Clients brief At the start of every project is a brief. Even if the project is self-generated we need to establish the vision, quality, timescale & budget. Each of these factors is critical to examine in detail and prioritise. If one factor is over-dominant, it is our experience that the project suffers. We juggle the constraints until a balance is achieved. We try to set quantifiable targets and test the hypothetical vision against historical precedent. Function We believe in designing for our client’s immediate and perceived future requirements. Only through a vigorous interview process can initial ideas and pre-conceptions be formed into a brief. We do not slavishly follow the theory "form follows function". However any formal proposals have to have been achieved through a rigorous design process. Initial concepts & ideas Our ideas need to be strong enough to sustain constant rationalisation during the design process. We attempt to embody in the completed project simple, strong ideas, which may sometimes only be subtle and understood on consequent visits. Our ultimate aim is that users of the completed building may experience a joy and beauty in the materials, detailing, space and light. Theory We continue to teach at schools of architecture for theoretical research. The process of encouraging students to develop and investigate their ideas is an invigorating way of recharging one’s own ideas and challenges one’s complacency. We promote the exchange of ideas between students and the profession by offering placements within the practice. Teamwork We consider our position as team leader on projects, co-ordinating input from other consultants, our client and the contractor. It is our experience that the best results are achieved only through committed teamwork. Context We believe every project has a context, whether it is the existing fabric of a building the archaeological remains of a site, or a surrounding landscape. The context then becomes an important factor to inform or react against. Detailing Our construction philosophy is based on attention to detail, by allowing one material or a combination of materials to perform their best. We are interested in the expression of materials .We are constantly trying to develop our understanding of construction techniques and research new materials technology. We select materials with long-term maintenance and durability in mind and monitor projects to test their performance. Through our experience we can suggest practical solutions that are achievable by the construction team. Quality & Craftsmanship Our belief is that quality can be immediately aesthetically discernible and will also, over time become apparent in defects. If a person wants to touch the finished building, we have done our job. We see our role as architects to provide full information on the types of materials, their proportions, and methods of jointing, for the craftsmen to construct. This is a dialogue as materials are tested to limits and new materials are tried. Professionalism & integrity We believe that in order to develop the practice, provide remuneration for our staff and invest in the future we have to run a profitable, efficient business. We apply modern management ideas such as continuous assessment and benchmarking against industry standards. We have invested in modern technology and equipment to increase the efficiency of the practice and open up new employment working opportunities. We have started to explore the global marketplace through the Internet and on-line business communication. We pursue a continued professional development programme, training staff and attempting to create a motivated workforce.