Build Architecture Awards

Build Architecture Awards 2015 30 Align Architecture was formed in May 2014 with the primary aim to provide a multi-sector and design-led ar- chitectural service. From the outset our driving force has always been to offer a comprehensive design-led service and skillset across a wide range of sectors, covering domestic clients, public sector organisations and private sector businesses. Most of our work is through repeat business, but we continue to attract new clients through referrals and our solid values, approach and dependa- ble reputation for going the extra mile. In terms of our philosophy we have a very open and friendly approach to our work by focusing on developing and strengthening the relationships we have. We are passionate about what we do and that is translated into the work we produce. To help achieve those aims Align realises just how essential it is to have the right personnel who believe in the approach and ethos of the practice. We recognise that our staff are our greatest asset and demonstrate this through regular social events, rewarding high performance, providing flexibility, support and offering individual structured personal devel- opment programmes. It’s for these reasons alone we have a very loyal and hardworking work force. To distinguish ourselves from our competitors we focus on the client, to bring a high level of service and the best solution to the table. We believe the client should always be at the heart of the process. The challenge is to try to get an understand- ing of what the client really wants. Whatever the size of a project, whether it’s domestic or a multi-million pound development, each one is likely to be a client’s primary focus. So our challenge is to provide all of our clients with the right support to ensure we realise their aspirations, embrace the opportunity and deliver a great end product. On a domestic scale, it’s a lot more personal to them be- cause they typically live in the property. The main thing is relating to and understanding the client rather than the views and desires of a consultant taking precedence. At Align we want people with the right balance in life because we know that reflects on their professional life. If they resent what they’re doing, then it’s extremely hard to portray enthusiasm to our clients. As well as having key abilities relevant to their role, it is important to have that overall balance to help achieve what they’re trying to deliver in their personal and professional life. We rely on the strength of partnerships formed over the years with associated disciplines in meeting the needs of our clients. It is paramount to the success of a project to have a design team that works closely together and can rely on each other throughout a projects delivery. Training and development for each staff member can take several years to complete depending on their chosen role. It is therefore important to understand people’s aspirations and to support them wherever possible in achieving those aims. That’s in combination with being mindful of the needs of the busi- ness so that, as staff abilities and knowledge increases the practice benefits. Although Align was formed after the worst of the economic downturn had passed, there were still residual effects that demanded re- alism in costings and a striving for maximum efficiency. This presented a challenge in establishing the practice. Building on existing relationships and devel- oping new commissions was paramount to getting the practice off on the right footing. At the moment, we are working towards a Best Multi-Sector Architectural Practice 2015 – Midlands, UK Align Architecture Ltd Company: Align Architecture Ltd Name: Nick Clewer Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.align-architecture.co.uk Address: Sixth Floor Lancaster House, 67 Newhall Street, Birmingham, B3 1NQ Telephone: 0121 233 1269 number of new accreditations which will be an important part of the practice’s future. In terms of challenges we have faced, the changes to the CDM regulations in April stands out. To ensure we were well prepared for these changes we put both the time and effort in so our team understood what their responsibilities were which put us in a good place to advise our clients and the wider consultant teams We were delighted to have been nominated for this award in the first instance, so to have won is extra special. It would not have been possible without the support of our clients over the past eighteen months or without the dedication of the staff that make the practice what it is today. I firmly believe that at Align we go that extra mile for our clients, whilst providing the high- est level of service and commitment across all of our projects. We have achieved our success by listening to our clients carefully through early engagement and briefing fol- lowed up by regular informal and formal client feedback sessions. As we look ahead to the future developing our business is the focus of our attention. We are looking to significantly grow our work load throughout the rest of the year and expand the teams with key appoint- ments, which we hope will deliver a better service to our clients.