Design Buy Build Issue 19 2016 | Page 19

On the other hand, anything that didn’t fall out, such as fitted furniture, fixed cornicing, skirtings, architraves, is, broadly speaking Interior Architecture. So the benefits of collaboration First and foremost, a great end product because each professional has been able to focus on their main core skills, bringing the very best value in what they do – The Architectural Technologist dealing with the technology aspects of the project, from producing detailed working drawings, to advising on finishes materials, such as suitable paint types to marble flooring. Graham Green, of Keech Green Architectural Interiors writes: Keech Green is a residential interior design company based in London with a modest team of eight personnel. Specialising in the interior design of high end residential projects for private clients, our projects are typically in excess of 25,000 sqft. Consequently we require the collaborative support of all project / team specialists. In particular, a The Interior Designer produces a palette of colour, textures, mood and feel for each interior room, with the Architectural Technologist advising and inputting on constraints, critiquing and assisting in the selection of finishes materials so that the Interior Designer’s vision for each room is realised. Keech Green’s starting point will always be to conceive a design that is architecturally detailed with great consideration given to the building’s exterior architectural style and location. Architectural consideration along with the need to incorporate all aspect of modern living will require close and detailed communication with the project architect with whom we share our projects. The tremendous collaborative link between Keech Green and ADAM has been paramount. It has a broad and all encompassing importance which is complimented by the ‘day to day’ genuius and expertise of ADAM’s advice on material selection etc. As Alex sites, “tiles in wet areas to paint finishes in Pools and Steam Rooms”. In conclusion, the collaborative relationship to which Alex alludes here determines not merely our ability to do our job, but more importantly the project’s end result. Ideally it is the result that our client has been anticipating. The Architect can keep a watching brief over the continuity of the architectural language of the interiors, so that they are harmonious to the architecture of the building itself. So there you have it – fairly compelling reasons to collaborate. My conclusion is that collaboration is a vital ingredient in a design environment, hugely benefitting the end product and therefore in turn, the client. I hope you, the reader share the same compulsion as me to give consideration to collaboration when appointing design professionals. A current project in St John’s Wood in London, where this is being realised very successfully is in collaboration with Keech Green Architectural Interiors. All of the processes above have been employed on this project and the personalities involved have really bonded in a positive way. Director at ADAM Architecture, Nigel Anderson MA(HONS) DIPL ARCH RIBA has and continues to fulfil the role of Architect on the project, being responsible for the overall concept and aesthetic design, keeping a watching brief over the project to ensure that there is no compromise over the classical language to/of the project. Green shares with ADAM Architecture is a perfect example of a professional collaboration that illustrates the huge benefits of both the working process and the end result. positive working relationship between Keech Green and the project lead professional is critical. More than that, as Alex has already put so succinctly, ”At the heart of collaboration is a respect for one another’s key expertise”. Understanding how each professional body can support the other to achieve the same end, while sometimes challenging is an essential ingredient in the early stages of any project’s evolution. I must say that the project in St. Johns Wood that Keech 19 Alexander Naraian MCIAT ICIOB, Associate Director, ADAM Architecture and Regional Councillor for the CIAT South East Region. You can speak with a Chartered Architectural Technologist at Grand Designs Live in the Ask the Expert feature. A free 30 minute consultation can be booked on the day or you can pre-register at www.granddesignslive. com/excel/what-s-on/ask-an-expert