navigated, whilst simultaneously factoring this, and more, against obvious economic concerns when building at this scale. Creating a high-quality neighbourhood which ensures that the residents feel proud of their property, helps to further integrate the neighbourhood into the town. It also creates a destination for locals too, through the development of new public spaces. “Most of the derelict land is classified as Green Belt here. Often, there is good reason for this. Here, however, the Green Belt classification does not serve or achieve any of its five primary purposes, nor has the site provided public amenity in many years, instead remaining as uninhabitable hazardous land. For these reasons among others, this exciting opportunity is a great example of how to recycle derelict land, improve local towns and neighbourhoods and help people get on the housing ladder.” Drawing on its vast experience in ecclesiastical architecture, moving forward Cohanim Architecture has another exciting project currently under construction, as Joshua concludes.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;An incredible ecclesiastical project which we are currently running is that of the new extension to the 13th and 18th Century Grade I listed St Lawrence church in West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. The church, renovated and extended by the ancestor of Sir Edward Dashwood, Premier Baronet of Great Britain, and his architect in 1763, is topped by a great gilded ball which seats ten inside. Popular mythology surrounds its history and makes for fantastic, if not eccentric, reading. Internally, the 1763 rebuilding shows a nave surrounded by a continuous row of engaged Corinthian capped columns that mimic porphyry stone, with exquisite rococo plasterwork, all beneath a fine Borgnis fresco. The church forms an imposing and dramatically beautiful crown to West Wycombe Hill. In 2016, we won planning permission for the scheme on the first attempt and a subsequent Faculty permission followed, along with permissions from 12 further organisations. The project is now on-site and progressing well.â&#x20AC;?

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Address: 160 Commonwealth Ave, Ste. L3, Boston, MA 02116 USA Phone: 001-617-266-1710 Website: www.patrickahearn.com

Best Full-Service Architecture Firm – Manchester & Excellence Award for Conservation Services - North West England

iarchitect is a bespoke design practice led by chartered architect, Jane Leach. We invited Jane Leach to tell us a bit more about the firm and the range of services it offers.

ince being founded in 2009 by Jane Leach, iarchitect has catered for a wide variety of client types, ranging from private homeowners, community groups and charities, to commercial clients, particularly in the leisure sector. These clients share a respect and care for the environment and want designs which function beautifully, are energy efficient and sensitive to their local context.

Always looking to improve and work on its skills, the firm has adapted willingly to challenging projects. Being proactive means that unexpected challenges are not necessarily a problem for the firm, as Jane notes when discussing the firm’s latest project. “As a company, we have had many challenging projects and are continually working to improve our skills, knowledge and services to adapt to and manage these. As we mainly work with existing buildings, refurbishing, converting and extending these, many unexpected challenges arise so we work in as proactive a way as we can to overcome potential risks.” “A recent and ongoing project, which we are particularly proud of is a contemporary house extension in the Lancashire Green Belt, north of Manchester. This project is an extension to a traditional stone built 17th century Lancashire long farmhouse, using a breathable and low energy timber frame structure. This project was delivered in collaboration with a specialist heritage surveyor. The aim was to protect and conserve the traditional property, while delivering a modern family home. Balancing needs for architectural conservation and energy efficiency is always challenging but we find can also be a source of inspiration.” Procedures are important when approaching a new project and the firm works together with the client to assess their needs, as it often works with clients working on their first construction project. A detailed process is put in place in order to understand the underlying needs of the client, which Jane explains below.

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“When working on a project we always start with analysing our clients’ needs. We often work with clients who are embarking on their first construction project and meeting an architect for the first time, so it is very rare that we are presented with a defined architectural brief. We delve as deeply as possible into the why of the project. By understanding the underlying needs of our clients, we believe that we are better able to deliver projects which meet those needs and often find that this process uncovers requirements that our clients were also not conscious of. Also, key to our work is a strong understanding of the existing building, site and context. Where possible we aim to carry out early investigations so that results can be taken into account in the design work from the start.” Leading into the new technological generation, Jane believes that technology is not the ultimate tool for good design. The firm keeps up to date with new and developing technologies, and technology will only be used if it benefits the client and the firm. Jane states that the company prefers a more personal touch of interacting with the client face to face and showing them hand drawn designs wherever possible. “Technology is not the be all and end all to good design, and we are certainly not interested in technology for technologies sake. We keep up-to-date with new and developing technologies and seek ways to incorporate these tools within our work, when we know that they will be beneficial. Non-invasive investigative techniques such as thermal imaging, which can be used to identify defects and assess energy performance in existing buildings, drone cameras that allow us to build virtual models of less accessible structures so that they can be considered more holistically, can be useful. Ways to show clients how designs will look in 3D can help those clients who struggle to understand a 2D set of drawings, and different communications apps can help when working more remotely. However, we still like to work with pencil and paper and speak face to face with our clients to create our designs initially wherever possible.”

Moving forward, the firm are always looking for the next project, and have committed to helping local communities wherever possible. There is successful groundwork from which the company can look to build upon, but Jane is excited by the prospect of the firm’s potential involvement with local community groups. “Looking ahead, we are always in discussions with local community groups and provide pro-bono advice, through Landaid, for good causes which we believe in. These kinds of projects are slow to get off the ground as they tend to be complex organisational structures and need to raise funding. We are looking forward to seeing where our involvement with some of these potential projects will take us in the coming years.”

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Contact: Nathalie Tremblay Contact Address: nathalie@ateliercachet.com Address: 45 Avocet Dr. Vaughan, Ontario, L4H 2H3, Canada Phone: 416 805 1573 Website: www.ateliercachet.com

Best Luxury Interior Design Firm - Southern Ontario

Atelier Cachet is an award-winning, multi-disciplinary design firm that builds modern, luxe estate and designs couture interiors. We invited Nathalie Tremblay, co-founder, to tell us a bit more about the firm and the secrets behind its success.

ounded by husband and wife team Nathalie Tremblay and Dave Nicholas, Atelier Cachet’s edgy, sleek aesthetic and it’s use of simple forms with a balanced mix of materials during the design process have earned its reputation as a leader in the custom contemporary design/build category. Nathalie describes what type of clients the firm usually deals with, and what services the company can provide them with.

or having a disconnection between the design and construction. Understanding how to execute the build of a design at the designing stage was critical as it ensures the integrity of the vision was fulfilled from conception through to construction. We are thrilled with the outcome and extremely proud of the final product, it’s absolutely stunning. All the endless hours, drawings and sacrifices that we had to make to finally see the vision come to life paid off, it’s incredible!!!”

“The clients that approach us are individuals that have a good sense of what they want; they want to work with us because they love Atelier Cachet brand and want to bring their project to the next level by pushing the boundaries and exceeding everyone’s expectations. Our clients understand the value of hiring a designer to complete a successful project.

Highlighting the important services the company provides, Nathalie reveals the distinctive brand is what sets it apart from its competitors within the industry. Attending shows is a useful way in which the firm keeps up to date with emerging developments and trends, ensuring the company never gets left behind.

“Clients come to us because we provide a full interior design and build service for new builds, renovation projects and custom interiors. We offer solutions from start to finish and have a team of reputable and experienced trade’s people.”

“Atelier Cachet has a powerful and distinctive brand that sets us apart from the others. We believe that design and build goes hand in hand to create a successful project. To ensure we are keeping up to speed with any emerging trends we regularly attend design, fashion, car and trade shows to be aware of new ideas to set our own trends. We have a constant desire to grow and learn. We always explore and develop new ideas. We are adventurous, creative and open minded. Change is something we always look to embrace.”

Atelier Cachet has undertaken many projects but its latest project is something that really stands out. Each project has its own unique challenges and Nathalie describes how the firm overcame these challenges, ensuring the final product was something that it could really be proud of and it was. “Our latest design project involved a custom built modern home that offers it all. It has over 14,000 square feet of living space and 1,500 square feet of terraces including infinity edge pool and spa. Multi levels of luxury with stunning views from all floors facing Ramsey Lake; this incredible home offers a dramatic open floor plan concept with generous use of high quality finishes throughout. “The key challenges we had were the overall complexity of the project and to seamlessly integrated all the intricate design elements without compromising

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When working on a new venture, the company approaches each project with an open mind, setting out with a fresh vision and commitment to delivering an exemplary service for its clients. Customer service and meeting the clients’ requests is something that the firm holds in high regard and is integral to the service it provides. “The firm believes that every project has its own unique set of challenges and solutions, worthy of a creative cutting edge contemporary design. We approach each project with a fresh vision, focused passion and commitment to outstanding service.”

The company embraces technology within its work, ensuring that each project is completed to the highest possible standard. Nathalie discusses how the firm has incorporated technology into its projects and designs, observing that both the designer and the client are able to determine the projects vision much earlier. “Atelier Cachet used computer generated designs. With the aid of auto cad, 3D rendering and virtual reality, Atelier Cachet projects, designs and concepts can come to life before breaking ground or buying any material. With the ability to finalize all the details, both the Designer and client can truly determine its vision much earlier.”

Outlining what the future looks like for the firm and how it plans to embrace any new projects which come its way, Nathalie discloses that the firm has an optimistic outlook, explaining how the company are always looking for new designs to implement in their projects. “In terms of our future prospect, we are quite optimistic about what lies ahead. We are passionate about interior design and modern architecture and how it can greatly change and impact your lifestyle. We have to keep striving for innovative and creative design concepts by offering the ultimate luxury homes and lifestyles.”

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Contact: Alexandra Green Contact Email: Alexandra.Green@mcm-uk.com Address: 71 Hopton Street, London, SE1 9LR, UK Phone: 0207 902 0900 Website: www.mcm-uk.com

Best Workplace Interior Design Company 2017

For over 28 years MCM have been one of the leading workplace designers and architects in the UK and Europe. We profiled the firm to find out a bit more about them and what makes them successful.

or over 28 years MCM have been one of the leading workplace designers and architects in the UK and Europe. The team includes talented creative designers, architects and technicians as well as strategists and consultants. Clients of the firm are both the occupiers of workspace as well as the developers and funds of commercial buildings. For both the company creates value. For Occupiers, the firm’s inspiring design skills combined with its intellectual rigor create unique solutions to complex challenges often around transforming an organisation and helping them attract the very best talent. For landlords, MCM create value in a different sort of way by reimaging buildings to be attractive to potential occupiers. Ultimately, all of the company’s work is focused on inspiring the people that experience, work or visit buildings or interiors that the firm have created.

Regarding its latest project, the firm faced some challenges it had to overcome but also contained key aspects which the company is proud of. The aim for the refurbishment of a client’s office in London was to embrace a new agile working strategy across the entire business for the first time, creating a world class client experience and exceptional facilities. The 100,000-square foot space is home to over 900 staff located over 6 floors and has been transformed to include a myriad of different spaces that staff can choose to work from, including formal and informal meeting rooms, numerous breakout spaces and a staff area that doubles as an event space for clients. The project enabled a new agile and collaborative working environment to be created with different team neighbourhoods introduced, all operating with clean desk policies. This constituted a major change from the previous work environment and has transformed the way the client’s company worked. An added complexity was that all the work was carried out while the client remained in occupation. The team implemented a phased program of construction and decanting people over 15 months.

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It is worth noting, the team worked seamlessly to ensure the new building promoted the client’s brand, provided a new range of client experiences and improved communication and integration across the business, removing physical barriers and encouraging collaboration and communication on all levels. Outlining the firms overall mission, the company has a stark vision - “Realising the power of design to inspire & transform; releasing the potential of people wherever they are.” The firm believes that the design process should be continuous from inception through to completion. The company provide an integrated service incorporating workplace and organisational change, through due diligence and brief definition, to design and delivery of the finished workplace. MCM has built up a strong reputation within the industry for its design and strategic skills. At MCM, staff put their clients first and are proud of the fact that up to 50% of its fee income can be attributed to repeat business in recent years, demonstrating that the company is going in the right direction. The business holds a wealth of experience in working internationally. Its extensive knowledge of contemporary workplace ideas and environments, coupled with its work across a wide variety of different sectors allows it to cross fertilise ideas, enabling it to consult both wide and deep with its clients to truly deliver unique and beautiful environments that deliver on many levels. When approaching a new project, the firm focuses on key areas in order to ensure success, believing in knowledge based design. Fundamentally, the company focuses on design that has meaning and not just design for design sake. The company likes to deliver a high standard of customer service, with data, knowledge and a deep understanding of its client the starting point of the project. The firm believes passionately that a knowledge-led

approach combined with simple creative solutions will deliver an inspirational environment which will contribute to client’s business success. The main ingredient that distinguishes each MCM project from all others is the client. The firm actively encourages client’s participation throughout the design process to ensure that the end result really reflects their character, and satisfies their particular requirements. Having said that, staff do challenge and encourage their clients to think deeply before finalising their project goal. Time spent up front is time well spent and the firm tries to ensure that the design programme offers sufficient time to test alternative scenarios and explore diverse solutions. The company’s goal is to create design solutions that will not only stand the test of time, but can be easily and effectively reconfigured to accommodate change over time.

Within the design trade, it is very competitive and the company has to stand out from others within the industry. The staff are the firm’s differentiator between MCM and its competitors, making the company the best possible option for prospective clients. All the firm’s employees are talented, all are different and all are empowered. Clients appoint the firm because they want to work with MCM’s people. The company and its staff are passionate about what they do and they ensure both its clients and the rest of the professional team enjoy the experience of working with MCM.

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Contact: Ayman Jaber Contact Email: Ayman.Jaber@lacasa.ae Address: 1901, Control Tower, Motor City, Dubai, P.O. Box 123 969, UAE Phone: 001 971 4 447 54 44 Website: www.lacasa.ae

Multidisciplinary Architecture Firm of the Year

LACASA is an award-winning multidisciplinary Architectural firm based in Dubai with offices across the region. We invited Ayman Jaber to tell us more about the firm and the secrets behind its success.

stablished in 2006, what sets LACASA apart is its focus on quality as well as cultivating talent. The firm provides a one-stop-solution to ensure optimal coordination and to maintain the same level of quality across all aspects of design. In past 6 months, the firm has added Interior Design and Infrastructure services to its growing portfolio of offerings.

The way the firm approaches new projects is important to the company, enabling a more comfortable working relationship with the client. The firm encourages client contribution to all its projects, whilst also managing the project for the client from inception to conclusion, ensuring the delivery of a high standard product. Ayman outlines how this process falls in line with the firm’s overall mission and what steps it will take to achieve its goals. “LACASA’s main goal is to provide holistic design solutions with an emphasis on quality. We do so by recruiting and cultivating the most talented designers, engineers, and architects in the region and ensuring that they continue to grow professionally and personally. “When undertaking a new project, we at LACASA aim to act as advisors to the client rather than just designers. We work with the client team to ensure that the project is feasible, efficient, and profitable. Managed by a certified Project Manager, every project begins with the basic space planning, area schedules, and moves on the concept stage. Our work does nott end there, as our on-site team manages the construction process to ensure on-time completion, budget adherence, and that quality of the building matches that of the design.” Recent success has shown that the firm has a positive future ahead, as Ayman informs us that the company is ready to steadily grow the number and size of the projects that it will undertake, also leading to more numbers of staff. “We at LACASA are very optimistic for the future as we are one of the biggest firms in this industry, have a long record of achievements, and a good

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reputation with the major developers. This gives us steady growth in the number and size of the projects which also leads to growth in the number of staff.”

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Contact: Sabine Kober Contact Email: kober@kerndesign.studio Address: Walter-Kolb-Str. 9 – 11, 60594, Frankfurt am Main, Germany Phone: 0049 69789 54 33 Website: http://www.kern-de-sign.de/

Best Contemporary Interior Design Studio – Germany & BUILD Excellence Award for Kitchen & Bathroom Design 2017

KERN-DESIGN is a Frankfurt based interior design studio dedicated to creating fresh, innovative solutions for its clients. We explore the secrets behind its phenomenal success so far.

stablished in 1986, KERN-DESIGN offers premium purism combined with passion to create unique designs which meet the needs of its varied clientele. Only the very highest quality materials are used to ensure excellence.

Around the world there are people with a high standard of design when it comes to their living environment. As such, Kern-Design work to offer a truly global approach. In western and eastern Europe, in the vibrant metropolis of London, Zurich, Madrid, Vienna, on Portugal’s southern coast Algarve as well as in Sputh Africa. Both private clients as well as companies such as LVMH, Dior, Bilfinger, Steigenberger Hotel Group AG, Thai Airways, Kenzo, Givenchy, Vila Vital Hotel Group, Pearls of Kuwait Real Estate Company, Capella Hotel Group etc. put trust in the KERNDESIGN.STUDIO´s experience and creativity and are not disappointed. To ensure excellence and client satisfaction, this holistic design process starts where good design should always start: with people. The firm analyze the clients’ needs, habits and everyday routine and draw conclusions how architecture and object have to interplay perfectly for you. Together with them and through extensive discourse they will reach the outcome that gives them a sense of 100% well-being. Looking ahead, this holistic, client focused approach will remain KERNDESIGN’s ongoing focus as it seeks to build upon its success and support even more clients in creating their ideal space.

