Our approach to each project is to establish a framework for design and management based on consultation with the client to understand their culture, the brief, the physical and broader cultural context of the site. Our design objective is the creative and coherent architectural resolution of the clients priorities for the brief, cost and timescale with the integration of other factors such as user comfort, technical & servicing considerations, image, appropriateness of scale, flexibility, adaptability, maintenance and sustainability.

Our method involves the appraisal of design options at all stages and evaluating of competing priorities, enabling decisions to be based on consideration of multiple criteria. The design process is iterative to allow for a holistic and integrated approach based on a cyclical process of analysing, questioning and refining work in progress through the successive design phases. In this way through ongoing dialogue between the client, design team, and consulted parties project specific solutions are generated.

Consultation, Communication and Teamwork
Through consultation and creative dialogue with the client, and wider community, we seek to gain an in-depth understanding of the daily patterns of use, and to establish a thorough appreciation of the aspirations for the project. We believe that community engagement through early dialogue instills a sense of ownership, and ultimately supports the projects long-term success.

Inclusivity
Our practice has a strong commitment and engagement towards projects with a wider social agenda.
Much of the practice’s work to date has been embedded in new programmes for public spaces and buildings such as schools and cultural buildings, with an emphasis on encouraging social sustainability by promoting new and existing networks and extended use of buildings by the wider community. Typically this involves resolving complex briefs to suit different patterns of use and sometimes conflicting requirements for accommodation, access and security.

Design for change
We are concerned with providing buildings that are responsive to a wide range of users needs, with an emphasis on flexibility and adaptability to meet changing patterns of use over time.

Accessibility
We believe passionately that every user of the building should feel welcomed and inspired by their new surroundings.
In addition to physical accessibility we are concerned with intellectual accessibility - the design of buildings that are welcoming, legible and easily orientated with clear circulation and signage.

Sustainability
Our approach toward sustainability recognises that measures are to be employed across the life time of a building project.
We also give consideration to social sustainability, and how buildings and spaces can promote social networks and interaction.

Programme, Cost & Value
Through discussion with the project team a programme for the project is developed that sets out the key dates and milestones.
We work closely with cost consultants to establish a framework for cost management throughout all stages of a project.
Life cycle costing can also be applied where appropriate, helping to ensure that decisions are based on wider considerations such as running costs, maintenance and durability.

Quality Control
We operate a quality management system in line with the RIBA guidance for chartered practices (RIBA Quality Management Project Quality Plan), with personal involvement of the directors at all stages thus ensuring clients of consistent and effective control and a high level of quality at all levels of the organisation through from inception to completion of each project.