Build Architecture Awards 2016

Build 2016 Architecture Awards 124 Company: YES Architecture Address: Lindwurmstr. 71, 80337 München, Germany & Jean-Monnet-Str. 2, 10557 Berlin, Germany & 456 Broadway, New York, NY 10013, USA Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.yes-architecture.com/ Phone: +49.89.44409933 ased in Munich, Berlin and New York, YES Architecture * has a global reach and works with a wide variety of clients, as Ruth explains. “Our clients include city councils, project developers, car manufacturers such as Audi or BMW, private clients and start-ups. We are very happy about the diversity of clients and challenges that come with each different project. “Our latest completed project is a hotel and shopping mall. The prevailing challenge here was to create an elegant and dynamic building silhouette whilst meeting the demands of maximum square footage. The tight budget constraints were met, even achieving further cost reductions on the facade.” The firm is on a mission is to have a specific design approach with each design challenge. To achieve this, Ruth explains how the firm likes to work collaboratively, drawing on the collective experience of its dedicated interna- tional team. “Here at YES Architecture we work at a conceptual level and then try and follow the concept through to the very last detail of the building. We are a very international team, mostly women at the moment, and we are all extremely driven in different areas, which makes us a cross-disciplinary and experimental group of architects and designers. Of course we also like to experiment with new design methods and have a lot of fun doing it. “Our clients are also key to our success, and as such we communicate with them weekly on so-called ‘jourfix’ sessions, and naturally we use emails, phone calls and videoconferences. Our clients are very knowledgeable building experts, so it is a team effort to keep within the boundaries of the budget. It is also an interesting design challenge which we thoroughly enjoy.” This client focused approach starts as soon as the firm undertakes a new project, as Ruth is keen to highlight. “Once we have won a competition or have acquired a project we start with finding out the client’s needs and make sure, that we achieve as much building right as possible to make for a cost effective building. We also discuss the different options for making and certifying sustainable buildings. The most important factor for creating a sustainable building is the design. It has to respond to the environment and the context (genius loci), the build- ing’s form generated through a strong concept should respond with the right materials and facades. We consult lighting engineers, climate designers, structural engineers and other planners and consultants that follow a similar approach towards architecture. “To ensure our services are up to date and of the very highest quality we use BIM (building information modelling) software and other parametric programs to have a quicker access to energy values and building costs and also to be able to adjust the building design in no time.” If you want to stand out as one of many architects, there is different ways to achieve that, as Ruth states. “Differentiating yourself in the architecture industry is tough and takes a number of components. You have to be a good designer, get the best engineers involved, love what you do and be passionate about every detail, keep the budget and time schedule. As we all know this is not always easily achieved. Any finished project in your portfolio that was a success will help to promote your company’s work. “Fundamentally I believe that a lot of the time the key is the chemistry between you and the client and how well you understand her/his needs.” Ruth adds a comment on the firm’s region, the beautiful German city of Munich, which is renowned for its eclectic combination of traditional and modern buildings. Yes Architecture BUILD Women in Architecture Award: Female Owned Architectural Firm of the Year 2016 - Germany YES Architecture * is an international architecture firm with the focus on urban design, architecture, interior design, furniture and product design. Ruth Berktold talks us through the firm and its service offering. B AR160113