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Contact: David Linford Contact Email: linford@concept-consult.ch Address: Galerie St, Francois A, 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland Phone: 0041 21 351 3050 Website: concept-consult.ch

Best Industrial Architecture Firm - Switzerland

Concept Consult Architects is an innovative Swiss architecture and design practice which undertakes a wide range of industrial projects around the world. We profile the firm to learn more and explore the secrets behind its success.

stablished in 1997 by Australian Architect David Linford, Concept Consult (CCA) is a dedicated team of twelve experts whose combined experience spans the full design and build space, enabling them to offer clients a service that is honed to their exact requirements. Drawing on its international experience working with household names including Nestle, over the past 20 years the firm has undertaken a vast array of projects around the world.

The majority of these are industrial projects including research and medical centres, restaurants, boutiques and warehouses, although the company has also worked with clients to create innovative public and residential projects. To ensure that the project is always a success for everyone involved, CCA operates on a number of principals, the foremost of which is understanding the needs of the client. As part of this process, CCA works to propose solutions which respect the budgets and the clients brief and work closely with them to ensure that the project always comes in on the agreed cost and on time. As such, CCA works to structure these costs by using the Swiss Building Construction Cost tool and local codes and standards, so that clients are not surprised by the final bill. Creating unique sustainable buildings and spaces which respect their context and landscape where they cohabit is also vital to CCA. Conceptual coherence, making the right choices and the respect for the nature of materials are key to the success of any project. Overall, CCA is committed to creating the most innovative, creative and unique projects possible. The team believes that every project, big or small, deserves the same degree of care and attention. It is this client focused approach and commitment to excellence in the creation of coherent Architectural solutions that has helped CCA to achieve the success it enjoys today, and moving forward continuing to grow and applying this simple design philosophy will remain CCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ongoing focus.

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Contact: Prasad Prabhakar Sawant. Designation: CEO & Managing Partner Contact Email: contact@buoyancyconsultants.com Head Office: Magnum Chamber 4th Floor, St. Inez Panaji Goa, 403 001, India Contact No: +91 77678 998 80 Web Address: www.buoyancyconsultants.com

Best Specialist Marine Design Consultancy - India

Buoyancy Consultants design group includes a core team of Marine professionals having years of production and design engineering experience on various 3D design engineering platforms in Asia and Europe. We invited Prasad Prabhakar Sawant, CEO & Managing Partner, to tell us a bit more about its accomplishments.

ince 2013 Buoyancy Consultants and Engineering LLP has been going full steam ahead in the Marine Industry. From being just a pair of co-founders, Ramniwas Mourya and Pratibha Sawant, offering design services, the company has diversified its range to cover a wide spectrum of services for every client need. Prasad outlines the firm’s overall mission and how he sees the company being able to reach its goals.

project or cost wise. Either way, it is necessary to create win-win situations for both us and the client. If our analysis suggests our clients project could be unsuccessful, beyond our risk tolerance or possibly unethical, we respectfully decline.

“Buoyancy Consultants want to be a globally reputed brand across shipbuilding economies. Our unwavering pursuit in design excellence with sharp focus on innovation will continue to lead improved business efficiencies for our clients” Describing the firm’s latest project, Prasad discusses the key challenges that they had to overcome and which aspects he is particularly proud of. “In the Marine industry, you are always running against time. In one of our FPSO projects last year, we completed the detail design of its Living Quarter in 15 days flat, covering helideck level. This meant squeezing hundreds of hours within a short span by our team. As it was a conversion project, the reference deck level had varying spacing of existing structure, and this added to the overall challenge as normally the spacing is equidistant. Overall, we satisfied our client with the speed and quality of the project.” Ultimately, it is important within such a competitive industry to differentiate the company from its competitors, something Prasad acknowledges. He states that the company has been strategic with its business and the projects it undertakes, approaching each project aiming to create a win-win situation. Looking forward, Prasad is confident about the firm’s future due to the quality of service that Buoyancy Consultants provides to its clients. “Fortunately, we have been strategic with our business and the projects we take on. Too many companies have taken on work that are not viable as a

Left: Mr Prasad Prabhakar Sawant , CEO & Managing Partner Centre: Mrs Pratibha Sawant , CFO & Co-Founder Right: Mr Ramniwas Mourya , CTO & Co-Founder

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Contact: Iolanda Costide, principal of NTA16 Architects Ltd. Contact Email: contact@nta16architects.co.uk; Telephone: +44 20 7609 9888 Address: 32 Conistone Way, London N7 9DD UK Website: www.nta16architects.co.uk

Best Full-Service Architectural Design Practice - North London

NTA16 architects are a RIBA chartered practice, providing full architectural services and property development consultancy to domestic, commercial and public clients. We invited Iolanda Costide, Principal of NTA16, to tell us a bit more about the successful firm.

TA16 is celebrating 40 years in business in 2017, having opened in 1977, under the name of Atelier 16. It works in the residential, commercial, special needs, leisure and voluntary sectors. Since 2014 the company has mainly been involved with residential projects for owner occupiers and private developers; and advising its Chinese partner – DSL - in consultancy and design procurement in the UK. The firm has an affiliated office in Romania, and partners in India and China. Iolanda gives us an insight into how the firm aims to reach its goals and achieve its overall mission.

“At NTA16, we believe that architecture is central to a shared public experience, and is a binding medium for society; architecture is both an expression of human activity and its enabler. Each project has its particular and unique cultural, creative and pragmatic points of reference which are the source for our design concepts. In so doing, we fulfil our clients’ expectations too, since: ‘Good Design is Good Business’.” At the start of a project, it is imperative for the practice to have a complete understanding of the clients’ requirements so as to fully meet them. Iolanda outlines the process the firm undertakes when approaching a new project, emphasising that this leaves the client satisfied upon completion. “Putting the client first, our aim is to contribute to the process of project development with a keen awareness of our clients’ requirements and needs. The main objective is to help them draw up the right brief in order to reach their goals. We can see, through training and inclination, the bigger picture, and this helps us guide the client in the right direction. Our collaborative approach in the first stages of design has been greatly appreciated by our clients.” Being a small practice can be advantageous in some respects, as Iolanda tells us, highlighting the fact that clients will feel a personal touch from the company, as they will always be interacting with the principal. Staff also

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possess a wealth of experience at NTA16, having a genuine understanding of technical knowledge as well as design, leading to the firm becoming a fullservice architecture practice. “We are a small practice, and are an advocate for its advantages: this guarantees that our clients will always talk to the principal - the individual with the most design and building experience in the practice. We have forty years of experience, and we were told we offer the guarantee of the ‘grey factor’. Our thinking is ‘inter-connected’, combining a talent for design with technical knowledge and managerial abilities – this is why we prefer to be commissioned for full architectural services. We also understand the importance of the economic implications of a cost-effective solution, delivered on time, having undertaken property development ourselves. An architect will save a client more money than the cost of their fees – much like an accountant does.” The architecture industry is constantly changing and moving forward. The accelerated growth of the urban population is a particular challenge for our times and architectural practices, with the need to provide the population with decent housing. Iolanda explains how the firm will deal with these developments, something she is confident the practice is well prepared for. “The biggest challenge today and in the future – for the architecture industry and, generally, the construction sector, as well as the housing departments of every city local authority – is the accelerated growth of the urban population and the need to provide it with high quality, well designed, high density housing.” Looking ahead, the future is positive for the firm, with a strong and stable foundation with which it can build on its current success. Testimony to this are the ongoing projects that the firm is undertaking, all of which, when completed, will have proven the firm’s true skill and ability to deal with the challenges it has had to overcome, which Iolanda outlines below.

End of terrace, new build single family house in MuswellHill Conservation Area

Grade two listed property conversion and new build Mews development in Woolwich “Currently we have three projects in the practice, running concurrently but at different stages of development. Two of these are on site, one in Muswell Hill – the works almost finished - the other in Southwark. The third project on the ‘drawing board’ is in Greenwich - a single family house in the grounds of a Grade II listed Georgian mansion.

New build house in Woolwich

NTA16 Architects were the 4th practice commissioned on the project in Muswell Hill. Already on site, there were no drawings for the contractor to build from. It was a huge challenge, both from a detailed design point of view as well as the timely delivery of the information to site in a very short time span. In addition, the house, soon to be completed, is located in a Conservation Area. Nothing could be left to the contractor’s guesswork, however skilled.”

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Contact: Sigurdur@arkitektastofan.is Contact Email: Sigurdur Gustafsson Address: Thorunnartun 2, Þorunnartun, Reykjavík, Iceland Phone: 00354 562 6833 Website: www.arkitektastofan.is

Best Full-Service Architecture Firm – Iceland & School Extension Design of the Year 2017: Kletta School

Arkitektastofan OG ehf is an architecture firm based in Iceland. We profiled the company to find out more about what they do and their successful team.

rkitektastofan OG, owned by Gardar Guðnason and Sigurdur Gustafsson, is a comprehensive architectural firm, based in Reykjavik. Founded in 1967, the firm is one of the oldest of its kind in Iceland, but still utilises a young and progressive in terms of staff, management and professional approach.

One of the practice’s latest project is Klettaskoli, an elementary school for disabled children in Reykjavik. The project is a new building, including an auditorium, sports and swimming facilities and offices, along with a total modernization of an existing building, greatly improving the support to the students. The main goals of the firm, are to contribute to better architecture and better environment, and to provide the customers with the best professional consulting available. To achieve this, Arkitektastofan OG draws on its solid experience from a wide range of projects, from city planning and all kinds of buildings to interior and furniture design. The buildings include all kinds of residential housing, schools, sport facilities, hospitals, churches, commercial and industrial

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buildings, and power plants. In addition to design of new structures, the company also takes care of renewals and extensions of older buildings. In the field of interior and furniture design, staff members have worked internationally and received various awards, notably the Bruno Mathsson prize and the Söderberg prize, the most prominent design prize in the Nordic countries, awarded to Sigurður Gústafsson in 2003. Overall, the firm’s mission and view on architecture and design, is perhaps best described as pluralistic. For each project the site and the functions are different, and it is Arkitektastofan OG’s belief that no single trend in forms or aesthetics is suitable for all of them. As such, the firm’s design process aims to capture the essence of the place and functions, giving a different result each time. Ultimately, thanks to its wide range of experience, from large scale projects such as power plants to furniture and small design objects, Arkitektastofan OG are able to offer more comprehensive services than most other companies, and moving forward the firm will continue to build upon this expertise to grow even further and support a wider range of clients.

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Contact: Laurie C Fisher Contact Email: laurie@lcfarch.com Phone: 001 619 252 2312 Website: lcfarch.com

Best Full-Service Custom Home Architecture Practice - Southern California & Most Innovative Californian Residence Design: Wayne Residence, Del Mar, California

LC Fisher Architecture, Inc. is a full-service architecture and interior design firm specializing in custom homes and remodels, assisted living communities, and select commercial projects in Southern California. We invited Laurie to tell us a bit more about the successful firm.

rincipal of LC Fisher Architecture, Inc., Laurie C. Fisher believes Southern California is a place well suited to practice architecture. Laurie provides us with a brief overview of the industry.

“Southern California is a great place to practice architecture. After some rough years during the crash of 2008, the building industry has rebounded with force. We are also in the midst of a critical housing shortage, and much focus is being placed on creating new homes. All the activity has spurred a robust interest on the part of home owners to upgrade, add to, or build their homes.”

industry. Bringing universal design, and bright, clean and joyful environments to folks who have trouble getting around or who may be in end of life moments has become very important to me. Once again, our unique combination of diverse experience enables us to bring talent to the table that may be hard to find elsewhere.”

Laurie believes the experience she gained as an employee before she started her own firm has been integral to the company’s success. She also discusses the services the firm provides and some of the projects which the firm has currently undertaken. “The experience that was gained while I was an employee prior to starting out on my own has had an enormous impact on our successful completion of projects. Regulations have become more stringent, requiring greater professional expertise to navigate properly.” “While our focus is mainly residential, we are also a popular choice for restaurants, bars and cafes. We also have some medical and assisted living facility projects currently underway.” Ultimately, it is the experience at LC Fisher Architecture, Inc. which marks the firm out as the most attractive proposition for clients. Staff at the firm can use this diverse experience to focus future growth in the assisted living industry, something Laurie is keen to point out, thanks to a previous experience managing projects for a health care provider. “As our population ages, the housing supply shortage becomes even more critical. Building on our unique residential design, and my background in medical services design, we plan to focus future growth on the assisted living

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Phone number: 02079936573 Website: www.paulvick.co.uk

Architecture Firm of the Year 2017 - West London

Paul Vick architects consistently deliver added value with a creative and global view of their clients’ needs. We profile the firm to learn more and explore the secrets behind its success.

aul Vick Architects’ approach to projects delivers value above the norm. As Chartered RIBA architects, the practice offers the full range of services from initial feasibility testing of what may work for their clients spatially, through planning permission, Building Control, tender and a presence on site.

Unusual perhaps for visionary architects, they achieve this with their particularly engaging approach to understanding their clients’ business values in cultural and commercial settings, as well as a tailored approach to private work. To date, their approach has delivered a 100% planning permission rate, ensuring clients secure the potential value of each project. This approach is client focused from the start to ensure an outcome which meets the customer’s individual needs. Initially, Paul Vick Architects discuss the client’s business aims and the types of value they are trying to achieve. This is often accompanied by directed research. Paul Vick architects take their wider architectural, urban and artistic viewpoint and tailor a vision to achieve more with less space and resource for their clients. It is this deeper, wider vision that allows them to deliver 100% planning permission record with listed and unlisted buildings, new build and those in conservation areas. Currently, the practice is working on a multi- million pound scheme to regenerate the 200-year-old Royal Ordnance Depot in Weedon Bec, near Daventry, Northampton – preserving the heritage of the Grade II Listed 20acre (8 hectares) site whilst creating new homes and several hundred new jobs. Included in the new site plans are a boutique 35-room hotel, 12 apartments, 16 low energy family homes, retail units and visitor centre, an 84-bed care home and 17 independent living “close care” homes where the elderly or disabled can live while having care close at hand.

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Central to the thinking has been conserving and restoring the very best features of the site – the canal, the 14.5 feet high containing walls and four bastions as well as the remaining Napoleonic era buildings – while creating a legacy for the future. The site already provides 77,000 sq ft (7,150 sq m) of creative business space housed in eight former warehouses on either side of the disused canal spur, and this is currently being upgraded.Paul Vick Architects have already gained a number of permissions for the site in these buildings. There is huge potential for the Royal Ordnance Depot to be reinvented as a hub for the creative and IT sectors. Strategically located close to the M1 and national rail network, it offers interesting workspace in a character setting and it is served by superfast broadband – which is exactly what forward-looking businesses are looking for. The project combines regeneration and curation for the future, which is a rare mix in architectural practice and hard to do well. Thanks to its innovative approach and client focus, as well as its experience, the practice is able to meet the many needs of the Royal Ordinance Depot. When producing a Vision for the 1400-year-old Diocese of London Paul Vick Architects engaged with the very composition of society and what that might be in the future. What is not widely understood is that the Church is the only institution which is public, private and voluntary in the UK, has more people in development than the UK Government, founded some of the most important educational establishments (e.g. Oxbridge) as well as providing housing, cultural buildings and being a patron of the arts. These ideas have been developed at C19th grade 2 listed, St Paul’s Knightsbridge by the architects which received planning permission and a faculty in 2017 for the first phase. The project consists of reordering under the west end tower with new glazed in offices making the most of views down the rich nave with new stairs, civic welcome, ambulatory, meeting and support spaces.

Theatre, office and ICT suite, West London, UK

Low energy, 1st to 3rd age private house, West Country, UK

Royal Ordnance Depot, reuse and new construction, near Northampton, UK

Previously the practice designed an innovation hub for Corporation of London and Innovation Warehouse at Smithfield which used both formal and informal spaces. The value-added for the client is the hub has already produced several unicorn businesses.

“Technology frees us to do so many things, and it is the context and the way we use it that gives value. The Greek meaning of ‘techne’ refers to skill and resource. It is not just about the lever, but about the lever and how you use it. Within the market currently, we are seeing an even more interconnected world with greater inter-dependencies and consequences whether this is climate change, demographic demands or personal needs. At the same time, the opportunities for better solutions through technology and innovation have never been better. This is an opportunity to do more with less for our clients, their users and future users.”

Overall, the firm’s ethos is the application of skill and use of resource in a focused way that makes more of what we have. Perhaps counter intuitively, and not reflected in any of the low energy standards, it is a fundamental starting point for the practice that: if you do not need it, then do not build it. New energy production measures are employed when this basic principle has been addressed. Discussing the future, Founder Paul Vick is optimistic that his firm can continue to grow and build upon its current success.

