BUILD - Architecture Awards 2017

48 Build 2017 Architecture Awards ounded by Brian Davies and his son Mark Davies in 2007, Arc Design draws on Brian’s vast architectural experience working in the UK and Ireland in various practices as well as Mark’s experience in both larger and smaller practices in Dublin. Brian always took interest in taking on private work commissions and when Mark began collaborating with Brian on projects they realized they enjoyed working together and the designs were benefitting from the collaboration. Mark discusses the start of the firm and how it works to ensure excellence for its clients. “Myself and Brian started working for ourselves more and more as the projects and opportunities presented themselves and we finally decided at the end of 2006 to dedicate all our working time to Arc Design. Arc Design began in 2007 with just the us and now we have expanded our office to accommodate from just two to seven. “In the beginning, we made a conscious decision to target domestic work as it was more reliable and a steady stream. This is what the practice has grown out of and which generates the most referrals and repeat business. (About 80% of our work). The practice’s body of work is broad and international, with commissions including private houses, small and medium sized residential housing schemes, interiors, hotels, public houses, churches and commercial spaces.” Since inception Arc Design has built a reputation for producing bespoke, well- crafted, contextual and contemporary projects within the built environment. Mark explains how this has helped the firm to grow and prosper. “At the heart of Arc Design working practice is a belief in the importance of engaging in the process by which spaces are made and how they are constructed to the highest quality. We approach each design exercise as a collaborative effort, one that demands an intimate understanding of both Client and Brief before the design process can begin. “Alongside this, we believe that successful projects start with careful listening; regular face-to-face dialogue with the client enriches the design process and ensures that clients are happy with the solutions we find. At Arc Design, we believe if you design and build something in such a way that people love it, they will take care of it and they building can last for many years.” Both Brian and Mark are closely involved in the design of all projects, with one of the partners attending client meetings and leading the project together with their staff. To ensure excellence for clients, ARC Design maintains a passionate multi discipline design team including; building surveyor, interior architect, structural engineer and quantity surveyor that maintains the tight co- ordination of a building project. Mark discusses the team in more detail and outlines how they ensure excellence for every client. “Everyone here at Arc Design sees our role as designers to be one that is about sharing our creative and technical expertise in design whilst exploring the alternatives, so that not only will our clients and buildings benefit from more energy efficient design and lower running costs, but so too the wider environment and future generations. “As such, our practice’s overall practice aim is providing our clients’ with innovative solutions through good functionality incorporating high standards of aesthetic design and detailing. It is important within the building design process to evaluate resources and assess the environmental impact to achieve building excellence and satisfied clients. “Fundamentally, we feel that our architectural firm service is different to others. It stems from our pride and passion in our projects and aims, combined with our extensive experience of working with a broad range of clients from public bodies, to communities to individuals. Over the years, we have come to recognize the areas where we stand out from the crowd.” To ensure the utmost efficiency and effectiveness, the firm uses various technologies, which enable it to offer the very highest standards of service Best Residential Architecture Firm – Ireland & Design/Build Project of the Year 2017: New House Delgany, Wicklow Arc Design is an award winning, chartered architectural practice based in Wicklow. We invited Co-founder Mark Davies to talk us through the firm and the services it offers. Contact Email: [email protected] Company: Arc Design Address: Willowgrove, Delgany, County Wicklow, A63XY89 Ireland. Phone: +353 876875448 or +353 1 2010377 Email: [email protected] Website: www.arcdesign.ie AR170073 F