Architectural Sketch of Pathway and Awning
Toby Wetherill
The Narrative.
Our approach is to create environments with a strong narrative and a sense of place.
Through creating a framework with guiding principles in the design process, we have found the final product is one that resonates with the users and community.
Narrative prioritises human experiences and the need to shape these into stories. It places the emphasis on human experience rather than only the pragmatic qualities of a design. Rather than reducing architecture to a mere style or an overt emphasis on technology, it foregrounds how spaces can enhance our well-being.
We believe that the strongest design narratives are achieved through:
- Productive dialogue.
- Forging a strong working relationship with clients.
- Understanding the client’s values and the specific characteristics of the locality.
- Assimilation and creativity.
- Forward-thinking.
The Client Experience.
We value collaboration and a shared journey with our Clients.
We consider our clients to be the focal point of the team: As architects, we have a unique opportunity to be an advocate for your project and grow the design on your behalf. Through straight-forward dialogue, a high level of service and responsiveness and a personable approach, GW. enjoys many long-term working relationships with repeat clients. (We’ve managed over eighty projects for two of our Clients and are still going with both!)
We love this quote from Maya Angelou and use it as a guiding principle for our interactions with clients:
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Tools & Technology.
We leverage technology to increase efficiency, explore opportunities for innovation and add value to our clients.
We value hand sketching as much as we value technology in being able to communicate our ideas to our clients and believe in using the ‘right tool for the job’.
Initially we hand sketch to communicate the essence of our ideas. As the project progresses, we use digital 3D models to develop and document the design and provide high quality visualisations and flythroughs for client presentations.
We use Virtual Reality to assist in communicating our designs to our clients and consultants; also, to assist our designers, streamlining the decision-making process.
We harness the capabilities of BIM to create collaborative, efficient and standardised project delivery.
Our Approach.
We take a wide view of project opportunities and provide you with fresh and unexpected perspectives.
Understand the clients’ business objectives and key drivers for the project, including their aspirations to enable us to form a robust brief which forms the cornerstone of the project.
Know the site through thorough investigations and establishing a strong brief and project framework from the outset, including budget and programme. Identify (and eliminate if possible), monitor and manage risks from an early stage.
Assemble a project team with the right mix of creativity, experience and technical skill.
Identify project opportunities and solve problems by thinking ‘outside the box’
Use of scale, texture, forms and materials to create delight, sophistication and visual interest.
Integration of sustainability and wellbeing aspirations, and ubiquitous technology into the design from the outset.
Use good, robust presentation processes and high-quality graphics. Communicate in word and writing clearly, openly and frankly. Listen (and hear) carefully.
Creation of clear circulation and wayfinding as well visual and physical connectivity.
The creative use of light, air, colour and to enhance the experience of the space and sense of well-being.
Develop solutions that complement, transform or integrate with existing building and Client’s strategic direction.
Sustainability.
To us, sustainability is about doing the right thing, for the long term, for the greater good.
We recognise that as architects our influence reaches much further than just building design. Our sustainability focus is about making a positive impact in the three key areas of building design, wellbeing and community.
As a team, we strive to ‘practise what we preach’. We currently recycle, compost, purchase green energy and engage with the community and are always looking at ways to do more.
Through our deep understanding of sustainability, we design with strategies that help to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings
Sustainability is embedded into our Quality Management systems. All project ESD initiatives are managed through our in-house WELL and Green Star Accredited Professionals.
Through considered design we aim to enhance the wellbeing of the occupants in our buildings and through workplace culture we aim to support the wellbeing of our staff.
Aside from ensuring GW. is a healthy and sustainable entity, we strive to lend a hand to others in the wider community where we can. We were recent signatories of the AIA Architects Declare Agreement 2019 and have also signed up for Architects Assist to help those affected by the bushfires. Below are links to other organisations GW. are currently involved with:-
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