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Contact: Ketan Sheth Director & Principal Designer Address: 403, Shreya House, Pereira Hill Rd. Opposite Gurunanak Petrol Pump, Andheri East. Mumbai 400 099. India. Contact Email: mary@goldmine99.com Phone: 0091 9022907171 – Mary Solanki (EA to Mr. Ketan Sheth) Website: www.goldmine99.com

Best Interior Design Consultancy - India

Goldmine Project Consultant Pvt. Ltd., is an ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company since the year 2007 providing a unique combination of services that handles Turnkey Projects with the highest level of professionalism and efficiency by a core set of experts from the industry under one roof. We invited founder of the firm, Ketan Sheth to tell us more about the firm.

oldmine was founded in the year 1989 by Mr. Ketan Sheth. It has built and sustained its reputation over the years for quality interior design and architectural projects with a unique combination of services that handles Design and Build Projects. Goldmine has earned a reputation of being a highly professional and efficient organization, with amazing creativity when it comes to interior design. Ketan outlines the firm’s overall mission as well as the services the firm provides.

The mission of our organization is to become a leading architectural and interior designing firm of repute and quality; and be able to use our imagination and creativity to support people to realise their dreams and energize their spaces. Our team of competent architects and designers are qualified by education and experience to enhance the function and visual impact of spaces. ‘There are many challenges which are common to every organization. Today’s challenge is doing something versatile – “To Deliver Better than the Best” and ‘Thinking Out of the Box’ is our Motto. We create a collaborative & creative space that breathes a new life into it and re-energizes it. “When approaching a new project, we work in a very professional way, we have our standard operating procedures, policies and formats which gives us an insight about our clients likes and dislikes and their hobbies, budgetary expectations and other things related to project. The key areas which we focus on are our processes, strategies, and people leading to timely Completion of Project keeping in mind the finishing, quality and allocated budget.” Looking ahead, the firm is keen to build upon their success and grow even further, as Ketan is proud to conclude. “Moving forward, we want to create a globalized language of Design that becomes a creative hub between Functionality and Design Aesthetics. As such, we are moving gradually but very strongly towards our goal, which is to

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be in the top 10 of Design and Build firms in India by 2022. We have created different verticals where we do only designing, designing & build and only build. We have an expansion plan and are looking for foreign tie-ups.”

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Contact: Simon Harris & William McCormack Contact Email: Simon@harrismccormack.co.uk Address: ArcHaus, Peterborough Road, Wansford, PE8 6JN, UK Phone: 01780 433334 Website: www.harrismccormack.co.uk

Most Innovative Architecture Firm - Peterborough

Harris McCormack Architects (HMA) is an award winning architectural practice based at ArcHaus in Wansford. We invited Simon Harris to tell us more.

‘stablished in 2010 by Simon Harris and William McCormack, Simon discusses thow this multi award winning practise works to provide the very highest standards of service to its clients.

“Here at HMA, our mission is to continue to create exciting spaces for people to live and work in, whilst developing our team and brand. The practice is built on a reputation for high quality, design led innovative architecture with traditional and contemporary commissions nationwide. Our philosophy is simple - our passion is design and we relish the chance to make a real difference to an environment.” “Thanks to our dedication to excellence we have a variety of clients, predominantly in the residential sector, who require a diverse level of architectural design services from input on a single story kitchen extension to a multi-million pound refurbishment or new build. For us, client

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relationships are key, we benefit from a huge amount of repeat business and recommendations from both clients and contractors. I believe that is partially because of our passion for our work and partially because of our end product. Fundamentally, we ensure a smooth process with clients & contractors to result in a quality conclusion.’ Recently HMA purchased a derelict icon of the A1: The Former Little Chef at Wansford. This piece of Art Deco architecture has been restored and converted into the practice headquarters. Ducati Peterborough lease out part of the building which is once again taking its place as a landmark on the A1. “Looking to the future, our plans are to strengthen our team and continue to work on some great projects with a variety of clients. We are about to see a 7,000 sq ft new build underground house start on site and also have a £4.5m spa to go in for planning in the North East. Whilst we continue to work on numerous small scale domestic extensions and refurbishments.”

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Contact: Brooks Kolb Contact Email: brooks@brookskolbllc.com Address: 4615 45th Ave S, Seattle, WA<, 98118, USA Phone: 001 206 324 0858 Website: www.brookskolbllc.net

Best Traditional Landscape Architecture Firm – Washington & Best Washington Residential Garden Design: Interlaken Park Garden

Brooks Kolb LLC Landscape Architecture is a Seattle, Washington firm with a specialty in residential garden design for all budgets. We invited Brooks Kolb, owner and principal of the firm to tell us more about the company’s success and recent achievements. wner and principal Brooks Kolb, a Seattle native, offers a complete range of services tailored to residential clients, including but not limited to site master planning, cost analysis for budgeting and phasing, construction documents, city permitting, contractor selection and construction observation. Brooks talks to us about Seattle and how this affects his firm.

“Three converging factors make Seattle a terrific place to create residential gardens and landscapes. The first is the breathtaking scenic quality of our Puget Sound Region, with its dazzling mountain, lake and sound views. This scenery is reflected in the wide ecological diversity of our residential properties, from small urban lots to flat meadows and shorelines, to steep hillsides and dense forests. No two sites or projects are alike and this is what continually keeps me engaged and excited about garden creation. The second factor is that despite all its growth in recent years, Seattle and its suburbs remain a place where single family residences predominate. Third is our booming economy, with people flocking here from all over the US and the world to work in the burgeoning high-tech field. This affluent work force has the means and desire to transform their properties, and I am on hand to help them realize their highly individual landscape visions.” Outlining the overall mission of the firm and its approach to each new project, Brooks is keen to discuss how important it is to be responsive to clients, highlighting communication as the key to a successful project. Taking a hands-on approach, the owner always makes sure he can oversee the project personally. “If there is one thing I focus on to ensure a project’s success, it is communication. Its always communication. That is primarily how I differentiate myself from some highly-qualified competitors. I try to be as responsive and reachable as I can by e-mail, telephone and in person, addressing clients’ concerns as well as pro-actively anticipating problems ahead of time. My overall mission is to help each client transform their property into highly usable and enjoyable outdoor spaces. The first step is to create a conceptual master plan for the site, obtain client feedback, and then

revise and refine it until it meets their goals. The second step is to estimate probable landscape costs to help clients set their budgets, and then revise the design once more to meet that budget. Thirdly, we proceed to construction drawings and then I bid my projects competitively, using highly qualified landscape contractors with whom I have worked successfully and repeatedly. Lastly, I always perform construction observation site visits to make sure the project successfully realizes the initial design vision.” With technology developing at a rapid rate, it is becoming increasingly essential to firms and businesses to stay ahead and move forward with these advances. Brooks comments on how he does not focus on technology as much as other firms within the industry, however, he does not refrain from recommending new products and materials to clients, which are born from technology. “As a residential garden designer, I am less tech-focused than many landscape architects who work in the public project realm. My strengths are more as an intuitive, imaginative and artistic designer. Still, I recommend new products and materials to my clients whenever possible; these materials are in turn generated from new technologies in each industry. Three examples of such modern products include self-watering planters; turf paving systems, in which the honeycomb grid is invisible below the turf; and porcelain pavers that emulate stone, wood and other natural materials.” Ultimately, Brooks is settled in the Seattle area and believes his firm and the architecture industry can benefit and move forward within the region. With more exciting garden projects lined up, clients and staff can feel enthusiastic about working with Brooks Kolb LLC, Landscape Architecture. “Looking forward, I see almost no limits to the opportunities for the industry and practice of landscape architecture in the Seattle area. Meanwhile, I have a wide range of projects on the boards, including a large garden in Seattle’s Windermere neighbourhood, which features not only lake and mountain views but preservation of some enormous native conifers.”

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Contact: Karina Spassova Contact Email: karina@domaen.net Address: 915 S Mateo St #205, Los Angeles, California, 90021, USA Phone: 001 310 424 5230 Website: www.domaen.net

Best Contemporary Design/Build Firm 2017 – California & Best Californian Office Interior Design: VIL

Domaen is a full service design and build specialist based in Los Angeles. We profile the firm to find out more and examine how it came to win these prestigious award titles.

specialized comprehensive service firm, Domaen practices versatile, multi-disciplinary design and construction. Awardwinning designers and architects, coupled with high-end state-ofthe-art equipment, and our own manufacturing facilities, ensure excellence in design, management, craftsmanship, and construction.

From minimalist, to elegant, to unconventional, this versatile firm practice a spectrum of contemporary design styles and personalize each project. Domaen’s highly skilled team have earned a reputation for innovation and precision. As a multi-disciplined firm, Domaen can meet any need, offering clients a variety of services, from interiors to exteriors, cabinetry to landscape, small-scale to ground up construction. This fully-integrated practice offers excellence in a wide range of custom and high-end design, with a full service including, supporting clients from inception to completion. Domaen manage the entire project, with its specialist team handling the design, architecture, permits, contracting, and fabrication. The result is a cost-effective process focused on quality, consistency, and efficiency. This focus on quality and full service approach means that the firm take pride in making sure every aspect of its projects fit together perfectly. As such, Domaen’s headquarters are equipped with a 6,000 sf state-of-the art shop, with full CNC-integrated fabrication, to satisfy any design needs. This enables the company to maintain a high level of quality control at a large scale as well as in cabinetry, kitchen, and interiors. Looking ahead, this focus on excellence and dedication to quality will remain Domaen’s ongoing focus as the firm seeks to build upon its current success and grow its portfolio even further.

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Contact: Dori Johnson Contact Email: DJohnson@KGAArchitecture.com Address: 9075 West Diablo Drive, Suite 300, Third Floor, Las Vegas, 89148, USA Phone: 001 702 367 6900 Website: kga-architects.com

Best Hospitality Architecture Firm - South West USA

KGA Architecture is a professional corporation founded in 1975. We profiled the firm to find out more.

ince its inception, KGA has demonstrated excellence in every phase of architectural planning, design, construction documentation and construction administration. The company’s consistently high level of service and design success is demonstrated by the fact that many the Firm’s projects are commissioned by previous clients or referrals from those clients. This attests to the design excellence, technical quality, professionalism and high level of service that KGA provides to every client.

Ultimately, KGA strives to provide complete environments that enhance the lives of those who live, work and play in the facilities it designs. For that reason, its full service Interior Design Department is an integral part of the design team and an ongoing resource in the development of each project. The team consider the creation of interior spaces that function effectively and efficiently, however, staff also foster an appropriate atmosphere for the building’s functions to be a core element of a successful project design. The outcome of this philosophy is that KGA projects are always distinctive, created responsibly with the utmost consideration of the client.

Drawing on its vast experience in the industry, KGA is now a renowned architecture firm with extensive knowledge and experience with offices in Las Vegas, Nevada and Austin, Texas and licensed throughout the United States. The firm’s portfolio includes a wide range of project types and sizes, including education, healthcare, public works, commercial development, and social infrastructures. Offering a vast array of services, the firm is organized in a functional structure divided into architectural design, production, interior design and contract administration departments. This systematic style allows the company to bring the most talented and appropriate resources in each of these areas of architecture to the project at the most appropriate time. Demonstrating its attitude towards putting the client first, KGA’s mission is based on the core belief that every project is a direct reflection of each individual client. All projects designed by KGA are uniquely created, and cost efficient while reflecting and enhancing the surrounding environment. As a result of these beliefs, building material choices are highly dependent on where the project is located, the purposes of the structure and the vision of the owner. The chosen materials, forms and colors are outcomes of the design process, conceived by the team’s experience and expertise, but are driven by the ideas of the project itself.

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Contact: Richard Keighley Contact Email: info@dkmy.co.uk Address: 10 Spencer Road, Belper, Derbyshire. DE56 1JY UK Phone: 01773 828126 Website: dkmy.co.uk

Best Architecture & Sustainability Consulting Firm - East Midlands

DKMY Architects Ltd is a design-led architects practice based within the Derwent Mills World Heritage Site, committed to providing a sustainably-minded consultancy service to clients within the residential, educational and commercial sectors. We invited Richard Keighley to tell us more about the firm and find out the reasons behind its success.

KMY Architects Ltd offer the full range of architectural design and consultancy services, including master planning at all scales, and enabling the creative re-use of existing buildings. The firm is committed to working with clients throughout the whole process, from inception to completion and beyond - even monitoring new and existing buildings to ensure that they perform as intended. This holistic clientoriented approach, as well as the practice’s commitment to creating liveable, sustainable designs is integral to making DKMY outstanding in its field.

a money back scheme on the bottles, beer kegs will be made from recycled plastic and we are even looking at delivering the beer using a restored electric milk float, charged using Solar Photovoltaic Panels integrated within the design.”

Building a sustainable future is a passion shared by the whole team, with environmentally-focussed design being the common thread that runs through all the firm’s projects. Their work continually seeks to reduce the amount of energy consumed within the construction and operation of projects taken on by the team. DKMY aim to create flexible and adaptive spaces, and are particularly proud of their innovative solutions for the sustainable repurposing of existing buildings. We asked Richard to tell us more about the firm’s latest ventures, and the challenges the workforce has come up against in the practice’s mission to provide architectural advice and design with a focus on sustainability.

“Although we are working right across the UK, we are incredibly proud of and passionate about - the town and community within which we work and live. Our work seeks to build on Belper’s heritage as a cradle of industry and innovation by finding pioneering and cost-effective solutions to improve and enhance existing and future buildings in the places that we work and live.

“We are currently working on several projects, with the largest and most challenging of these being the conversion of a semi derelict Grade II listed Victorian mansion into 14 luxury apartments and town houses. Despite having to work with the existing historic fabric of the building, notably the intricate wall and ceiling details, we have been able to introduce a broad range of sustainable features into the property, including thermally upgrading the building, increasing the overall air tightness and introducing controlled ventilation systems.” “Other projects include two new Micro Breweries. Both are looking to establish themselves as zero-carbon businesses. Our design work will extend beyond the buildings to include ways of heating and cooling the beer, capturing the heat and re-using it in the brewing process. It is proposed that there will be

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Discussing the overall trajectory of the firm, Richard talks to us about the practice’s passion behind their commitment to providing and facilitating sustainable building design.

“The firm’s fundamental passion for our local community comes through in the projects we take on in the office. Each year we undertake, free of charge, one major project that we think will have a significant social benefit to the local community. As a company, we like to get involved in voluntary work - it helps small groups with big ideas get started and to access funding streams that otherwise would not be available to them. In 2014 we helped a local community care farm and education facility by providing them with designs for low carbon classrooms and a farm shop. In 2015 we designed replacement Community Tearooms to be built within the World Heritage Site. These will replace the original Tearooms that have lain derelict for nearly twenty years, and should bring jobs and tourism to the town - as well as breathing life back into a much-loved public space.” Ultimately, DKMY are now looking to build on their success, and the practice is looking forward to starting work on their own offices - local and sustainably designed, of course. Richard is excited about the future, looking to maintain the proud heritage that the company enjoys.

“Looking ahead, we have just started work on building our own offices. We bought a derelict toilet block from our local borough council around 18 months ago, and are now turning them into our studios. The building is highly visible within the World Heritage Site and very close to the historic mills and mill cottages. We are hoping that the studio will be a zero carbon development utilising solar photovoltaic panels powering an Air Source Heat Pump.” In parting, Richard predicts that within the industry, he sees the relationship between the client and staff becoming increasingly important, which he believes DKMY will be ready to cater for. “A client-focused approach can only be a positive thing - communication can only improve the design process. Ultimately, by working closely with our clients, we hope that we can continue to spread awareness on the issues surrounding sustainable living, and the role architecture plays in an environmentally friendly lifestyle.”

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Contact: Lynn Palmer Contact Email: Lynn@lpalmerarchitects.com Address: 109 high street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3DZ, UK Phone: 01844 318501 Website: www.lpalmerarchitects.com

Best Residential Architecture Firm 2017 - Oxfordshire

Lynn Palmer Architects Ltd is an award winning architectural practice in the heart of Oxfordshire. We invited Lynn Palmer to tell us more about the firm and what makes it successful.

RIBA chartered Architecture firm, Lynn Palmer Architects has an international team of seven architects and technologists, all of whom bring something special to the practice. The firm offers a very personal and tailored range of services that take care of all aspects of the architectural process from building surveys, planning applications, listed building consent, building regulations through to complete project management of client’s build. The company has invested heavily in virtually reality software and as a result every client will see their build in 3D, allowing them to instantly engage with their future home. Lynn talks us through the firm’s latest project, detailing the challenges that staff had to overcome and what parts of the project the team are particularly proud of.

“Staff are particularly proud of a farm house remodel and extension project. We were approached by our clients to complete a one-off extensive remodel and extension to their existing farm house. Planning permission was acquired for a number of extensions to the property, equating to approximately 4000 sq ft of additional space which included triple garage, home office, kitchen / dining and master suite. “The team are very proud of the painstaking attention to detail that is evident from every aspect of this build. The oak frames and staircases are beautiful in their symmetry and design. The bespoke handmade kitchen with its folding glass doors that back onto the extensive gardens means dining alfresco is easy. The handmade dressing room with its subtle lightning stands impressively in the master bathroom. Every room is thought through and works just perfectly for its occupants. We have absolutely loved this project and it will be one we will cherish for many years to come.” Part of building a successful architecture firm is working with clients and ensuring that the clients’ needs and demands are met. Lynn discusses the firm’s overall mission and how it plans to achieve this mission.

