How we work

Our guiding principles

Insight

At the core of our methodology is a commitment to insight and understanding. Remaining true to our values, we believe that high quality outcomes are a result of diverse experiences, creative thinking, varying opinions and authentic communications.

Our architects and expert design teams work collaboratively to grasp the client’s vision, mission, and specific requirements. This understanding allows us to tailor the design to meet functional and aesthetic goals, ensuring the space aligns with the client’s objectives from the outset. Robust and high quality insight enables creativity, functionality, and sustainability throughout the project.

Starting with an exploration of the challenges and aspirations of the client and local community, SPACE&PLACE think beyond traditional solutions, incorporating cutting-edge technology, sustainable practices, or innovative spatial concepts to meet complex demands while enhancing the user experience. Through a thorough investigation with our partners, we actively engage in a meaningful way to determine the best possible solutions.

Contextual awareness

Prioritising the physical, cultural, and environmental context of a building and its desired function, forms a key consideration in any SPACE&PLACE project. A detailed understanding of the conception parameters ensures the design harmonises with its surroundings and respects local culture.

Sustainability

We pride ourselves on our forward thinking approach to sustainability. Constantly looking for the latest insight into ecological considerations, energy efficiency, and sustainable materials allows our architects to create environmentally responsible designs that delight both the consumer and the client. Understanding the broader impact of a structure on its ecosystem leads to better long-term decisions that can reduce carbon footprint, energy use, and waste – ultimately future proofing our buildings for generations.

User-centred design

Insight and understanding into the behaviour, psychology, and needs of the humans our designs will cater for, helps our architects to create spaces that enhance comfort, usability, and wellbeing from the moment it opens. This people first approach is fundamental to the culture of SPACE&PLACE and woven throughout the design process.

Technological integration

Architecture, design and consumer needs are increasingly reliant on advanced technology (e.g., smart systems, BIM, OMS, BMS). Our teams are continuously exploring new technology, current trends, tools, and innovations to ensure our practise and subsequently our designs remain cutting edge and functional. Investment in appropriate technology allows our architects to anticipate future needs, designing and developing buildings that are dynamic and can adapt to the changing market over time.

Aesthetic vision

Understanding proportions, materials, and cultural or historical influences helps our teams to craft a unique design language that reflects both creativity and purpose. In short, our insight process combines creativity, practicality, and knowledge, allowing the experienced team at SPACE&PLACE to transform ideas into thoughtful, effective, and sustainable designs.

Design

Our approach to design is deep rooted in the world around us and the people who live in it. At SPACE&PLACE we have developed a structured yet creative process that engages the client every step of the way. Informed through our insight stage and early engagement with stakeholders we work closely with expert consultants, partners and the wider value chain; we turn client ideas and needs into functional, aesthetically pleasing buildings fit for the now and the future. Blending creativity with technical expertise, our design team follows the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) framework, RIBA Plan of Work, to ensure a successful project.

Pre-design and initial consultation

• Client Briefing
• Site Analysis
• Feasibility Study

Schematic design

• Conceptualisation
• Sketches and Diagrams
• Preliminary Design Proposal
• Client Feedback

Design Development

• Refinement
• Structural and Systems Integration
• Cost Estimation
• Final Design Presentation

Construction Documentation

• Technical Drawings
• Material Specifications
• Permits and Approvals

Sustainability and innovation

• Sustainability Considerations
• Technological Integration

Our design process is iterative and consultative. We strive for positive and ongoing collaboration between the SPACE&PLACE team, our client, and other experts to enable the project to meet all functional, aesthetic, and budgetary requirements to the highest standards. Cost, demand analysis, vision and equality and diversity form a key consideration for the team at SPACE&PLACE during design phases.

Detail

All of our multidisciplinary design teams include a technical lead responsible for turning the concept in to a reality. As an integral part of the team we understand that the devil really is in the detail and can make the difference between a successful planning application or the final cost of the project.

Focused on several key areas, the process of getting the design details right starts in early conception stages and insight gathering. The detail becomes a shared language between all involved in a project, from the architect to the contractor, the interior lead to consultants. SPACE&PLACE don’t take this responsibility lightly. Incorporating our consultative approach and commitment to people first cultures from the initial scoping sessions, our technical leads have developed intricate and robust tools to allow for effective coordination of all stakeholder groups – providing security and confidence to our clients.

Structural integrity

Functionality

Durability and maintenance

Energy efficiency

Compliance

Aesthetic realisation

Cost control

Stakeholder collaboration

Put simply, the technical detail bridges the gap between architectural creativity and the practical aspects of construction, ensuring the building is not only visually appealing but also functional, safe, and efficient.

Delivery

Our multi disciplinary team deliver more than beautiful concepts, innovative design and functional spaces with people at the heart. We offer a full concept to completion package of consultancy and support to ensure our projects are delivered to the highest quality standards, on budget and within timeframes.

We work with clients from the very start of the journey to ensure support, guidance and insight led recommendations are all geared towards solving a problem, filling a gap or achieving an ambitious aspiration on behalf of the people at the heart of our community.

Forming a multidisciplinary team of consultants, designers, sustainability experts, technical professionals, contractors and suppliers, SPACE&PLACE work to deliver the best possible outcomes on behalf of our clients. Leveraging our core values and maintaining a steadfast commitment to people first methodologies.

Our network of experts spans the entirety of the value chain allowing us to provide support and guidance from conception to construction and beyond completion. We are passionate about our designs and as excited as our clients to see the vision translated to reality. We work closely with onsite teams to continually add value until the doors open.