Presentation of Practises

Fluid

This presentation is extremely impressive, as the company appears to have found a perfect balance between professionalism and client relations. Regulations and policies are regularly updated and investigated, while a personal and friendly approach is maintained with the client. Furthermore this approach to regulatory practice and client relations is combined with the specific design philosophy of the company: to combine dynamic growth and development with environmental and social issues to create beauty that is also functional. This paradigm entails research into the needs not only of the client but also of the community. Each project then combines regulation, client needs and company philosophy to result in the finished project. Through this an ideal of "fluid exchange" is followed, where the process of the project is fundamentally important and changes are incorporated as requirements arise. This makes the design and implementation process very dynamic.

I am particularly impressed with the fact that the company strives to combine its own philosophy with the needs and philosophies of the companies they work with, even though these are not always in agreement. The factor of change seems to enjoy primary importance in the company, and the human element is always taken into account.

The combination of this with the specific needs not only of the client, but also of the community and environment is inspiring. The company seems particularly concerned with social and environmental issues, and this shows in their work. The company therefore is in touch with the specific issues that are part of the society in which they operate. These are used as challenges and inspiration rather than obstacles in order to fulfill design needs.

I also find the internal company philosophy in terms of their staff very inspiring. Not only the clients, but also the staff, are allowed to provide feedback on every project.

2. Wilkinson Eyre

Wilkinson Eyre is a large practice, whose philosophy centers around project design and vision. The importance here is focused upon the presentation and design process. This is of importance not only for initial consultations, but also for later reference. Funding is therefore particularly invested in initial model design and iconic images, so that even when the project is not accepted for completion. The company vision therefore focuses upon the use of technology in order to create appropriate designs for the utmost creativity in each project. The company's philosophy in terms of their clients and developers is to combine their requirement's with the company's vision of design excellence.

It appears here that the company's vision is of utmost importance in every project. This has to be balanced with the views and needs of contractors, who are often trying to cut corners. Some communication does seem apparent, although it seems to be more important to Eyre to use the company's inspiration to create a product that satisfies the requirements of the company. There does not seem to be as great an interaction with the client as in the presentation mentioned above. This is however a large company, and some personal relations will probably be lost. Nonetheless, the company does impress me as one that is clear in its vision and purpose.

What I find inspiring in this case is the company's adherence to its vision even in the face of sometimes difficult contractors and uninspiring briefs. The process of maintaining this vision is also important, in that presentations are kept within the company and weekly gatherings to present and review work completed. Furthermore the fact that all staff members work within the same large office space maintains an air of informality and friendliness. This is inspiring because it helps to inspire creativity, which is the main aim of the company.

3. Lisa Shell

Lisa Shell owns a very small practice that is nonetheless run with ambition, commitment and pride. Such a small practice however does entail certain challenges that a larger practice would have found easier to deal with. These include aspects of the job that may become extremely complex, such as technical problems or workload. In a larger practice it is highly likely that someone with experienced would be able to provide focused advice. With the only 4-5 staff members at this practice it is difficult to find the exact focus that is sometimes needed in larger projects. Furthermore it is necessary to decline certain projects in favor of others to deal with time and financial constraints. The meticulous management of time and finances is also vitally important, as it is more likely for something to go amiss within such a small company.