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“Fundamentally, our mission is to work openly with our clients, builders and craftsmen to ensure they get a creative design solution that surpasses expectation. We achieve this with open dialogue and strong communication, our door is always open and it is important to us that our clients feel that they can trust us and talk to us about any concerns they may have.” When approaching a new venture, there are some key areas which the firm focuses on in order to ensure the project is a success. Lynn points out that the firm places an emphasis on finding a design solution right for each individual site.

“Every project is unique and every client brief is different, there is a period of consultation where we get to know our clients and get a feel for what they are looking for. The emphasis is always on finding a design solution right for each individual site. Design options are drawn up and the project evolves from there. Our investment in 3D technology now means that our clients can see their build in 3D, allowing them to instantly engage with their build.” Within a competitive industry such as Architecture, firms must differentiate themselves from their competitors. The firm’s referral rate demonstrates how the company marks itself out as the best possible option, according to Lynn. “Having built a solid reputation in the Thames Valley area, our 100% referral rate speaks for itself and we have a very positive relationship with the local planning authorities. We only recommend builders that have worked for us in the past to ensure our clients get the best building firms and craftsmen for their build. We offer the whole package and our clients react very positively to it.” With regards to the architecture industry in the region currently, Lynn mentions that a lot of clients living in Grade II listed properties and want to upgrade them to a more modern feel, offering a number of exciting opportunities for her firm. “At Lynn Palmer Architects, we are meeting a lot of clients that live in Grade II Listed properties and whilst they are beautiful homes full of character and history they aren’t always conducive to modern living. We are slowly changing attitudes towards listed buildings and showing our clients that you shouldn’t see your home as a barrier to modern design but rather the perfect picture frame around a modern build. We have had a large number of contemporary glass extensions to listed buildings sail through planning recently.” Regarding the firm’s future, Lynn would like to see the company to continue to grow, becoming synonymous with contemporary extensions to listed properties and large bespoke buildings, whilst as the same time, being able to push creative design.

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Contact: Jorge Arditti Contact Email: contacto@ardittiarquitectos.com México +52 (55) 5570-4000 USA (646) 536-3696 Website: http://ardittiarquitectos.com

Best Architectural Design Firm – Mexico &Latin American Commercial Project of the Year 2017: Centro de Vivencia Lomas del Pedregal

ARDITTI+RDT/architects is a talented architectural design research team that first garnered national attention when its work was featured in the book Young Mexican Architects. We profile the firm to learn more.

rditti + RDT Architects is one of the most innovative architecture and integrated design practices in Mexico. They believe that architecture contains an energy that can induce events and a profound impact on social behaviour shared by no other creative expression.

Their core practice of the Arditti + RDT Architects has been the architectonic design, and in selected projects they have been able to combine their creative capacity with an initiative for real estate development. Some of them have studied abroad at Harvard University and in Massachusetts Institute of Arts. They have applied their expertise in more than 100 built projects, among which, the following are highlighted: corporate, habitational, residential, touristic, religious, sports, institutional, commercial, cultural, governmental and educational. The architecture of Arditti + RDT Architects has been avant-garde in Mexico, incorporating intelligent technology and applying sustainable solutions in its designs, reason for which has been awarded with more than 40 national and international prizes. As such, the practice’s work has been published in multiple specialized books and magazines in national and international sphere, such as: Architectural Record, Young Architects Americas, Young Mexican Architects, 24 Architects for the 21st Century, AD Architectural Digest and has been published twice in the book Time Space Existence, with the most important works of the exhibition of the Venice Biennial of 2014 and 2016. In the academic field they have been professors at Anahuac University in Mexico and at SCI-ARC (Southern California Institute of Architecture) in Los Angeles California, as well as they have been members of the Advisory Board of Anahuac University. They have been invited to give more than 50 conferences in different scenarios in Mexico and abroad.

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The Arditti + RDT architects success story has been exhibited in Mexico as well as abroad in cities such as New York, Madrid, Beijing, Sofia, Colonia, Buenos Aires, Tel Aviv, Haifa, San Salvador, Santiago de Chile, Barcelona, Armenia, Prague and Venice, among others. Recently Arditti + RDT Architects was invited to participate twice at the Venice Architecture Biennial “Time Space Existence” in 2014 and 2016, considered the architectural event most important globally. Currently the architects Arturo and Jorge Arditti are ambassadors of the We Are Water Foundation in Barcelona, Spain. Overall, ARDITTI+RDT/architects is dedicated to architectural research through thoughtful practice.

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Contact: Nicolas Contact Email: miyamoto@curiosity.jp Address: 2-13-16 Tomigaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 151-0063, Japan Phone: 0081 3 5452 0095 Web Address www.curiosity.jp

Best Multi-Disciplinary Design Studio – Japan & Shop Interior Project of the Year 2017: Dolce & Gabbana, Milan.

Curiosity is a multi-disciplinary design studio based in Tokyo and active in different fields of design, ranging from architecture to interior design, graphics and products including cosmetics. We invited Nicolas to tell us more about the firm and the services it provides.

uriosity are specialised in the creation of a spatial identity that expresses the core identity of the brand, as well as making the brand relevant in the present. The firm aims to project this identity into the future to ensure the perception of the brand is always moving forward. Nicolas outlines the firm’s overall mission and how staff work together to reach their goals.

“Curiosity concentrates on creating a new identity for fashion brands. This requires a lot of work from the firm in understanding the history of the brand. More importantly, however, it is vital to project the image of brand into a vision that will be relevant over the next few years. This means it cannot be just about trends and being attuned with the mood and style of the time but also requires to staff to look ahead and anticipate the next development. For the brand to be successful, the identity must be clear, with a true vision. “There are a lot of times when the client may request the firm focuses on the present, rather than the future. It is difficult to find clients and partners who challenge themselves and want to go beyond their comfort zone.” Regarding the future of the firm, Nicolas explains how the company are always exploring new projects, looking to expand the business. Curiosity is interested in finding new clients who will challenge themselves and enter unknown territories with staff. “Looking ahead, Curiosity is always looking for new opportunities in fashion or other areas in retail, which would see clients willing to challenge themselves and ourselves into unknown territories. The firm is currently developing a new concept for Moncler, Tods and Moynat to name a few, a lot of these concepts will be realised at the end of the year or next year. “As well as these concepts, we are also working on larger projects like hotels, where the client was very interested in the different approach from the firm concerning retail. The attention to detail that staff out in, the materials we use and the lighting, along with the story telling and brand creation.”

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Contact: Matt Maisuria Contact Email: matt@maisuria-architects.co.uk Address: Northdown Villa, South Cheam, Surrey, SM2 7AA, UK Phone: 0208 240 0882 Website: www.maisuria-architects.co.uk

Best Design-Focused Architectural Practice - Surrey

Maisuria Architects Ltd are a design focused practice committed to an innovative approach to progressive architectural design that is equally practical, sustainable, contextual and lifestyle enhancing. We spoke to Matt Maisuria to find out what it is that makes the firm so enticing to clients. aisuria Architects’ design philosophy is based upon people’s relationship with space, how they experience space and how space effects their being. The company’s enthusiasm for creating, making, designing and developing spaces stems from the firm belief that creativity improves lives. All of the firm’s design solutions encapsulate this ethos which is utilised throughout the procurement of its projects. Staff’s interest lies in innovative, progressive architectural design. Matt talks to us about the company’s recent projects and some of the challenges that the firm has faced when working on these projects. He then goes on to explain Maisuria Architects’ overall mission, outlining how staff plan to achieve their goals. Working together is a key part of the firm’s business.

“With all staff working towards achieving the same mission, we seek to constantly question and evaluate the way in which we live today. By forming intimate, authentic relationships with our clients and creating conversations where we can be self-critical and challenge social conformities in a constructive, progressive and regenerative manner we are able to explore innovative ways to enrich and enhance our lifestyles through architecture. We believe that collaborative work gives the most desired outcome. Every client is individual and involving them in the entirety of the process not only allows us to gain a better understanding of their requirements, but also turns their project into an experiential journey, which we feel adds to the quality of the spaces when occupied.” Customer satisfaction is a key factor in Maisuria Architects’ success. Therefore, it is important to approach every project in a sophisticated and detailed manner, making sure the team listen to its client’s needs. Matt discusses how the firm aims to meet and surpass the client’s expectations. “Staff treat each project with complete focus and attention. They are always listening to our client’s needs and narratives. Studies of the immediate and wider context is imperative to us. Scale of economies, costs and pragmatism are the factors influencing our design intents and solutions. For us every project can have a strong Architectural quality brought out of it simply by thoroughly working the design.” Matt details how he believes Maisuria Architects differentiates itself from other architecture firms, marking itself out as the best possible option for prospective and new clients.

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“Not only does our enthusiasm and passion for design drive us, in the ever changing market of today and the importance of socioeconomic, environmental and political factors, we also feel it’s important to remain current and up to date with architectural trends and technology. This interest and research within the studio allows us to use the latest technologies in our projects to ensure the most environmentally efficient, cost and time effective solutions. Advancing technologies also enable us to portray the designs to our clients in a more succinct way, we often use 3-D modelling software and photorealistic rendered images to aid our presentations and conversations with clients, allowing better understanding of spaces, more so than a 2-D plan would provide. A near future goal for us is to encompass developing technologies such as the use of drones and Virtual Reality systems. This will further enhance our client’s insight into the bespoke spaces our designs will offer them.” “Exchanging ideas and collaboration with other architects also enables us to gain alternate perspectives about the direction of our industry. As the role of the architect becomes more important in the urban agenda our skills are extremely necessary to create well thought out quality spaces and fabric within the urban realm. Exciting times for us as we move into larger framework of work which will link up to the public realm and infrastructure of people’s lives.”

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Email: mail@stephanmarialang.de Web Address: www.stephanmarialang.de Address: Winterstraße 4, 81543 München Telephone: +49 (0) 89 661080

Best Full-Service Architecture Firm – Bavaria & Best Restaurant Interior Design 2017: Restaurant Guido Al Duomo, Munich.

Stephan Maria Lang Architects is an innovative architecture firm based in Munich. We profiled the firm and its owner, Stephan Maria Lang to find out more about the recent achievements which have been gained.

he architect Stephan Maria Lang possesses an extraordinary talent for grasping the special quality of any given site and combining it with the personality of his clients. His firm’s projects, with their atmospheric visual composition, illustrate the diversity and individuality of his work.

The design of sensitive aesthetic spaces with the timeless quality of build sculptures is my prime aspect of modern living. To express the search of individuality and truth in a more and more deteriorating global world and thereby combine the sensorial power of space, light and material with the unique quality of the terroir nourishes the fun and enjoyment to create new unique architectural solutions. The harmony of landscape and build structure should touch the soul. These essential qualities of life are inspired from Japanese art, with the appreciation of patina, and the beauty of the imperfect.

The team at Stephan Maria Lang are an excellent team of specialised engineers, who are dedicated to the complex projects which the firm undertakes, and have helped the firm get recognised in the Build Awards 2017. Looking to the future, Stephan Maria Lang hopes to slowly grow to become one of the leading architects for private residences. The firm has had a book published entitled Stephan Maria Lang – Architecture for the Soul; another fantastic accolade for the company. This can only be good for the firm and it is exciting times for Stephan Maria Lang Architects as it capitalises on its success within the architectural industry.

The firm’s projects make use of the latest technologies in a matter of course in order to meet the need for comfort and energy efficiency and thus reveal the complexity of the company’s fascinating architecture. However, the essential qualities of this way of life are inspiration from Japanese thought, an appreciation of patina, and the beauty of the imperfect. Incepted in 1995, the firm is based in Munich and its client base includes well-educated art-loving private A-list clients. Working in such a competitive industry the firm must differentiate itself from its competitors, looking to attract the best business and best clients. From start to finish the workforce at the company work extremely hard to incorporate the clients’ ideas and make sure that their requirements are not only met but also surpassed. 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. This is what sets the company firmly aside from the competition and differentiates it in its area of expertise. Indeed, many clients have commented how they appreciate the firm’s tireless work, from the start of a project to the last screw, and the personal architecture that has clearly come from the heart and soul.

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Contact: Gil Schalom Contact Email: email@gilschalom.com Address: 9 Patrick Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 7JY, UK Phone: 07811 366188

Most Innovative Architecture Firm – East Midlands & Excellence Award for Energy Efficient Conversions – Midlands

GSD Architecture (GSD) is a small practice in West Bridgford, Nottingham, specialising in advanced low energy design for retrofit and new build across a variety of sectors including heritage, commercial and domestic. We invited Gil Schalom to talk us through the services his firm provides.

SD is a small but busy firm with an enviable flow of new projects. GSD helps clients to understand the importance of investing in largely unseen elements of a building, which continue to work passively and innately long into the future. Gil outlines the services he provides and tells us how delighted he is to have won these awards.

“Whilst I have had my own practice for several years, I started out working for a firm that specialised in heritage projects which provided me with first rate experience in learning my craft, dealing with sensitive buildings, the use of breathable materials and the importance of attention to detail. I was given the opportunity at that practice to pursue my passion for the environment by expanding the portfolio into ecological and energy efficient design. Along the way, I have collected awards for a number of projects and I am truly delighted and surprised to have won two categories from BUILD.” Regarding the firm’s latest projects, Gil is keen to tell us about the remodelling of a bungalow in Southwell. He talks about the environmentally friendly clients that he is working with, as well as citing the challenges that the firm has had to overcome in order to deliver a successful project. Gil also reveals how this outstanding project on a prominent site, led to more work, simply through word of mouth. “Currently, I have several projects on the go, but my particular favourite is the complete remodelling and extension of a 1960’s chalet bungalow in Southwell. The clients, who are both deeply environmentally conscious, wanted a forever home that would provide them with low bills and flexible accommodation that if needed, could provide living space for an elderly relative. “The site posed a number of issues not least of which was the setting, which was in a sensitive area. The rear of the house and garden faces onto a large common field which backs onto Southwell Minster so there was a conservation context and also one of prominent visibility from a public area. Added to that,

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the land condition is very boggy and so we had to drive piles to support the new extension. My clients, one of whom is an artist, wanted a home that was filled with light, which was sleek and modern and made the absolute best of the stunning views toward the Minster. They are delighted with their new home and it has been quite the local talking point, leading to an enquiry from a local person who saw the property from the common field and approached my clients to have a look round and to find out who their architect was. I’m delighted to say that my existing clients did a great job of singing my praises and I have acquired a new contract as a result”. Gil explains the mission of the firm and how he uses his considerable experience in ultra low energy design to present the core values of his company. “After college, I joined the AECB, a leading group of experts and enthusiasts in the field of environmental building and have been an active member ever since. Through them, I discovered Passiv, the most stringent and fastest growing energy standard in the world, an approach that distils advanced building physics and the science of comfort into an easy to use but reliable and predictable methodology, to make very significant reductions in operational energy use. This concept was a breath of fresh air and helped me quantify and prove what I was already doing intuitively beforehand. I am frustrated with the state of energy efficiency in this country, and the generally poor understanding of what works in real life and have made it my mission to address this in everything I do. The other side of it is about quality: make a building really energy efficient and it becomes inherently healthier and more comfortable to live in. If done right, it can also be simpler to run and more reliable.” Gil tells us about an upcoming project and expands on the future of the firm. “Whether I am taking on a retrofit, newbuild or extension, I always encourage my clients to push the boundaries and to take advantage of concepts and

technologies that will ensure their dream project delivers high levels of comfort and a low cost future. For example, I will shortly be working with a client on a new build Passivhaus in Ashby de la Zouch, where I will be using SIPs panels and off-site construction to build the shell. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s refreshing to be working on a new build because it is more straightforward to detail and less constrained. More new build work is always welcome but I will never lose sight of the desperate need to improve our existing housing stock.â&#x20AC;?

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Contact: Thomas Ferwagner Contact Email: info@officium.de Address: Rotebühlplatz 15; 70178 Stuttgart, Germany Phone: 0049 (0)711 870 69 40 Website: www.officium.net

Best Zoo & Animal Enclosure Design Firm - Germany

With more than 25 years of experience, Officium is the premier designer worldwide of tensile mesh and cable structures. We spoke to Thomas Ferwagner to explore the secrets behind the firm’s success as well as discuss the services that the firm offers.

rom its headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany and its North American base in Chicago, USA, Officium is actively designing on five continents. The firm partners with local architects, designers, engineers, planners, contractors and communities to realise projects of all scales and sizes, each one a unique challenge with its own unique solution. Thomas gives us an outline of the firm and its clients, as well as what services the team can offer.

