Contractors and craftspeople are incredibly valuable to the design process; they’re able to offer insight into the practicalities and knock-on effects of certain decisions and help sculpt a more efficient and frictionless route forward.
We like to begin these discussions early in the process, getting input on the likes of retrofit capacity, and even site access considerations, as these can form key decisions around overall approach to procurement and build-ability; allowing us to consider creative solutions to feasibility and viability.
Working with the right team
Breathability, natural construction materials, intricate detailing, thermal bridging, acoustic protection; the building operating as it should comes down to the team on site who are physically implementing the design. Some teams are conservation-led, some teams are manufacturing-led, we build relationships with a range of teams who are experts at delivering a particular type of product. Ultimately getting to know what each team excel at, enjoy and are set up to create. What they enjoy is particularly important to us; we love what we do and it makes a huge difference when you work with teams who feel the same about their focus and skillset. It makes the collaboration all the more interesting as both sides are bringing solutions and learning to the table; sharing the pursuit and achievement of the end goal.
Give it a try
In some ways the construction industry is a slow moving monolith and in other ways there are always new things to try and learn. New materials, products, details. With that comes a willingness to test, try and give things a go. Either on a smaller scale or as a 1:1 prototype of what will be achieved. The physical modelling of key elements and junctions is where this collaboration comes into its own; with each relevant trade being able to feed in to an evolving design where we can look to achieve something beautiful, simple and cost-effective.
Final Thoughts
Bland design is avoidable. Enjoyable design doesn’t need to cost the earth, but it does need to be deeply considered. So spend the time, front load the early stages and allow for some flexibility in the staging between concept and construction; pull teams in, have the discussion and see what happens early doors before the finance clock starts ticking and judgement gets blinkered.
Let’s keep in touch.
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