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We are “Urbanistes”
Understanding the systems of a city is vital. Transit, utilities, landscape, programming and people – as urbanistes, we focus on the integration of these systems through place, function and form. We design ‘fit’, where buildings and places enhance and embrace the particular qualities of their neighbourhood. Our understanding of complex urban issues, of mixed-use, of livability with density, of urban lifestyle, of focusing on a place’s unique assets and of the exchange between people and infrastructure, contributes to our recognition as experts in the new urbanism of cities.
A Team Approach
We are not a departmentalized firm. Instead, teams are formed, with at least one principal working as a partner with qualified and experienced staff on each project. Our group of skilled professionals is big enough to execute large-scale projects, yet small enough to ensure personal attention. Quality control and job continuity is maintained by keeping people involved from start to finish.
Sustainability Management
We believe lessening the demand on systems and resources is the right thing to do to sustain both the environment and its people. For 3 decades we have introduced sustainable design options, such as geothermal heating/cooling and storm-water management, into the core program of our projects. With a number of LEED® accredited professionals on staff, we have the knowledge and experience to manage the LEED® process. Going beyond LEED®, we believe that truly sustainable projects maintain a balance between environmental, social and economic factors. Our approach is to develop sustainable models that respond to their communities, have minimal impact on their environments and allow for long-term financial sustainability. To that end, we have also developed a series of in-house practices that integrate sustainable design at the core of all our work.
Knowing the Rules
It is critical to speak the language of bankers, bureaucrats and builders. Knowing the rules allows us to work creatively within - or around them. We have a successful history of working on difficult assignments due to our ability to address problems and solve them within complex jurisdictional environments.
Effective Tools
The way something is presented is often as important as the idea itself. Experienced in addressing different audiences, we are comfortable in both large and small groups. Our communication tools include models, coloured drawings and renderings, boards, slide presentations, and computer video analysis. We have extensive hands-on experience with community engagement, including workshops, open houses and design charrettes, in which an intense design process results in real time schematic design options.
In-House Project Management Personnel/Systems
Our practice is based on a studio model organization. This organization allows for hands-on involvement on individual projects by principals, project architect, office controller and staff. Each project has allocated team members who stay with that project from conception to completion of working drawings. Continuity through to completion of construction is maintained by the project architect and the construction administrator.
Project Controls
Public, private and institutional clients all share the need to work within concise timetables and predictable budgets. Early in a project we establish a Work Process Schedule identifying objectives, tasks, participants and a timetable with key dates. Through pragmatic, commonsense solutions, and computerized cost monitoring during each phase of the design process, we are able to deliver on time and within budget constraints.
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