I recently wrote about going the extra mile for clients in terms of helping to secure project funding through bond referendum support and grant assistance. There's another "extra mile" I'd like to address, which also requires that multi-faceted skill set I referenced in the last blog.
This past fall in the Elgin office, we were honored to win several major design awards. The winning projects represented a number of different market sectors, including two libraries, a police/court facility, and a recreational complex. As we enjoyed our award-winning season, we also reflected on what stood out about these projects. What made these buildings—all for the public sector, and all important new landmarks in their communities—award-winners? What are the lessons learned that we can take to our clients for the next projects?
Celebrating Context
There are many "givens" in design these days—staying on budget, meeting schedules, incorporating sustainability and efficiency, and so forth. All of the winning projects met those standards. But as I consider what was special about each, the "where and why" comes to mind. In each case, for example, the buildings were designed not just to fit into the community context—historic, cultural, architectural, and ecological—but to celebrate that context.
The design and materials used in the Tolleson Police and Court Center in Arizona recall the region's Spanish Colonial heritage while creating a new civic gateway.
The graceful form of the new Fox Lake Library in Illinois echoes the nearby lake edge.
In Delaware, Ohio, the Orange Branch Library is designed to reflect the area's rural landscape and agrarian structures, with its angular roof and palette of stone, wood, and glass.
High Performance
Aesthetics aside, the buildings also work well—engaging communities, streamlining operations, and accommodating the many functions for which they were intended. "This building will remain comfortable, beautiful, and well used for many years to come," said Mary Jane Santos, director of the Delaware County Library District. The Fox Lake Library is "superbly responsive to our building program," said Library Director Harry Bork.
How did that happen? Our project managers and lead design architects take care in informing clients every step of the way and putting them at ease by helping them understand the process. They walk clients through the decision-making process, clarifying options and explaining the ramifications for cost. Most importantly, they listen and respond thoughtfully, remembering that it's the client's vision that counts.
The success of 2011, in terms of awards and accolades, will be hard to beat. But as we structure design teams, share ideas, review designs internally, and mentor young architects and engineers, we'll try to duplicate—and expand upon—that success. We'll keep going that extra mile.