Philosophy
“ I don't divide architecture, landscape
and gardening; to me they are one. ”
– Luis Barragan
The design philosophy of Peter Thompson Architects, as a collective of mature creative and experienced individuals is to, in every project, provide innovative and successful architectural design solutions that exceed the requirements and expectations, both functionally and aesthetically of our clients. We believe that successful architectural design is achieved by taking a holistic approach to each project in terms of design excellence and innovation, functionality, budgetary requirements, management and communication throughout the design process. Importance is placed upon these five criteria from the outset to the completion of each project ensuring a balanced outcome.
High quality design is of paramount importance to us, and this is reflected in the success of our completed projects. Emphasis is placed on concept development for each project, to ensure that every design is unique, appropriate to it’s context and sophisticated. It is our philosophy that architectural design must be sensitive to the site and history and function. Architecture should enhance and or compliment the environment in which it is situated. We thoroughly research and draw creative inspiration for all possible sources when designing which gives our projects character and allows our work to convey sympathetic and appropriate architectural statements.
Peter Thompson Architects believe that as Architects, we have a responsibility to those who occupy environments that we design and to the natural environment. This responsibility includes providing environments that facilitate well-being in every sense including environmental sustainability and to be environmentally conscious, quality of living and working, and providing inspirational experiences to those who inhabit our spaces. We take considerable care when specifying and sourcing materials to be used in our projects, as to minimize the degradation of our natural environment. As Architects, we also place high importance on designing environments that are safe and equitable. We endeavor to design architectural solutions that do not exclude people with disabilities of any kind.
Terrain dimensional concepts 2013
Thinking panoramically 2011
As deep as the roots go 2008
Vertical gardens & other new trends 2012
OUTLINE OF PROJECT PHASES
Concept Design
This phase of the project includes all design concepts in the form of written concepts as well as sketch design and initial quotation for work to be undertaken by the architect.
Detailed Design
The Detailed Design phase of the project includes completing a detailed project brief in conjunction with the client’s representative. The design is developed into a comprehensive body of work, including drawings and reports that can then be used for initial costing purposes. During this phase, various sub-consultants may be engaged as the project requires.
Documentation
The documentation phase of the project includes all of the working drawings, presentation drawings, 3D modelling and all other documents that are required to complete the construction of the project.
Contract Administration
Contract Administration refers to all of the administrative work that is completed throughout all stages of the project with concern of the contract documents of the project.
TECHNICAL & OTHER RESOURCES
Technology
The Practice uses the latest Technology tools including Auto cad 2007 (Melbourne office), 3D Studio Max, Microsoft XP Professional Service Pack II, Microsoft Office XP, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, GoLive, Acrobat Professional all version CS2, Autodesk REVIT, The latest computer hardware, operating systems, and software. Our practice is capable of using both Microsoft systems and products and Apple Macintosh systems and products. Our offices house large format printers/ plotters which are capable of printing up to and including ISO A0 size full colour prints. Both of our offices maintain a constant ‘virtual’ working environment, with internal intranet networks. (An example of this is our graphic artist is located in Ballarat, Victoria. All media is sent and received via the internet).
ARCHITECTURAL LIBRARIES
Texts, Journals and other Publications
Peter Thompson Architects have an extensive architectural library that includes the architectural journals Architectural Review, Architecture Australia, (inside), Architectural Product News, In Design, Desktop, Wallpaper and Monument
We also have a wealth of architectural resource texts, architectural texts, and major architectural publication such as The Phaidon Atlas of Contemporary World Architecture, 20th Century Design, 10 x 10 etc. We also have a number of historical and biographical publications that are accessible to all. We find that having these resources readily available to our staff enhances knowledge and inspires creativity when undertaking design projects. The internet is also used as a major resource when accessing catalogues and other reference documents such as Australian Standards and the Building Code of Australia. This ensures that only the most up to date information is used throughout each project.
Materials and Technical Resources
Our Architectural Library also consists of a vast number of product information and technical manuals that are a combination of independent, industry and company publications. This section of the architectural library also houses the materials samples, swatches and specific product information.
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY POLICIES
Peter Thompson Architects believes in providing a safe and equitable work environment for all staff in all situations. As a company, we have an outstanding track record in providing the highest standard of Occupational Health and Safety for our staff. This includes sponsoring staff to complete the relevant Work Safe qualifications for entering construction sites, briefing staff on OH&S issues that are both general and project/ site specific. It is also our ethos that ‘A happy worker makes a productive worker’, and so try to provide our staff with comfortable and professional equipment and work environments. As part of this practices involvement in OH&S we ensure that all OH&S issues are identified and reviewed during each stage of the project from design to construction. It is also a policy of Peter Thompson Architects to make sure that all staff are appropriately qualified and equipped when on site.
ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
The onset of drought, a growing awareness of diminishing resources and the effects of the building industry on the environment have seen Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) become a prominent issue in recent years. Peter Thompson Architects is aware of the importance of conserving natural resources and energy whilst maintaining quality design work. We pride ourselves on using environmentally viable products and have become passionate in the implementation of water-saving systems and recycling schemes. The creation of low environmental impact designs enables us to know that we’re contributing to a wiser building community that has conservation as a top priority.