Consultation

Design through empowered participation

We design with, rather than for, our clients.
We are not interested in cosmetic or tokenistic consultation – instead we practice empowered participation which creatively harnesses everybody’s contribution and embeds
ownership in to the building right from the start.

We see our task as drawing out and developing people’s ideas and vision, raising their ambition as to what is possible, and exploring their concerns, experience and practical needs.
This process enables us to discover and
express the ethos of the client through design, and to deliver a building that works well at a practical level.

We have developed a range of participatory techniques to enable and empower all participants to feel comfortable in being involved, to bring out their ideas and experience, and to enjoy the process of working with us to create their new building. The extent and effort which Architype gives to consultation is unique amongst architectural practices. This has been recognised by the RIBA who have featured our work in a film on ‘Inclusive Design’ (link at end of page).

Here are some thoughts from our clients… 

“Working with Architype has been an excellent learning experience for all involved. It has been
an effective working partnership from the outset, enabling us   to be involved in every stage of the project. Architype has always understood and   supported our vision and it is thrilling to see our dreams becoming reality"

Alison Grennan, Headteacher, St. Luke’s   Primary School

"Architype worked with the children of the school to find out their views. Architype   approached this work with enthusiasm  and integrity. They made the activities really child focussed and revealed a lot about how our children feel about the school building and environment. Architype have always been approachable and available and have consulted thoroughly with our school and surrounding community. I would highly recommend them"  

Mrs Penny Cox, Headteacher, Holy Trinity CE Primary School 

"The Willows project has promoted learning at
all levels and with all stakeholders. It has stimulated exciting discussions about shaping the future of teaching and learning and it has promoted creativity and strengthened communication and partnerships. The team approach led by Architype has promoted energy,   enthusiasm and vision for our unique facility"  

Lorraine Dawney, Headteacher of Green
Park School 

"I am so pleased with the way Architype have worked with and consulted the staff, parents and children here at Effra, and even the most vulnerable people feel happy and relaxed in
the space"  

Kathy Power, head of the Community Centre at Effra Early Years Centre commenting one year after completion of the project 

“Architype has invigorated the community and allowed us all not only to own the final designs but ultimately  own this uniquely exciting building”   

Pete Davies, Community at Heart, Barton
Hill, Bristol 

“One of the major factors in pupils’ outstanding enjoyment of school is the excellent curriculum. Everything is done to ensure that it is exciting and relevant to pupils’ interests. The work done on education for sustainable development and the involvement of pupils in planning the new school building are exemplary”.   

Ofsted Inspection report: Staunton-on-Wye   Endowed Primary School, 12 May 2009.  
Rated ‘Outstanding’

See our consultation process in action at The Willows