AI Issue 5 2017

Acquisition International - May 2017 35 Building upon Success “This award means a huge amount for the firm as it is great to be honoured for our endeavours and rewards the painstaking crafting of the architecture we create. Obviously, any positive press and awards helps create the atmosphere off a successful company and helps instill in our client base a trust and empathy with our skill and dedication. The office is extremely happy to receive this award for their professional and unstoppable work ethic. Understanding and exceeding expectations The clients of NFA architects range from corporate to residential client. Their clients are their top priority, indeed understanding and then exceeding their requirements is the firm’s ultimate aim Nick underlines. “We pride ourselves on our track record of delivering projects to the highest standards. It is our firm commitment to each and every client to deliver the best possible solution within the limits they chose to impose. We craft our designs and nurture the initial concept to develop well considered projects that leave our clients delighted. By our nature, we lead clients through the process making it as enjoyable as possible. “Often, we find clients chose to return or introduce friends as they have enjoyed the process so much and the working relationship developed through it. It is our firm commitment to each and every client to deliver the best possible solution within the limits they chose to impose. “We craft our designs and nurture the initial concept to develop well considered projects that leave our clients delighted. By our nature, we lead clients through the process making it as enjoyable as possible.” A close-knit team The role staff play in the firm is fundamental to the continued success of each and every project Nick goes on to tell us. Enthusiasm and positivity drive the office, a point he proceeds to expand upon. “The love of creating and the appreciation of the clients helps to sustain the high levels of energy and determination to get the project through the many stages. A close-knit team is essential to delivering the high standard of work required and being part of an encouraging, creative and busy team means all aspects of our work benefits. “In addition, keeping up to date with current trends is vital as our clients have high standards and expect the best from us, however our view is that great design does not necessarily come from being ‘on trend’ rather from an appreciation of space, light, place, time and people. Often it is the constraints that lead ultimately to the best designs as finding solutions rather than compromise challenges the designer to create better more considered architecture.” Plans for the future The firm’s plans for 2017 is to keep pushing forward promoting good design led architecture. This year, unlike others, has seen them take a wider step forward into new uncharted territory. For instance, this year they are looking to commence their first in-house development project in the UK, plus they have been appointed to carry out two new large scale build projects in the Caribbean. So, times are exciting for the firm, and they hope to be in need of extra talented staff towards the end of this summer to build further upon their success. Nick then explains the wider industry challenges facing the firm. “In 2017, there are some specific industry based challenges facing the industry, and not just the challenges faced by global warming or ecological necessity there is the financial uncertainty caused by the rise in Stamp Duty, the upcoming election and Brexit, and to the role of the UK globally once we have left the EU. This is having a remarkable effect on the higher property values in London especially and we have seen this market decrease considerably over the past 18 months. The knock down effect this is having on the periphery may not be felt for some time. “Equally the knock on effect this is having in terms of funding potential for clients and developers is being felt. We have found clients holding back where they would once relish spending their money in the certainty it would be safe in the square meterage of their new building. We have seen this coming for some time and like most professional companies have looked to other potential markets to see if we can engineer a way forward. The testament to this is the fact we are now embarking upon our first development project and have secured work abroad for the first time outside of the EU.