“Always looking for the next big thing, 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.” To be successful, all staff must work towards the same mission and attempt to reach the same goals. Thomas comments on how the company is ambitious and looks to utilise the team’s skills to provide the best services and products. “Our mission is to bring the beauty and functionality of tensile designs to a worldwide audience, using our technical and aesthetic skills to create unique, lasting, impactful structures that improve the lives of those who use them. Our brand combines ambitious design aspects with German high value engineering.”

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Thomas attributes teamwork as a key aspect of Officium’s success. The company works diligently to include all parties in the process of creating a formidable product. Clients are never kept in the dark as they are consulted on every project, and staff stay engaged from inception to completion. Thomas then goes on to discuss the experience of the firm, highlighting the hallmarks of German design that the firm adds to its projects. “Partnership is key to our success. We team with others to leverage our strengths with theirs, ensuring a high-quality outcome. Due to the fact that most designers have little knowledge of how tensile structures work, we find it best when we can step into the project early on in the conceptual phase and provide guidance that will save the client both time and money. We consult directly with each client on turnkey solutions that respond to the parameters of the project’s site, budget and specifications. Starting with a solid conceptual design, it then becomes easier to craft a solution that is both structurally and economically efficient while still focusing on the inherent aesthetic beauty of the materials. We follow each project from start to finish and remain engaged every step of the way, not only providing key design and engineering services, but also training and supervision during installation, guidance in maintenance and operations, and even inspections after successful handover to the client. “Collectively, we bring decades of experience to the design process. In particular, we also pride ourselves in bringing the hallmarks of German design to our projects: efficient use of materials, structural authenticity, transparency and an emphasis on aesthetics. We have cultivated a broad knowledge in materials of our craft, collecting a large library of various types of mesh, nets and cables to inform our designs and spark innovation. In fact, we have invented and patented several mesh materials that are now currently on the market.” Technology is becoming increasingly important in any industry and Thomas tells us how technology can aid companies, particularly with regard to zoo and aviary enclosures. Being stringent with its safety procedures, Officium ensures

that its products can provide breath-taking solutions but also guarantee the safety of clients and customers. “In the realm of zoo and aviary enclosures our technology allows breathtaking solutions and takes into account thoughtful design that enhances the environment for the animals it is meant to protect. For example, among the already realised 280 enclosures Officium has in its portfolio, the highly successful installation at the Wilhelma Zoo in Stuttgart involved imagining the steel support columns for the mesh as not only structural elements, but as integral “trees”, creatively providing bonobos with opportunities to nest, swing, jump and climb. In this way, our zoo projects are not simply intended to provide a safe enclosure for their inhabitants, but a creative one that is responsive to their needs. We have had a hand in designing habitats for a wide range of species with very diverse living requirements, behaviours, and safety concerns; Orangutans, tigers, bonobos and other apes, birds of all kinds…every size and shape of creature one can imagine. “In close cooperation with zoo directors, zookeepers, landscape architects and other professionals we strive to generate solutions that take into account the quality of the environment and the experience for both the animals and their visitors. We undertake testing as required to consider the safety of all involved, ensuring the structures will stand the test of time when subjected to wind, ice, snow, plants and even animal loads. Our goal is to keep the natural habitat in the foreground and create a secure environment for the animals through a transparent, unobtrusive structure that provides visitors with a rewarding experience.” Following on from the issue of safety, Thomas observes that transparency is also a much-desired characteristic of architectural design today. Structures must be safe but it is also vital that views are not impeded. Thomas uses the Golden Gate Bridge and his firm’s design as an example of a safe but transparent structure. “Safety is a big issue in the world of architecture, but also transparency. Tensile mesh structures fulfil these requirements and also provide solutions that are lightweight. The prime example is our design for the suicide deterrent system now being installed on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Horizontal mesh nets are being installed along the entire length of the bridge to prevent people from taking their lives. The mesh provides a perfect answer – it is visible from the car deck so it functions as a visual deterrent, it’s lightweight enough to not transmit unreasonable loads to the original bridge structure, and it’s transparent enough that it doesn’t impede views to or from the bridge or detract from the bridge’s historic and iconic look. “New impulses in the industry have evolved with our walkable nets. Clients are increasingly looking for interactive mesh solutions for the fun and leisure industry and art installations. In collaboration with the artist, Tomás Saraceno, we created the inspired “In Orbit” installation at Kunstsammlung in Düsseldorf, Germany. Visitors are treated to a wholly unique experience, clambering 75’-0” above the inner court of the building and relaxing among transparent bubbles. Dreaming and play made possible among undulating nets affixed to the building structure.”

highest quality suppliers of stainless steel mesh. Alongside this, there is a notable effort from the company to be environmentally friendly and they have undertaken many green projects, as Thomas explains. “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 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.” Regarding the future of the firm, Thomas fills us in on how the company is looking to expand in Asia and North America, whilst upholding its sterling reputation in Europe. The firm has always been active globally but is really looking to capitalise on its recent success. Projects are becoming more international but with the innovative minds at the top of the firm, Officium has a bright future ahead as it looks to continue to deliver the best project every single time. “Officium has always been active globally in designing high-impact 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 and Chicago, our ability to respond to our clients’ needs with flexibility, speed, and a personal touch will remain our focus. “Looking ahead, 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. The best materials, the best tools, and the best minds deliver the best project every time. That is our commitment and our legacy.”

Noting how adaptive the firm is, Thomas is keen to point out that the company’s engineers make use of the latest software and only work with the

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Contact: Olaf Kitzig Contact Email: info@kitzig.com Address: Marsstrasse 74, 80335 Munich, Germany Phone: 0049 89 44999 136 0 Website: www.kitzig.com

Best Architectural & Interior Design Firm - Germany

Kitzig Interior Design has been successfully realising interior design and architecture projects for more than 19 years, specialising in the hotel and catering market as well as in the production of tailor-made concepts for the shop and retail design. We spoke to Olaf Kitzig to explore a bit more about the company,

itzig Interior Design possesses a 54-strong team, consisting of interior decorators, architects, designers and graphic artists who look after objects in-land and overseas. Team members develop client’s Projects comprehensively. The company are reliable for interior design and structural engineering and work with notable and well-known names in the hotel industry who have trust in the company’s competence. Clarity and structure, value for money and economic efficiency mark the creative concepts of Kitzig Interior Design. Olaf details some of the services that the firm provides and is keen to inform us of some of his latest projects, particularly a renovated hotel in the middle of Germany.

“Since we are a huge interior office with more than 50 team-members, we do have a lot of interesting projects. There is no last project since we work simultaneously on over 30 projects. One of them is Schlosshotel Fleesensee, which was completed in Spring 2017 and is already nominated with several Awards.” “The outstanding project is a renovated hotel in the middle of Germany. The castle, built in 1842 in Baroque style has been renovated elaborately and is now the venerable case of the modern golf and sport resort. It houses spectacular design that creates a stunning contrast to the old building. Schlosshotel Fleesensee was renovated from ground up in two sections. Therefore, the highest value was placed on a comprehensive overall concept. Great emphasis was placed on details. Both the adaption of the listed building with newly designed interior design as well as the embedding of the new concept in the regional environment show the precision for details. High-quality materials create an exclusive, elegant ambience. Opulent design elements breathed new life into the hotel using selected materials. Definitely the biggest challenge was the listed building. “Since the huge park of the castle and the whole building is under monumental protection, the details and planning have been all coordinated very intensive with the monument protection authority. There have been

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walls and columns which we chanced carefully. Finished planning had to be readjusted to fit in the monument protection guidelines. Also the aspect of the design was very important and a challenge. The aim was to let the old and prestigious building shine for itself. The details of the old buildings had been highlighted by an elaborately renovation. New elements which create a contrast to the old had been designed. Therefore opulent elements had been used, but always in calm colours and high-quality materials. Every material was selected to give a specific character to each room, but not forgetting practicality and durability.” Outlining the overall mission of the firm, Olaf uses history to explain its plans for the future. He believes that all projects are endless as there is always room for improvement, and with the way that technology is advancing it will not be long before modern buildings become old. “Had I been told in 1983 that it is possible to phone around the world, mail pictures and receive letters just with the help of a gadget the size of a cigarette pack and no fixed connection, I would have considered that impossible, which just goes to show that possibilities are boundless. The resulting disorientation needs to be organised and structured. What you have to do is find a passion that fulfils you.” Central to the firm’s success is its dedication to excellence and commitment to providing the best quality of service to clients. He talks us through his experience, noting how it will benefit him moving forward. “To us, and to me, competence isn’t merely knowledge but also the knowledge of what you don’t know. We concentrate on our passions, and that’s where our strength lies, which is not least due to the realistic approach we take to our competences. Having established my architect’s office in 1998, I was full of zest for action and optimism about what I would achieve and accomplish. After several training courses, I felt I was well equipped to enter the market as interior designer. Now, after 19 years and experience

gained in different segments of interior design, I found time and again that the paramount passion lies in permanent learning and understanding oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own environment. That too is the spirit that keeps inspiring me and the firm and leads us to think and re-think and think out of the box. That is presently the lifeblood from which we draw our creativity and inventiveness.â&#x20AC;? Overall, the future of the company is in good hands with Olaf at the helm. Kitzig Interior Design are looking to establish themselves as a leader in the industry with Olaf open to a wide range of ventures which will provide exciting opportunities for him and his team.

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Contact: Sanjay K Mistry Contact Email: Sanjay@skmdesign.co.uk Address: Unit D, Edward House, Grange Business Park, Enderby Road, Whetstone, Leicester, LE8 6EP, UK Phone: 0116 2779600

Best Architecture & Interior Design Practice - Leicestershire

SKM Design are award-winning Architects, project managers and interior designers for large commercial and residential projects across the UK. We spoke to Managing Director Sanjay Mistry to discuss more about the firm and explore the secrets behind its success. longside a full architecture and interior design offering, SKM Design also provide a signage and graphic design service and provide technical advice on installations for home cinema and audio systems. Its latest addition to its services is an insured drone service with a maximum insured height of 500m high and 8000m out, which enables staff to capture high quality 4K aerial photographs of projects prior to construction, during the build process and after completion. This means the firm is able to take amazing images of virtually any project at any stage. Sanjay outlines some of the key challenges that the firm has had to overcome regarding its latest projects, as well as listing some aspects of a new project that he is particularly proud of.

“Similar to our overall mission, we aim to cater for all our clients’ needs, sometimes this is not as easy as it may sound and has often been a steep learning curve not only for myself but also for others in the practice. This holistic approach enables us to not only continually develop ourselves but also helps us to provide services to clients not often found in traditional architectural firms. Offering loss leaders to clients, which can involve many hours of initial work for no return, we are able to achieve an 80% success rate on new business and earn respect from many long-standing clients, which alone speaks volumes. We also like to offer something a little bit different from what other practices are doing, and it turns out that’s what a lot of our clients want, and that’s one of the reasons why they come to us.”

“At SKM Design, we have a number of recent exciting projects in the various main sectors of work, however, we had recently been invited to tender for an extension and operating suite to a main doctor’s surgery. This was all new to us but with lots of research into this sector’s regulations and specifications we were able to win this project, beating two other firms, with a carefully considered redesign of the space, resulting in minimal disruption to the practice which will remain open throughout the entire project.”

In an ever evolving industry, technology is becoming an increasingly essential aspect of any business in order for firms to stay ahead of developments, particularly within architecture. Sanjay notes this as a challenge, stating that technology is always outdated.

Discussing the overall mission of the firm, Sanjay states that the firm wants to be a leader in the architectural industry as well as improve the structure of its interior and overall design services. Focusing on supporting the client in all aspects of design, the firm works from start to finish with the client. “Aiming to be one of the leaders in the market, our overall mission is to be ahead of the architectural, interiors and overall design game. We do try to lead by our unique approach to design, catering for all our clients’ needs which has led to us venturing into new sectors such as graphic design. These graphic design services came about from a client’s request for us to help them in the design and development of a new company logo, stationery and corporate identity.” Regarding how the firm approaches client service, Sanjay tells us how the company ensures that all staff provide the best possible service to clients. Building and maintaining relationships with clients is a key part of the service offered at SKM Design, with a firm emphasis placed on trust, all of which contributes to a high success rate.

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“Technology in our industry is always a bit of a sore point as no sooner have you bought the latest versions then they are outdated. We focus on quality rather than adapting around the latest fad. Instead, the team concentrate more on the development of our technology and knowledge of our tools and software, allowing better management of projects, client interaction with projects and a more complete approach in fulfilling clients’ aspirations.” Ultimately, working on improving features of the company enables this team to keep ahead. The projects that the firm has recently undertaken will contribute to the company’s brighter future, as in architecture, a lot of business can come through word of mouth and reputation. Excelling on a recently acquired hotel project in London will undoubtedly leave the firm in the best place to expand and capitalise on its success. “Fortunately, we are able to see a little ahead as we have several exciting schemes on the virtual drawing board. Without giving too much away, we are working on a major apartment scheme, a new hotel in London and an elaborate place of worship, hopefully these will bless us with more exciting projects in the future.”

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Contact: AVA Andrea Vattovani Architecture Address: Farbergasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria Phone: 0043 0316 902926 Contact Email: office@andreavattovani.com Website: www.andreavattovani.com

Best Urbanism & Design Practice & Best Cyprus Urban Contemporary Design: Earth, Limassol, Cyprus ZT GmbH

Think globally, act locally Andrea Vattovani Architecture is an architectural office based in Austria but acting world-wide. We spoke to Andrea Vattovani to discuss some of the firm’s recent projects and how they plan to capitalise on recent success. ndrea Vattovani strives to create personalised solutions for every client, from private clients to large-scale project developers. The firm’s services range from design, research, master planning, construction and interior design all the way to graphic design. Each project, regardless of the size, is approached with same amount of attention and receives the same treatment. Andrea talks us through one of the firm’s latest projects, and what challenges the firm faced during this time.

“One of our latest projects is Retro67, a residential building located in the heart of Beirut, that we designed for Masharii. The project presented lot  of new challenges for us, such as facing new building regulations and standards, coordinating it throughout different phases, and basically how to integrate these constraints in our initial design without losing its essence. From  the very start our goal was, as always, not to create an icon but to create a building, which responds to the given location, to the local culture and fits well within the city. Whilst visiting Beirut, I was very pleased to hear that they believe the building is a real “Beiruti Building”, and that means we succeeded in our mission. We are very satisfied with the progress of the project and hope to have a lot more opportunities to work on similar projects in the future.” Showcasing the firm’s vision, Andrea details how the firm wants to become  a leading world-renowned firm, solving problems on a global scale. There is  a plan in mind as to how the company wants to expand and develop, things move on fast and the firm wants to stay innovative and creative within a changing architecture industry. “Here at AVA, our overall mission is solving site-specific tasks, reflecting the idiosyncrasies of the site. The main goal of every project we do, is to  be beneficial not only for its direct users but also for the whole city and become a part of it.” When undertaking a new project, the firm maintains a clear and consistent approach; it is a combination between a constructive and dedicated dialogue with our client, and a creative investigation about the site and the local culture. “For us, the essential part of every project is the initial research we do. We collect all the possible information we can find about the site, the surrounding projects, the local culture, the city and the people, to find out what make a

site special. These ingredients will be then included or reflected in something extraordinary.” Our team is always looking to provide the best “product” it can be, aiming to match and also exceed client requirements in many cases. The client is made to feel part of the team, which helps contribute to a very successful business model. What also makes our strength at AVA, is diversity. We are a multidisciplinary and a multicultural team, and master 7 languages in our office. “Fundamentally, we create solutions instead of sculpture, but our projects still maintain the sculptural beauty and quality without sacrificing the functionality. One of our strengths is also that we are a very client-oriented practice. For us, clients are not victims of our design but rather part of the team. We embark on with them on journey from a blank sheet of paper to a finished building. Just like all architects, we know the importance of design, but at all times we keep in mind how important the economic success of the project is to the client. Due to these qualities, we have often received positive feedback from our clients, including the Retro67 project, where the client said to us it would have been hardly possible to do the project with anyone else but us. We also like to offer a complete package for the project, meaning our company can do everything from initial concept development, all the way to planning, construction management and finally the sales documentation and visual identity for the project” “We always try to use the most up-to-date hardware and software. For example, we have been using a 3D-Printer for years now for rapid prototyping and trying out different concepts. This has made the model making process a lot faster and makes it a lot easier to present different and sometimes quite complex ideas to our clients.” Looking ahead, the company is looking to improve its presence in the middle east particularly, as well as other countries, expanding its global reach and successfully completing projects which are fully integrated into the culture of various countries.

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Contact: Andrea Clark Brown, Architects, P.A. Contact email: andreab@andreaclarkbrown.com Address: 340 8th Street South, Naples, Florida, 34102-6325 USA Tel. 001-239-263-3898 Website: www.andreaclarkbrown.com

Best Commercial Architecture Design Firm – South West Florida

Andrea Clark Brown Architects, P.A. was established in Naples, Florida in 1986, just as the Southwest Florida region began to show significant signs of major growth development. We profiled the firm to find out more about the company and what makes them so successful.

aving relocated to Naples from New York City, with Ms. Brown’s former experience under several notable corporate design firms supported her knowledge and practice with projects of commercial and civic nature.

