Issue 8 2020

40 Acquisition International - Issue 8 2020 igh standards were always going to be part of Paul Vick architects’ story. Innovation was integral to the response to every brief – and to solve problems, not just for the sake of it. A positive approach breathed through every aspect of the process, from vision, design to build. But what Vick hadn’t anticipated all that time ago was that - after years of pushing a green agenda, retrofit, and a deep and holistic understanding of development that has led to a 100% planning permission record (on over 150 builds) in listed, unlisted and new builds - the impetus for change was going to happen overnight with the arrival of the novel virus Covid-19. 100% planning permission record, the Green agenda and profit ‘We have spent years analysing how to make developments yield profits while doing no harm, and supporting and progressing a green agenda’, says Vick. ‘Certainly, our 100 per cent planning record ensures viability and gives clients faith that what they need will be delivered. But it’s not only a technical understanding of planning. It originates from a philosophical approach that translates ideals into physical architecture. ‘Architecture influences us whether we like it or not. It surrounds us at home, at work, at play. This is immensely powerful to harness. We are seeing radical change in requirements and usage right now – whether it’s meditation rooms, regeneration, care homes and independent living, innovation hubs, office re-thinking, home working and the world finally waking up to the necessity for change in how H Paul Vick architects – right time, right place for today and tomorrow’s challenges. Nov19453 we use natural resources,’ he says. Recently, he has also been on LBHounslow’s iLab for the Green Recovery. Their four on site talks at The London Festival of Architecture on Breaking Boundaries: Innovation – is it what you think?; Is your Home good for you?; Cultural Edge – have you got it?; and The Architecture of Power? Trafalgar Square to Westminster were an insight into the connected nature of their work to profit our lives. Their four on site talks in London…were an insight into the connected nature of their work to profit our lives and its challenges going forward. Paul Vick architects has won Acquisition International’s award for Most Innovative Architecture Firm, London 2020 When Paul Vick set up his practice 13 years ago, he adopted Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s mantra, ‘We can now do the impossible. Miracles take a little longer.’ We speak to the 2020 winner of the AI’s most Innovative Architecture Firm, London. 12. Fig 1. Glass bridge for a global telecoms company HQ in London connects visually and literally, while also reducing reception costs. The bridge lights up at night and the project includes a mix of office fit out types, new refectory and an addition to the building. Photo: Paul Vick