EXPERIENCE
Our approach to architecture is that it is in an attempt to respond to a human need for beauty. The human voice expresses a desire which architecture attempts to respond to, through the making of place. The rupture with the past, induced by modern architecture a century ago has had enormously damaging effects on the cities we live in. Post-modernism attempts to respond to this wound with a nostalgic and intellectual architecture through a return to the past. Instead, embracing the reality of the modern age and circumstances but without discarding the wealth of tradition, we accept the challenge of the age and use a modern language, but which is not totally isolated from the past, and rather collaborates and dialogues with the context (including the psychological reality of memory) to bring about something always new. The whole wealth of accumulated architectural history is considered selectively and critically, and seeks to achieve a harmony of all the elements in play. Environment, the built context, time and space, respect for the heritage of history, - these all merge in the architectural Event. Many of our projects therefore do not stand isolated but are always in relationship and dialogue with their surroundings, with some “other” thing (space, garden, building) beyond them. It would be impossible to tear them from their context and build them somewhere else. They would be entirely different buildings elsewhere.
Architecture is not only a personal art: it is an applied art, and amongst these the one with the biggest social impact. Any building built today will probably last longer than the current user or client, and therefore the contribution we make to the architectural and natural environment is lasting. Our contribution seeks sustainability at the level of beauty: people will not want to demolish something beautiful but will want to retain it. Desire and satisfaction therefore comes into play as an important part of our approach: to understand the real need of the Client and to attain satisfaction for them according to their pragmatic brief, but also satisfaction at the level of the mysterious, unspoken need for beauty, which is common to all.
DESIGN
Our experience is not limited to one kind of building typology, or specialization. We design a wide variety of buildings from Residential to Commercial to Institutional and Religious edifices. The exposure to many varying needs of Clients, and the underlying common need for order, are our driving force. A good architect does not get limited by a certain category of building, but rather can embrace the brief and work with consultants on a team to achieve the same level of excellence that we desire. We have also designed some furniture pieces and fittings, which complete the architecture in significant spaces such as kitchens, or in our religious or library projects.
With significant international working experience and a keen eye for perfection of our team, a high level of quality control of the projects in our studio is achieved.
SERVICES
The “unspoken need” for beauty, in us and in our Client, is the guiding principle of all stages of our work. This need not be an explicit part of the brief, but it is carried through in the execution of the project from beginning to end. Our involvement is preferably right through the entire process of the design from setting up a brief together with the Client, through the sketch designs and their development, the submission to local authorities for approval, tender processes and assistance in choosing a contractor, and the construction stage, ending with handover of the project. Building is a complex undertaking, and the Client needs to be accompanied throughout the process in order to achieve a more beautiful and human outcome. The exceptionality of our work is in that the details make all the difference and elevate a project to something truly beautiful that corresponds to this “unspoken need.” Often during the construction stage the difference is made when the architect accompanies the builder not only with the sketches, drawings and details provided, but in working together to make a project that is of an exceptional nature.
Depending on the size and nature of the project, we collaborate with Civil/Structural, Mechanical, Electrical and Acoustic Engineers, Quantity Surveyors, Landscapers, Interior Designers and Project Managers on a team, each appointed by the Client. We prefer to be the Principal Agent on all projects, as the Architect is the one in the best position to represent the Client and has an overarching view of all the factors involved in bringing about a masterpiece, from technical , to financial and programmatic concerns.
Project budgets do not always allow for lavish buildings, but working with what is available, and through careful choices made together with the Client to maximize the resources, and with particular attention to details, it is possible to achieve a result that even with limited means satisfies the Client, end-user and public.