Shortly after opening her studio, the firm’s portfolio expanded from predominantly residential design projects into the design of building types of many programs: Industrial, Civic, Religious, Commercial as well as maintaining the strong residential portfolio. The initial venture into commercial design came with the firm’s commission to configure office headquarters for an emerging software developer. The project’s mission was to convey the company’s signature as innovative and contemporary as well as to distinguish the character and operation of the building from what at the time was a predominance of Spanish mission styled building types. Forward thinking design processes and programmatic research with the building owners underpinned ACBA’s opportunity to bring the spirit and sophistication of a structural matrix that manifested its coordinates as an articulated box: a complex program distilled into its core defining elements. The structure became both rational and simple to build but allowed for a nuanced layering of interior and exterior vertical planes expressing with subtlety the geometry of the project’s physical and conceptual framework. Over time ACBA has developed a specialized repertoire of projects that have addressed a variety of commercial and civic building types including: General Aviation Terminal, Theater, urban multi-level Parking Facilities, professional offices, warehouses, retail clothing and household accessories shops, art galleries and restaurants. The firm has also been commissioned to prepare Master Plans and Feasibility studies for multi-use projects comprised of retail, professional and living units. Merchant associations have engaged the firm to develop signage and themed area furniture, lighting and information kiosks in

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a busy Old Naples shopping area to serve area tourists and residents in wayfinding about the downtown. What has become distinctive about the firm’s design approach is the firm’s direction to integrate the historically appreciated garden city attributes of the Southwest Florida Area into its architectural language. Most notable among the ACBA project designs is a use of an aluminium exoskeleton or trellis structure to intertwine vegetation and supportive green walls into the innovative and contextually sensitive architectural vocabulary that proposes, if not supports, vertical flowering garden treatments and heavy shading elements. In many instances, large overhanging awnings or pergola style canopies are employed to protect from the early morning and late day Florida sunlight and heat. Building orientation, breezeways and positioning of building components to complement sunlight with deep shade underlie the firm’s specific intention to create amenable cooling microclimates within a project’s urban setting. ACBA’s projects are primarily brought to the firm with anticipation of a design outcome that distinguishes the architecture from traditional models and prototypes. Each project is considered a signature for the Owner’s business or brand. This design premise requires the firm to fully understand the Owner’s objectives and goals while developing upon the project’s brief through a series of design options that address the context, environment, operation, appearances, quality and costs. Of high importance for the firm is the motivation to bring forward architectural solutions that are emotionally resonant, pleasantly surprising, enduringly classic and socially beneficial. Recent projects of a very public nature have included the design and construction of twin multi-storey parking facilities serving a main street commercial area that also abuts longstanding serene residential neighbourhoods. The disparity of building scales and the clash of lively commercial activity aside tranquil residential streets presented a decided opportunity for the firm to develop a creative solution to address the conflict

between the areasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; characteristics. The objective was to seek a building design solution that served both areas appropriately while maintaining distinction between misaligned zoning identities. The buffering of a busy 4-level structure from adjacent condominium homes became the primary motivation for the design of a large-scale garden structure. Rather than disguise the garage with a false building mask in the style of other commercial structures, the ACBA solution employed the characteristics of the neighbouring garden city streetscape vegetation and dressed the structures with layers of living flowering vines, large hedges at the base, overhanging shrubbery and other flowering species at each of the decks perimeter planters, all of which are complemented by a sidewalk planting plan that

installed tall palms and mature shade trees around the garages perimeters. The structures evolved into a vertical park which shields the activity and the night lighting from the neighboursâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; views. Unlike other parking solutions, this is a solution that has become beloved as attractive, environmentally friendly, complimentary to the garden city tradition, as well as becoming a landmark architectural language for the popular commercial main street. Overall, producing iconic solutions that are inventive, functional and beautiful are the ultimate goal of Andrea Clark Brown Architects, PA on behalf of the firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clients. This imperative is the key to moving forward an appreciation of the important and creative design process distinguishing a building product from a true Architecture.

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Contact: Camelia Man Contact Email: office@opensquaredesign.com Design Offices: New York City- USA, Cluj-Napoca- Romania Woodworking Shops: Brooklyn/New York City- USA, Grantham-UK, Targu Lapus-Romania Phone: 001 917 725 4064 Website: www.opensquaredesign.com, www.opensquarewoodworking.com, www.designcontributor.com

Best Interior & Industrial Design Firm – New York & Award for Excellence in Hospitality Interior Design – New York

Open Square Architecture & Interior/ Industrial Design Open Square Architecture & Interior/Industrial Design (OSAIID) is a design-built firm, established in New York City since 2011. We spoke to Camelia Man to discuss what service the firm provides to clients and explore the secrets behind its success.

t the beginning, the firm’s services were focused on design and furniture manufacturing for residential and commercial clients. Throughout the years, the company has used its experience and past projects to improve its services and increase the area of expertise and presently, the team are proud to be known as a full architecture/ design built company which offers Licensed Architectural Services, Licensed Construction Services, Interior Design Services and Custom Made Furniture Manufacturing Services. Camelia talks us through the firm’s latest project, outlining the key challenges that the firm has had to overcome as well as detailing what aspects of these projects the firm is particularly proud of.

this environment from design abuses, simply by using moral principles within our design process and implementing established environmental friendly ideas and materials.

“Out of our latest projects, we would like to mention one which is a huge furniture installation. We were commissioned by the extraordinary talented people at Hoorsenbuhs LLC to manufacture a massive mock-up of a vault. More or less a structure of 19 ft L x 11 ft H x 10ft W, entirely covered in brass, with every inch of brass hand polished. The main challenge for our company was to translate the original design developed by Hoorsenbuhs, into a physical structure, sturdy enough on its own, but yet built in modules, and also be easy to assemble and disassemble. We had to split 7200 lbs of physical matter weight into a 5-level stackable modularity, without distorting the design.”

The company distinguishes itself from similar firms within the industry by being adaptive, innovative and eager to learn. Camelia points us towards the multi-skilled approach tha the firm has towards recruitment, as a key factor in OSAIID marking themselves out as the best possible option for clients.

For any firm in any industry to be successful, there must be an overall mission with all employees and management pulling in the same direction, working towards reaching the same goals. Camelia describes how the client is always put first and all designs are put in place with the vision of improving people’s lives, before going on to detail the firm’s main focus during projects, which follows on from its vision of understanding client’s desires and translating them into the projects. “At OSAIID, our company’s overall mission is to implement design with every opportunity we have. Design is meant to improve people`s lives and our duty is to create an equitable trade between the idea of making business and serving the client`s needs. Another key principle of our mission is the responsibility we have, as design professionals, towards the environment and the protection of

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“When we work on a project, our main focus is to understanding the client`s desires and translate them, with the help of design principles, into reality. Constant communication, especially in not so desirable situations, is the only way to achieve success for both parties. Seeing every project as a partnership, facilitates this communication, because of the fairness which is implied by the definition of the word partnership.”

“Competition is a natural consequence of being in business. So we have committed, from the beginning, towards embracing competition; more or less we always learn from those who are doing better than us, by building on top of our existing assets. And one of these assets is our constant focus to offering excellent customer service, regardless of the magnitude of the project. We also observed that a transparent process for the financial aspect of a project, plus the delivery of our best quality, have proved vital to our company success. “For sure, what marks as out as the best possible option for our clients, is the multi skilled approach we have for choosing our staff; everyone in this company is an expert in more than one field, so it really makes a difference when an engineer is building your furniture or when a designer is creating your space layout for your interior design project.” Lastly, Camelia comments on what the future holds for OSAIID, expanding globally as a firm. Opening up future offices across Europe, the firm is well placed to capitalise on its current success.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The future holds for Open Square Architecture & Interior/Industrial Design the global opportunity to provide access to design for everyone willing to embrace its benefits. We can also be part of this new global society by interconnecting different countries through our company offices or furniture factories. We have already taken the first steps towards this direction by opening a secondary design/architecture office in Cluj Napoca- Romania, respectively two more small furniture wood shops in Grantham-UK and Targu Lapus-Romania, and are excited for the opportunities this will bring for our firm.â&#x20AC;?

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Contact: Andre Negri Contact Email: andre@studionegri.ie Address: Unit 87, The Academy, Parkwest Pointe, Dublin 12, Ireland Phone: 00353 086 821 2674 Website: www.studionegri.ie

Best Sustainable Architecture Firm – Leinster & Irish Commercial Refurbishment of the Year 2017: IWA Oak House Energy Upgrade, Cork

Studio Negri is comprised of highly qualified architects and technicians that are registered members of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland. We profiled the firm to find out what makes it so successful and attractive to clients, old and new.

tudio Negri strive for excellence in the realm of Eco Architecture and sustainable designs that are simple, elegant and uncluttered. Every scheme is regarded as a singular opportunity to achieve design ingenuity with a strong understanding of environmental and sustainable issues. The firm possess a mix of private and public clients, however, for one off houses and extensions the clients tend to be private, while the firm has also completed a number of public jobs for County Councils and the Office of Public Works. Andre outlines the firm’s latest project, detailing some of the challenges that the firm came across and what aspects staff are particularly proud of.

“Currently, we have a house renovation on site where the Energy Rating is an E and we intend to bring it up to Passive House standards. This will have a remarkable effect on the future energy performance of the house. We have also just complete a public project in the West of Ireland for seven no. low energy houses that are wheelchair friendly. The technology in the houses include environmental controls that enable users to open doors, windows & curtains, raise levels of counters & adjust lighting all from a remote control. This adds dramatically to the quality of life of the users.”

mark the firm out as the best possible option for both current and prospective clients. “Relating to the firm’s success, we were showcased in the international book ‘100 Eco Architects’. Studio Negri was selected for its contribution to the essential arena of sustainable design and clients are increasingly aware of how important this approach is in design. We recently won an international competition in Dublin, however that project will not be realised.” Ensuring projects are completed to the highest possible standard, technology is used by the firm. Software products are used by the firm as well as physical products which help staff to understand the nature of the project that they are undertaking. “With regard to technology, we build physical and computer models of all our projects, which help give a thorough understanding of the scheme and its relation to context. We also use software products that calculate heat and moisture transport in walls and other multi-layer building components exposed to natural weather.”

Staff working towards achieving the same goals can be of great benefit to companies as it helps them to reach their vision. Andre outlines the overall mission of the firm to us, mainly focusing on the environmentally friendly aspects of the business. This mission is key as to how the company approaches new projects, as Andre points out.

As it looks towards the future, Studio Negri has undertaken a project which helps to keep the minds at the firm fresh, creating new ideas which will only benefit the company in the future. Andre is keen to point out that the company would entertain the proposition of completing a project within the UK.

“At Studio Negri, our mission is to design buildings with excellent thermal and acoustic performance, quality natural light and low carbon footprints that automatically reduce energy consumption and promote efficient energy use. When undertaking a new project, we pay particular attention to design details such as thermal performance, preventing air leakage, quality natural light and low carbon footprints.”

“Looking ahead, we are currently working on a competition which helps to keep design thinking fresh and challenging. Additionally, we are also working on products such as armchairs, one of which can be experienced in a recently opened modern restaurant in Malahide, Dublin. The frame is of Accoya, a softwood timber with exceptional environmental credentials and the fabric is Cradle to Cradle certified. We strive to complete all projects to the best of our ability and take on jobs nationwide and would love to do a project in the UK.”

Distinguishing itself from competitors, Andre points out that the firm has been acknowledged in many books. Its recent achievements and success help to

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Contact: Mario Corea Contact Email: info@mariocorea.com Contact Email: mail@mariocorea.com Address: Grassot 10-12, Baixos, Barcelona, 0 8025, Spain Phone: 0034 934 760 732 Website: www.mariocorea.com

Best Sports Architecture Firm – Spain & Excellence Award for Education Architecture

Mario Corea Arquitecture Mario Corea Arquitecture is a professional architect’s office with more than 30 years of experience devoted to the project and technical building management of health care and educational buildings, sports facilities, dwellings and urban design projects in Catalonia, Spain and South America. We profiled the firm to find out a bit more about the company and the services that it provides. ario Corea is the founding partner of Mario Corea Arquitecture, and has 50 years of international professional experience. He received the title of architect of the National University of Rosario, Argentina and obtained the Master of Architecture in Urban Design of Harvard Graduate School of Design GSD of Harvard University and Diploma in Urban Studies of the Architectural Association of London.

He has received numerous awards and distinctions. In 2010, he received the A + award for the career and designation as Honorary Fellow of the American Institute of Architects. His work has twice been nominated for the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture Award-Mies van der Rohe: for the General Hospital of Mollet in 2011 and for the Carles Rahola Public Library in Girona in 2015. In 2016 he received the Prize National of Architecture to the Trajectory of the National Fund of the Arts of the Ministry of Culture of Argentina. From 1976 to 2007 he was a professor at the Superior School of Architecture of the Vallès and has been a visiting professor and professor at many international universities. Since 2015 he has been Academic Director of Hospital Architecture Laboratory Barcelona (Barcelona). Currently, Mario Corea continues his professional practice in his offices in Barcelona and Buenos Aires. The company offers a variety of services and products to an assortment of clients. Focusing mainly on a sports stadium in Spain, there was a decision made to build an indoor athletics stadium with capacity for 2,500 spectators was adopted both to promote the sport and to provide Sabadell with the opportunity to host regional, national and international competitions. Located in a multi-sports complex, the stadium is located in a long and narrow strip that has a large slope in section and an intensely marked asymmetry. These parameters allowed defining the character of the architectural solution, since the structure acquired its identity through the topography of the place to which it was adapted, while minimizing its impact on the landscape. With regard to the firm’s architectural movements in education, Mario Corea

Arquitecture designed and built a school in the city of Rosario, Argentina. The school was built with the idea of a community feeling around the area. The city of Rosario is carrying out urban development in the so-called “Zero Zone” which includes the possibility of building approximately 4,500 housing solutions with services, complete infrastructure and equipment. This area is located at the northern end of the city, between Circunvalación Avenue, Rosario-Santa Fe Highway, Route 34 and the communal boundary with the town of Ibarlucea. In a first stage, the construction of some 1,500 homes was planned for Ground Zero through different plans, and together with it, the construction of three new educational institutions: a kindergarten, a primary school and a secondary school. This decision is based, among other reasons, on the inability to meet the educational demand of families who will settle in the new neighbourhood from nearby schools that are operating in the neighbourhoods nearby. As for the elementary school to be created, it will have seven classrooms, a multipurpose workshop, library, multimedia room, multipurpose room, as well as the proper spaces for government areas and bathrooms. This school is built according to the typological design system. It responds to the new concept of school buildings designed by the provincial government. The building offers generous spaces where the white colour is the protagonist and where light enters abundantly through the large windows. All these characteristics, added to a wide entrance and the opening to the community of the hall of multiple uses and of the library, return to this and all the similar schools in a reference site of the neighbourhood. In addition, each of its classrooms is integrated into an outer courtyard, which extends the school environment and seeks greater interrelation between students and teachers. Ultimately, these two projects are just a snippet of what Mario and his staff can do. The future looks incredibly bright for the firm as it continues to expand its global reach and undertake projects in a variety of different countries.

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Company: IDP Group Contact Email: info@idpgroup.com Address: 27 Spon Street, Coventry, CV1 3BA, UK Phone: 02476 527600 Website: www.idpgroup.com

Best Multi-Disciplinary Architecture Firm – England & Most Innovative Healthcare Design Project 2017 – Forum Health Centre

Recognised as a leading multi-disciplinary practice, with award winning buildings and notably diverse projects across the UK, we meet the directors of IDP and find out what makes them tick.

DP works across all sectors integrating architecture, business and strategy to create spaces that enhance our environment and daily lives. The directors talk through the services they offer and how their ‘collective culture’ is key to their success.

