April 2017

44 BUILD / April 2017 , Sasha Cuff of architectural firm rpa:group talks about areas of specialismand the firm’s dynamic approach. Spatial Awareness rpa:group provides a broad span of services, which range from architecture to retail design and project management. The firm works globally for clients as diverse as the London 2012 Olympic Games to Tommy Hilfiger and Adidas. “Our Architecture Division is a member of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists, says Sasha Cuff of rpa:group. “The team’s working philosophy focuses on how people use and enjoy buildings and the spaces created between them and our work spans a range of sectors from retail, leisure and education, to residential developments. This embraces new-build, fit-out and refurbishments, from small one-offs to projects in excess of £250m.” rpa:group adopts a multi-step process, in which it listens to clients to get a full understanding of what they want and need to achieve. The firm will then assess and consider this with a pragmatic approach, working to challenge ideas and refine the vision with insightful proposals. “Collaboration plays a major part in our process, during which we apply our multichannel expertise and our commercial awareness,” says Sasha. “Most importantly, we ensure that we maintain consistency across all sectors. Our flexibility and our multi- disciplinary approach enables us to get results that create impact and drive commercial success. “Finally, it is our attention to detail that ensures that accuracy and quality is maintained and delivered at all times.” Rpa:group is clearly set apart from the competition not least due to its plethora of major industry accreditations such as CIAT, DBA, APM and IIP. Such awards and accolades as these reassure clients that they are dealing with a company that meets the highest standards and upon whom they can rely to deliver accordingly. “We also use the latest drawing technology such as Autodesk REVIT Architecture (BIM), during the design and detailing process, and we are able to model environments in 3D, improving coordination and collaboration across the design, architecture and PM teams as well as the clear and accurate communication of the design to the client,” explains Sasha. “When it comes to project planning, our extensive experience and knowledge base enables our clients to achieve the best possible outcome to their project, by ensuring that the entire delivery process is dealt with expediently and efficiently.” Within the wider industry rpa:group is a regular speaker at international industry events like Euroshop and Retail Design World and the Indian Retail Forum. Similarly, it is often asked to comment and share insights in relevant publications ranging from Build to Retail Week, Retail Design World and Blueprint. “We have a robust and global track record, working in partnership with our clients to deliver innovative, practical and profitable solutions across all five continents,” comments Sasha. “We deliver inspirational and effective built environments through an approach that is underpinned with an unrelenting realism and a thorough consideration of function, aesthetics, buildability, sustainability and affordability.” There is no specific project which rpa:group can classify as an overwhelming success, but rather all of its projects are equally successful in their own right. “Whether it be the repurposing of a redundant 1960’s office block into luxury student accommodation, or helping our client Tommy Hilfiger continue to grow internationally in evolution and design, or helping roll out Water Babies on a global scale, all our skills and experience and informed decision making come together to make these projects a success.” Sasha finishes by telling us what he foresees for the future of the industry and the future of the firm. “We work across many sectors but focusing on those in which we trade most, we would say that: Food &Beverages and Leisure will continue to grow apace in 2017. In the Residential sector we are seeing real dynamism in high-end student accommodation and also a boost in new build homes as first time buyers continue to drive the market. In Retail, we will see a continued progression towards stores that deliver not only a sense of theatre but also the last word in technology. “During 2017, we will continue to deliver UK and European projects for our long-standing international clients, and will also be strengthening our ties with India and beginning work on several large projects in mainland China.” K Company: rpa:group Name: Sasha Cuff Email: [email protected] Web Address: therpagroup.com Address: 51-53 Church Road, Ashford, Middlesex TW 15 2TY, UK Telephone: 44+ (0)1784 256 579 1702BU10