“I guess you could say we are no one thing. A combination of things maybe; a collective of people with genuine skills and different identities and expertise.’’ “We’re a real mix - experts that’ve been twice around the block, young minds driving innovation, we’ve got kind and sensitive souls, the brave and the bold. We’re a good friend to clients, and we enjoy surprising them, working with them and being praised for delivering on time and on budget. We’re enviably disciplined and wildly creative – we are IDP.” Discussing their strong ‘one team’ ethic, the directors highlight how it enhances everything they do, from the variety of services they offer, to standing out from the crowd and their passion to Interact, Design, Perform. “As a multi-disciplinary we are above all a strong collective – we’ve got planners, architects, project managers, urban and landscape designers, health specialists, technicians and creatives all with differing skills and views, but we work together to make our mark on the world …and we want it to be a well thought out and beautiful one. We want to leave a legacy and we’re not afraid to say it. We deliver on our promises and learn something new every day. Sometimes we disagree, but always we challenge ourselves to do better. That is how we progress.’’ Being a multidisciplinary takes a lot of work operationally so when it’d be far easier to offer clients less we find out why they’re so keen to offer more. “26 years ago we were solely architecture and loved it, but we’ve moved on we offer more. We’ve never found much incentive in easy and it’s our diversity that makes us strong; we’ve got over 70 experts across eight specialisms -

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Architecture, Project Management, Urban Design, Landscape, Health, Cost Consultancy, Planning and Research and Development. And we’re a proper family, there for each other whenever we’re needed. That kind of loyalty gets the job done well. We are never short on resources.’’ Looking to the future, IDP is enjoying global reach and a huge variety of projects. The directors talk us through some recent work. “Together we’re bringing life to so many interesting and ambitious projects from Westminster to Hong Kong – our work is never dull. A state-of-the-art Emergency Department in Leicester one day, a functional re-design of DEFRA headquarters, Westminster the next. We’ve produced proposals for business enterprises in The Cotswolds to innovative estates strategies for the NHS supporting their future clinical services. Additionally, we have restored Grade I, II and heritage buildings and imagined and realised exciting new Urban Design and Landscape developments from Scotland to Basingstoke. Alongside this, we are also excited to be leading on a new acute hospital in Hong Kong and getting stuck into re-modelling iconic buildings in our beloved home town of Coventry. While this keeps them all rather busy they still push themselves to interact with their communities too. ‘’It’s essential to stay connected, it brings new experiences and people. We work with local universities – teaching and encouraging students, offering projects and placements. We want to attract the best new talent and bring in people that appreciate our core values - so we take the time to share with them.” Ultimately, IDP celebrates its achievements in a way that makes its staff feel acknowledged. This helps the internal culture and keeps the working

Working with Coventry University students

Presenting new ideas to the team

Celebrating our 25 year anniversary

environment happy and friendly. Tapping into the firm’s core values, staff all aspire to reach the same goals, and this is key to their success, something the directors point out below. “Celebrating our people and our differences strengthens us, extends our capabilities and keeps us on our toes; but we stick firmly to the core values that unite us, to interact, design, perform. This is at the heart of everything we do. “Importantly, we never forget that we are creating places for People. The work that we do is not just business it is personal. We know that a building is more

than just a building, a space, more than just a space- because we truly believe it.‘’ ‘’At IDP, we study and create the distinctions that make a place unique, memorable and enjoyable. We find out what matters, what works technically and professionally and what will enhance the lives of the people that inhabit the places we create. We have an impressive portfolio of work that we’re very proud of, but it’s our passion and vision that helps us stand apart- it leads us in our decisions and processes whether that’s as an architect or a project manager.”

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Contact: Dave Egan Contact Email: mail@node.ie Address: 42 Dawson Street, Dublin, D02 NX79, Ireland Phone: 00353 17645 945 Website: www.node.ie

Best Commercial Architecture Firm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ireland & Car Showroom Design Project of the Year 2017: Toyota, Liffey Valley

NODE Architecture, the partnership of Noel Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Dwyer and Dave Egan, believe that great buildings can and should be delivered quickly, painlessly and inexpensively. Toyota Liffey Valley is a case in point.

ODE have always believed that architecture is about communication: Communication about ideas with the client, about a design with the builder and about the client with the public. Failures in the process are invariably failures of communication and so NODE see themselves not at the head of the team of individuals required to produce a building, but at its centre, as both a source and a conduit for communication between its members.

Along with a decisive and visionary client and a dedicated design and construction team, it is this thinking that allowed Toyota Liffey Valley, a 30,000 sq.ft. flagship car showroom and service centre to open its doors in November of 2016 after a construction period of just six months. Indeed, from sketch design to completion the whole project took just over 12 months to complete and so it is a good example of how, with good communication, a facility such as this can be delivered effectively and efficiently. The location of the site, overlooking a major urban artery, represented an opportunity to create a landmark building for the brand. The sales and service functions are clearly differentiated as two interlinking architectural volumes clad in high quality architectural panels. The former, facing the access road to the south, is expressed as a seven meter high white box with a large glazing element to display the product and the latter, a nine meter high grey workshop volume, is sited to the north to achieve maximum presence on the main road. The North East corner of this volume is marked with an 11 m high tower structure that, while concealing roof top plant, hosts prominent Toyota signage on its north and east facades. The tower is clad in the same white panel as the sales volume, and is fully illuminated at night to maintain its prominence. The building envelope is punctuated by notes of the accent red of the Toyota brand, most prominently over the six meter high glazed portion of the sales

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volume where it forms a 3 m deep canopy framing the product and controlling heat gain. The building is finished and detailed to the highest levels and, in becoming the template for all future Toyota facilities, it aims to raise the standard of the built expression of the brand.

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Contact: Arndt Wintergest Contact Email: aw@licht-raum-klang.com Address: Kemptener Strasse 14, 87448 Waltenhofen, Germany Phone: 0049 831 5126707 Website: www.licht-raum-klang.com

Best Smart Control Lighting Provider – Western Europe

Die Welle is a control lighting provider, based in Germany. Being a visionary spirit, the company is always a wave-length ahead. We profiled the company to try and find out a bit more about the services it offers.

roviding clients with the right lighting, furnishing and smart technology, Die Welle leave clients with a wealth of expressive living and experience spaces. The company’s certified lighting designers and designers can offer the client something special because they themselves are unique in their own certain ways.

Ultimately, Die Welle offers digital comfort for clients’ needs. All of its solutions are easy to use, whether it be via smartphone or installed buttons, providing the upmost quality to clients. The concept is based on cross-spatial, digital networking of lighting, entertainment and shading functions, as well as the integration of cross-plant components for perfect comfort. Everything is about making the client comfortable.

Die Welle provide clients with all the services, from lighting planning to room design to execution; both regional and superregional. The range extends from private homes to companies, hotels, restaurants, cafes, sales rooms, public spaces, practices and offices. On request, it can also take care of the complete property support. The client is at the centre of the company’s planning approach. For the design to work, the client has to feel comfortable in a room which fits them and meets the requirements. In addition to the necessary technical and economical approaches, the planners naturally also incorporate the clients wishes and preferences into the considerations and planning. Die Welle’s goal is to create a holistic spatial design with materials, colours and shapes, which harmoniously fits into the project. Whether lighting, shading or entertainment, everything becomes smart when Die Welle has finished its project. Although a smart home is sometimes considered to be smart if people can turn the lights on and off using a mobile phone, Die Welle thinks deeper and ensures that additional solutions of possessing a smart home, such as presence simulation to deter burglars are really of benefit. The furnishing of dwellings, houses and companies represent real life as well as the aesthetic feeling of its inhabitants or operators. For this reason, their objective should be planned in detail. The experience of our designers plays an important role. Staff are the pilot so that their house begins to live. The right combination of materials makes people’s rooms unique, comfortable and familiar.

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Contact: Peter Wilson Contact Email: pw@timberdesigninitiatives.eu Contact Email: info@timberdesigninitiatives.eu Contact Email: pwilson@timberdesigninitiatives.eu Address: 90a Constitution Street, Edinburgh, EH6 6RP, UK Phone: 07960 281955 Website: timberdesigninitiatives.eu

Best Timber Architectural Design Specialists - Europe

Timber Design Initiatives Ltd (TDI) delivers new approaches to education, innovation and the demonstration of best practice in the use of wood in architecture. We profiled the firm and found out what makes it so attractive to clients.

uilding upon thirty years of accumulated academic and practical experience, architect Peter Wilson founded TDI in 2015 with the primary objective of encouraging innovation in timber design and construction. To achieve this, the company has three inter-connected services it provides to academia and industry; education, innovation and demonstration.

With relation to education, TDI delivers objective and wholly independent knowledge, guidance and publication in both online and offline formats. It does this through the provision of structured Continuing Professional Education (CPE) programmes to architects, engineers and other construction professionals on all aspects of timber design and construction, embracing the latest engineered and modified timber technologies as well as more traditional building methods.

Each of TDI’s core services is grounded in the firm’s philosophy of ‘think global, act local’. Using this approach, the firm has embraced in order to translate the company’s awareness of advances in the world of timber research, design and construction into more local applications in the various European markets it works within. The aim of the firm is always to find opportunities for timber processors and product manufacturers to adapt emerging scientific and technological advances to their domestic construction market requirements and, where possible, to locally source the specific raw materials required. Complementing this ambition is the company’s goal of providing Europe-wide professional education and technical advice services to architects and engineers with a view to inspiring them to fully engage with new timber technologies in their design thinking.

TDI seeks to publicly demonstrate advances in timber design and engineering through the construction of demonstration projects that utilise the timber products and systems developed within its innovation programme.

With its focus on innovation, the sharing of internationally-generated ideas and knowledge through a structured approach to knowledge transfer is fundamental to the work and success of TDI. Through its ongoing programme of conferences, lectures, presentations, seminars and workshops for its target audience of architects and engineers, the company brings together key players in the manufacturing and construction sectors to share their experience of the processes and timescales involved and the obstacles to be overcome in taking first ideas through to market reality. The methodology employed aims to draw out new thoughts and possible solutions to contemporary challenges, whether in the housing or other sectors, and to filter these ideas into applied research and development projects attractive to both industry funders and related government/EU support programmes.

Innovation lies at the heart of TDI’s work. The firm provides innovation in professional education for architects and engineers; innovation in the development and use of new, timber-based products and construction systems; and innovation in the demonstration and testing of the scientific and technological advances that have moved wood from perceptions of it being suited only to simple, low-cost buildings to the new and exciting, hightechnology frontiers being opened by engineered timber products.

The first two decades of the 21st century have so far witnessed remarkable and significant changes in the construction industry, changes that have impacted internationally, and none more so than in the way new and advanced timber technologies have altered perceptions of how, and what, can be built with engineered timber and other timber-based products and systems. Engineering and scientific developments have also combined to reposition the Earth’s forest resources within the wider drive to sustainably manage

Through the development of new engineered timber products and construction systems, TDI identifies innovative approaches to the use of timber in sustainable design, production and manufacture. The firm seeks to mainstream these through applied R&D collaborations with timber research centres/specialist university departments and private sector manufacturers throughout Europe.

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the planet’s raw materials. In this context, wood, as the primary renewable building material available to us, has huge potential to play a leading role in the construction industry’s engagement in the growing drive to implement circular economy principles across all industrial sectors. Continuing process and technological change is necessary throughout the construction industry, however, to meet ever increasing demands for new, energy-efficient and healthy buildings. At present, the huge need for new and affordable housing in response to demographic change (the gravitation of populations from countryside to cities, people living longer, revisions to conventional definitions of what constitutes ‘the nuclear family’, etc.) is a universal phenomenon, but one that is unmatched by the global construction and property sectors’ current abilities to deliver at the scale required. New housing models and systems are therefore needed that can be built at speed to far higher standards and to better quality than even before and which provide well-designed, healthy and safe environments in which people can live and work. The same is true of the associated buildings these new communities require: education and healthcare facilities, as well as cultural, leisure, retail and other amenities. The modern workplace too, continues to evolve in the slipstream of ongoing, rapid advances in digital technologies, with increased levels of attention being given to spatial and environmental design approaches that enhance employee satisfaction and wellbeing. Much of the change required in these areas can be, and is being achieved through the use of modern timber technologies: witness the progress over the past 10 years in the design of ever-taller residential buildings formed from solid, laminated timber products and systems, with housing projects entirely constructed from these rising from a pioneering nine storeys in 2008 to proposals today in many cities around the world for timber-based apartment complexes which can be upwards of 30 storeys high. Traditional concerns over the fire safety of timber buildings are rapidly being addressed - and confounded - by sophisticated fire engineering research, as are structural design questions about the durability and stability of these lighter-weight constructions. Commercial clients too, are recognising the health and welfare benefits of workplaces built from timber products. The greenhouse gas implications inherent in rainforest depletion have focused attention on the illegal harvesting of tropical hardwoods and the consequent need to find replacements for the timber products derived from them. The term ‘wood modification’ may be unfamiliar to many, but the bio-based processes involved in the chemical and thermal transformation of less durable species to the kind of highly durable timber products now being used, for example, to line canals and which, being non-toxic can, at the end of their service life, be re-used for other purposes. The change in the way we think about, and use timber-based products and systems is the result of intensive research and development carried out over the past 30 years by specialist research centres, university departments and manufacturing companies in different parts of the world, either individually or in collaboration: work that continues today to advance the benefits and possibilities of timber design and construction. The consequent need to disseminate the outputs of this R&D work more widely to the design and construction sectors as well as providing sound technical grounding to them in the use of emergent engineered and modified timber products and systems is the raison d’être of TDI. The company has thus focused the delivery of its goals around three major areas of activity. The creation of a pan-European Continuing Professional Education programme for architects and engineers is the next major element in TDI’s business plan. Now at an advanced stage of development, the extension of its experience in this area to a wider, European-based audience will deliver a genuinely life-long-learning framework in which participants can, at their own pace, expand and update their knowledge of timber design and construction throughout their careers. The objectives are achievable, with the aim to improve individual career advancement possibilities for participants by providing them with demonstrable knowledge and skills in the use of timber in design and construction. TDI also plans to upgrade the knowledge base within professional offices, thus providing employers with additional, specialist

skills and services to market to clients as well as increasing job mobility opportunities throughout the EU. Current projections indicate that 80% of the world’s population of eight billion will live in urban situations by 2050. This, together with international concerns over rapidly accelerating climate change and the destructive scale and nature of conventional extraction and conversion processes used to transform raw materials into building components demands a paradigm shift in the way we conceive and construct buildings and cities. In responding to these environmental challenges, developments in timber engineering and in engineered timber products have, over the past decade, helped to foster a new generation of tall, solid wood residential structures. It is now possible to explore how the knowledge gained from these individual projects might be extended into the design of clusters of vertical timber buildings that, together, can successfully deliver large-scale, high-density, urban communities. In communication with architects and engineers around the globe, the Vertical Timber City project is the company’s research and development vehicle addressing these issues. Finally, tourism is now one of the world’s largest industries, with a rate of growth fast outpacing the abilities of countries and regions to provide the updates to infrastructure necessary to support the vast numbers of arriving visitors looking for new and different travel experiences. Following its successful involvement in ‘The Scottish Scenic Routes’ initiative that has employed young architects and landscape architects to design new facilities along the major road routes throughout the country, TDI is now focused on how these pilot projects can be extended to provide new facilities along walking, cycling, sailing and rail routes in remoter parts of the country, with the interconnected aims of improving the country’s physical infrastructure for tourism; delivering sustainable rural employment; providing architecture and construction experience to the country’s wealth of young design talent; and using the projects to demonstrate and test the new timber-based construction products and systems evolved under TDI’s innovation programme. The company has, as part of its commitment to international knowledge transfer, shared its considerable experience in this area via several European collaborations.

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Contact: Jeremy Steere Contact Email: jeremysteere@intekom.co.za Address: Hely Hutchins St, Mtunzini, 3867, South Africa Phone: 0027 35 340 1453 Website:www.jeremysteerearchitect.co.za/

Architecture & Planning Consultant of the Year – South Africa & Best South Africa Community Project Eshowe Police Station

jeremy steere

ARCHITECT mtunzini durban johannesburg

Jeremy Steere Architect is the architecture firm of Jeremy Steere, based in South Africa. Jeremy has been Principal Architect of the firm since 2002, and we profiled both him and his company to find out what makes them so successful.

ossessing a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of architecture, Jeremy Steere has numerous qualifications, ranging from Bachelor’s degrees in Architectural Studies and Architecture from U.C.T, to his most recent qualification in 2000; P.D.P. Property Development Programme U.C.T. In 2004, Jeremy Steere Architect emerged from its home in Mtunzini, a coastal village 120km’s north of Durban - a 1940’s railway house. The office was built above a flat in the garden as a small, yet functional space with large sliding folding windows opening up onto the dune forest providing sneaky glimpses of the sea. After expanding, space constraints required another office for staff comfort and the firm decided to open an office in Eshowe 45km away. At the time Eshowe had no architect and a need was evident with rural projects such as clinics, hospitals and schools being designed by architects from Richards Bay and Empangeni.

As such, it was down to Jeremy and his firm to build his own, new office. It is not often an architect gets to be his own client. The new office in Eshowe was one of the renovation projects the firm took on in 2007. The existing building comprised of a ground floor apartment accessed from the main street and a first floor apartment, which could be accessed via an external staircase on the South Elevation. The first floor was changed into the office and the apartment downstairs refurbished and maintained as an apartment. The motivation behind its renovation was to maintain the original Modernist architectural features whilst bringing in a few contemporary touches and opening out the interior spaces. The building is located on a busy street in Eshowe. It is a fine example of what the company can do and was likely an enjoyable project to work on, as Jeremy was able to be his own client. Alongside renovating its own offices, the firm has undertaken many projects since its establishment. The firm takes on social projects, as well as bush lodges in the Umfolozi Reserve and Somkhanda, commercial and residential

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projects as far afield as Kythira, an island in Greece. Jeremy Steere Architect is able to offer variety and this is what makes it so attractive to clients, with the firm having also ventured into conservation and education sectors over the years.

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Contact: Bernhard Bossard Contact Email: b.bossard@vtxmail.ch Address: Dorfgasse 10, 4435 Niederdorf, Switzerland Phone: 0041 61 901 90 10

Most Innovative Residential Architecture Firm - Switzerland

Architekturburo Bossard Architekturburo Bossard is a small architectural office which cooperates with other offices. We invited Bernhard Bossard to tell us about the firm and discuss what differentiates it from other firms.

lients of Architekturburo Bossard are both private and companies. Providing them with a variety of services, the clients can count on the firm to get the job done. The services the firm offers include urban planning, housing, emergency housing, new concepts of living in the year 2050. Bernhard talks us through the firm’s latest project, its location and how enjoying the scenery can sometimes be a great perk of the job. He also details how he aims to work hard for his clients and produce quality results.

“Recently, the firm has been working on a residential block containing eight flats in the countryside. The block of flats is located on a slope but is situated in a lovely area and all flats are rented out. I am always aiming to be the best and the most successful architect and I achieve this by working hard and achieving great results for my clients.” When approaching new clients, and undertaking new projects, it is important for any architecture firm and its staff to establish exactly what is required by the client. Bernhard is no different and has to adapt to any demands made by the client, ensuring he has the necessary tools and brainstorms required to produce the best result. “Firstly, I have to understand as fully as possible the need and goals of my clients. Accordingly, I choose the necessary tools and thoughts to get to a desired result. I always aim to make myself the best choice for clients, which coincides with my overall mission and helps me with my work.” Providing us with an overview of the architectural industry within Switzerland, Bernhard notes that there are many wonderful sculptures and buildings currently being built within Basel, with well-renowned companies contributing to a thriving industry. More and more materials are being introduced to the industry, forcing architects to be more considered when selecting their materials.

“There is an active architectural scene in and around Basel, plus a lot of outstanding projects and big names. There are important regulations bound to the very strict building codes in Switzerland, the abundance of building materials that forces the architect to better understand and selection of building materials.” Overall, to ensure excellence for clients, the firm incorporates technology into its projects in all aspects, using CAD (Computer Aided Design), however, Bernhard prefers to draw with pencils and sketch his designs but he is also eager to embrace new technologies and provide his clients with the services they need. Therefore, thanks to his bright and innovative mind, Bernhard and his firm can look to build on the solid foundations at the firm, as well as venture into the unknown and design a cruise ship. “Moving forward, the future of my firm is bright, and in the coming future I would like to build a super slim skyscraper of which I have already made urban plans and concepts for the little town of Liestal, located near Basel.”

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Contact: Connie Roy-Fisher Contact Email: Connie@studio-sprout.com Address: 521 25th Street, West Palm Beach, FL, 33407, USA Phone: 001 561 262 8240 Website: www.studio-sprout.com

Best Landscape Architecture Firm - Florida

Studio Sprout specializes in client centered design for high end residential, healthcare and governmental projects. We invited Connie Roy-Fisher to tell us more about the firm’s award-winning hardscape and landscape designs and what services it offers to clients.

thriving landscape architecture firm, Studio Sprout’s designs address the specifics of each unique client, site and architecture. Venturing into many project types, the firm makes sure it makes each client feel special and unique. Connie discusses the project goals and specific aspects that can make each assignment extraordinary.

“At Studio Sprout, our goal is to provide a connection to nature through carefully orchestrating vistas, appointing comfortable outdoor rooms and providing dynamic transitions from space to space. “Making the client feel comfortable and satisfied is central in our overall mission. The client is the most important member of our team. Meticulous staff planning and constant attention to detail leads to successful projects and satisfaction on both sides. “Fundamentally, the client is the catalyst. Careful consideration of project goals is filtered through considerations for sustainability, site opportunities and relationships to architecture. If the client is happy then so are we as a firm.” Dealing with an assortment of clients means that the projects the firm undertakes will also vary, as each client has their own unique taste and requirements. Fortunately, staff at Studio Sprout are highly-skilled and trained and therefore can cover many different aspects and tailor their skills to match the client’s needs, as Connie explains. “Due to a plethora of client lifestyles and requests, our residential gardens range from simple to complex, using native, tropical or formal plantings surrounding pools, pavilions and opening to water views. This is helpful to us as all of the employees at the company are well versed in adapting designs to meet specific needs.” Designing for wellbeing in healthcare facilities is one of Studio Sprout’s specialty niches, with a certification in Evidence Based Design. Both working

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and being cared for in healthcare facilities can be extremely stressful. Providing positive distractions in user appropriate natural settings can reduce stress. Connie comments on the trends in the healthcare market, mentioning how stressful working and being in healthcare can be, therefore projects are aimed at letting people distract themselves from the healthcare settings and any reminders there may be, enabling them to relax. “Healthcare projects are based on the latest research that examines design for well-being. Design concepts provide easily accessible, comfortable settings to get away from the stresses of healthcare settings and the work associated with it.” Having given us the breakdown on what projects the firm has undertaken in the past, Connie details some of the firm’s latest projects, including some that the company is currently working on, highlighting the versatility of the firm and its staff. “Currently, we are working on a vacation home in Anguilla, a riverfront home that incorporated a Bali theme, a series of butterly gardens for a local Hospice facility and an historic streetscape in West Palm Beach. “Completed signature projects include Morikami Japanese Gardens, the West Palm Beach Waterfront, Design Guidelines for Walter Reed Medical Facility and a number of award winning residential projects in Palm Beach, Jupiter Island and North Palm Beach.” In summary, being a versatile and accomplished firm means that Studio Sprout will be able to continue to be a successful landscape architecture firm, satisfying and exceeding clients demands, covering all sorts of projects. Connie and the rest of the staff at the company are very excited about the future, which looks set to bring Studio Sprout many exciting opportunities.

where branded boutique tends to be similar wherever you go, fresh, individual and tailor made concepts enrich the shopping experience. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Having production at hand allows us to control quality at all times and to seek new methods to manufacture outstanding quality at competitive price. Serving the high-end luxury retail trade demands to be up to date with the latest technologies that lead to new ideas and methods.â&#x20AC;?

In conclusion, there appears to be a positive outlook for Dobas, with great customer service and a willingness to be stand out from the crowd all contributing to a positive working environment and fantastic products. Being heavily involved in the production and designing process, Patrick and his team are confident that Dobas will only get bigger and better.

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Contact: Patrick Buchecker Contact Email: info@dobas.ch Address: Pilatusstrasse 35, CH-6003 Luzern, Switzerland Phone: 0041 41 972 56 64 Website: dobas.ch

Best Shop Interiors Company - Switzerland Pantone wird immer gemischt. 15_100_100

Specialized in the field of high end retail development, Dobas AG offer its customers a full range service, from concept development to turn key finished boutique, exhibition booth or hospitality project, including manufacturing, transport logistics and installation on site, guaranteeing its customers to deliver high end Swiss quality precisely on time, all over the globe. Patrick Buchecker discusses the services that the firm provides and what makes the company enticing to clients.

stablished in 2006, since inception Dobas has completed over 400 projects in over 40 countries on four continents. The team at Dobas comprises of 15 specialists in interior design and technical planning.

Dobas’ philosophy when approaching clients falls in line with the overall mission of the firm of providing the best services for customers. Importantly, clients are made to feel unique and special, with the firm treating each project as if it was their own, ensuring the final product is only something everyone is satisfied with, as Patrick explains. “Essentially, our overall mission is to provide our customers, be it in retail, exhibition or hospitality, with an outstanding service in terms of design and quality. We focus on the requirements of our customers and are eager to provide them with an individual and unique project, allowing them to stand proud in their competitive environment.” Patrick details the firm’s approach to its projects, as well as outlining some of the projects that the firm is currently involved in. For the project to be successful, it has to work for both sides, which is why construction does not start until the firm has a clear picture of the intended outcome. Staff work together and share ideas, with mood and sample boards underling the feeling that the workforce want to achieve. “Here at Dobas AG, we are devoted to each project, be it a small space or a large unit, each bears its potential and deserves our full attention, developing a unique experience. Presently, we are involved in a large high end boutique for shoes, bags and accessories, covering a surface of 1000m2. The project started off in 2015 and will be completed by the end of the year. We were challenged with a shop footprint that is clustered with structural column, our goal was to create a boutique that never the less appears spacious and intriguing.”

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“Each project starts with an evaluation of the present situation and a briefing, gathering information that is vital to establish a SWOT analyses (Strengths, Weaknesses Opportunities, Threats). We analyse the functionality and what improvements can be achieved to allow for lean working processes. Furthermore, we investigate the needs and requirements in the near future and what aspirations our client might have for the future. Only once we have a clear picture about the individual needs of our customer we get down to create an interior design concept, starting with layouts, to clarify the functionality, and developing towards elevation plans.” Discussing the team ethic and internal culture within Dobas AG, Patrick alludes to the experience of staff and how they all have past knowledge of different cultures. Despite this, production is based solely in Switzerland, meaning that the firm are able to keep a close eye on the goings on in the project. “Internally, we have established a creative team along with a technical department that is specialized in realizing projects all over the world, understanding different cultures and approaches to according methods of trading. We produce all our interiors in Switzerland, keeping production close to our creative office, keeping quality high from designing to planning and from manufacturing to implementation.” Reaching around the world, the company aims to reach out to its customers and be in the right place at the right time with regard to securing the right project. Standing out from the crowd is vital to make the client and its customers more attracted to new products. Patrick explains how having production so close to home and staff taking a great interest in the clients and the culture they are working within can only be good for the firm. “Working globally keeps us on the ball with latest trends. Staff take great interest in learning about the culture we are working for. In a global market

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Architect of the Year 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sri Lanka Company: Mindika Nethalie Chandrasekera Contact: Mindika N.C. Lekamge Contact Email: mnclekamge@yahoo.co.uk Address: M.N. Chandrasekara 699 B-4, Kohalwila Road, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka Phone: 0094 011 291 5616 077 366 2757

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Contact: Susana Hernandez Contact Email: sh@fr-ee.org Address:Av. Paseo de la Reforma, 412 Col. Juarez 06600, Mexico DF Website: www.fr-ee.org/

Best Global Architecture & Industrial Design Firm – North America

FR-EE is an innovative and ambitious architecture firm with an experienced team and a global perspective. We profiled the firm and its team to find out more about its success and the work it does for clients.

R-EE is a global architecture and industrial design firm with offices in New York, which focus on industrial design only, and Mexico City, where staff focus on architecture and design. With Founder Fernando Romero being one of the most talented architects of his generation, the company is marching ahead with its plan to be one of the leading architecture companies in Mexico and across the globe. With a commitment to transforming historic, social, economic and environmental contexts into contemporary urban destinations, FR-EE’s projects have attracted millions of visitors, with the company garnering critical attention for its approach. The projects have had a positive impact in cities and communities, with an increase in visitors and attractions coming into the area. Over the years, the firm has proposed and completed projects in a number of countries which encompass different programs and contexts, mostly from museums and office buildings to dense urban centers and the desert.

Head of the firm, Mr Romero, is recognized as one of the leading architects of his generation. He was named a Global Leader of Tomorrow at the World

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Economic Forum in 2002, one of the 50 Most Influential Designers by Fast Company in 2012 and became an Honorary Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in 2013. Having this level of success alongside his wealth of experience highlights what Fernando brings to the firm, meaning he can exert his influence amongst his staff, which contributes to the highly successful nature of the firm. Using architecture as a tool to translate historical context in the current society and culture, FR-EE focuses on defining striking concepts which comply with the ambition of its clients and in some cases, surpasses their requirements. Ensuring it can realise the projects it undertakes and complete to clients’ full satisfaction, staff undertake extensive technological and social research, showing a commitment to sustainability and an unprecedented use of structures and materials. The firm’s approach is to work with collaborative, multidisciplinary teams in a hybrid, hands-on process which helps to truly embody contemporary architecture.

Possessing an extensive knowledge of the local markets and standing at the intersection of developed and emerging economies, FR-EE combines this with a vision of global trends and aspirations, with projects in Mexico, Asia, Europe and USA. Clients approach the firm with unique ideas and ambitions, leading staff to set about creating bespoke solutions, ranging from iconic to rational projects.

Ultimately, there is a huge number of staff in place at FR-EE, leading to an immense amount of experience combined, enabling the company to produce a quality service and of course, deliver excellent projects. Using this experience, the team will look to expand the business both locally and globally, continuing with its mission of modernising historical settings, where appropriate. Having already gained a huge following and amount of attention, FR-EE will be able to build on the solid foundations already laid and catapult itself into the future.

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114 Contact: Muhammad Nadeem Anwar, Executive Engineer Landscape Contact Email: hortusuae@gmail.com. nadeembloom@hotmail.com Address: Office 213, The Light Commercial Tower, Arjan, Dubai, UAE. Telephone: +971502831341 Website: www.hortusuae.com, nadeemanwar.strikingly.com

Muhammad Nadeem Anwar, Executive Engineer Hortus “Best Landscaping & Swimming Pool Designer for Residential Projects – UAE”

Muhammad Nadeem Anwar Muhammad Nadeem Anwar is a qualified and experienced landscaping professional and widely known for his unique design and professionalism in Middle East landscaping industry. Hortus Landscaping Works LLC established under his leadership covers vast areas of services from consultation to construction for all types of residential and commercial properties. Muhammad Nadeem Anwar tells us about some of the services that the firm provides and discusses the company’s success. stablished in 2012, Hortus deals mostly with high end private property owners and hotels. Usually the clients require elements of design and development of quality outdoor living spaces. Ranging from Swimming pools, water features, spas, outdoor rooms, patios, outdoor kitchens, wooden and tiles decks, pergola and gazebos to creating the planting plans, ambient lighting systems, well added irrigation systems, high rise greenery and green roofs to name a few, all of these solutions are well crafted by Team Hortus. The firm’s desire to create beauty and comfort coupled with the drive to deliver excellent customer service, means that Hortus is able to ensure its services exceed expectations. Muhammad explains how his previous experience of management and his team has helped him to hone is skills and adapt accordingly in order to meet the needs of clients.

“As a leader at Hortus, I always prioritize the needs and requirements of our esteemed customers, assisted by my team of highly qualified and industry experienced managers, professional designers, quality engineers and seasoned key staff. All my staff have helped and enhanced my core specialty services, resulting in a wide range of satisfied clients and an assortment of wonderful projects to showcase our portfolio. “From the initial concept to the completed project, I oversee the whole process and examine the project in detail, right the way through to the handover to the satisfied customer. The mission I envisage, is to exceed my clients’ expectations, providing them with wonderful outdoor living experiences and ensuring these solutions are fully functional, self-contained, eco-friendly and easily manageable.” Essential in becoming a successful business, staff must all be pulling in the same direction and look to achieve the same goals in order to be a successful business. Muhammad outlines Hortus’ overall mission and what targets he sets the team, highlighting they all work together to reach these goals. The quality of leadership and the friendly and happy working environment are all major factors in how Hortus has come to be successful. “In order to achieve my mission, I am always keen to follow up on the aspects I believe make the project successful; including quality, leadership, teamwork and profitability. We try our best to complete each phase of our project with the utmost attention to detail, proving our commitment to delivering the

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highest standards in all aspects, starting from material quality, best manpower, best services and safest work environment under continued vigilance. We want to be the leader in our industry and our community and therefore the team is dedicated to being the best in every aspect. The team wants to be the best environmental steward and act with integrity and professionalism with our employees, clients, vendors and peers, helping us maintain an image that supports our mission. “Hortus always believe in teamwork. Staff strive to work together with our clients, vendors, team members, and the entire community. To foster teamwork, we always support cooperation, show respect, adapt to the everchanging work environment and provide effective communication to all. The efficient use of labor and materials results in a profitable company. Being profitable enables us to reinvest in new equipment, processes, facilities and people to help us grow, provide for growth and opportunities for our team, and help our team provide for themselves and their families.” Throughout his concluding comments, Muhammad predicts what the future holds for the firm, refers to what he believes differentiates Hortus from other similar landscaping firms, explaining how the quality of service provided by the firm will help the company in its vision of becoming a leader in the market and expanding globally. “Recently, I have established our design and build offices in North America and Malaysia to have a wonderful working experience from tropical to temperate regions. Furthermore, I am introducing some amazing European products of artificial turf into UAE market with our brand name; Hortus Grass. “Moreover, in 2017-18, I have planned to introduce mostly modern ecofriendly materials for High Rise greenery, including high rise irrigation systems, roof gardening, vertical green wall systems, indoor green wall systems, ecofriendly materials for our clients in UAE market. “Ultimately, I believe that quality and service orientation offered at Hortus Landscaping are the key to achieving the sustaining competitive advantage in the recent, highly competitive market grounds. The company tries to provide the best possible service to fulfil needs of our clients and fully involve them in each step of the project, keeping them informed and answering to all of their needs in a professional manner.”

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