2018 Interior Awards Q&A: Strachan Group Architects
Dave Strachan of Strachan Group Architects accepting the Workplace up to 1,000sqm award from host Federico Monsalve at the 2017 Interior Awards evening.
Studio at the Strachan Group Architects office.
A handcrafted leather bench provides an informal waiting area in the SGA office. The plywood shelving was made on site and installed by the SGA team.
Kitchen area of the SGA office. The team have ensured this space is family-friendly.
Exterior of the SGA studio with the workshop below. The windows can be controlled individually, creating an activated façade.
Maria Hosking of Strachan Group Architects chats about winning the Workplace up to 1,000sqm category award for the SGA Studio and Workshop in Kingsland, Auckland, at the 2017 Interior Awards.
What was the reaction to the award from colleagues and clients?
Our colleagues and clients were thrilled for us. The realisation of our studio and workshop space has been a dream come true for Dave Strachan and all of us that work at SGA.
The building has been so thoughtfully designed and crafted by our unique team to create a nurturing and sustainable environment, setting a benchmark from which we are lucky enough to design and orchestrate projects each day.
What do these type of awards represent for a business like yours?
The various awards programmes in New Zealand are incredibly important to our studio. They provide recognition of our work within the industry and amongst our peers, and create a platform from which our clients and prospective clients often measure our success and gain confidence in our team.
Although we more often than not retain control of our projects from conception to completion, interiors and commercial spaces are not something that we are widely known for, so this particular award has been great at recognising and solidifying that we operate in those territories and are pretty good at it too!
How did you find the process of entering the Interior Awards?
The process of entering was simple and judging criteria and requirements were well stipulated.
What about the live presentation, was this something you found enjoyable or useful?
The live feed presentation was a first for us and although it did require additional preparation, it presented the opportunity for us to communicate the spirit of our workplace and put our best foot forward. Presenting successfully is an invaluable skill for any designer or architect, so any opportunity to do so (and in turn improve those skills) is hugely beneficial.
Where does the trophy presently live?
Our two trophies (we were also a finalist in the Craftsmanship category) currently sit on the low boxed-out window sill in our meeting room. These windows are designed for looking out to the trees from a seated position, so your eyes are drawn to them within this space.
Would you recommend others enter the awards?
Without a doubt!
The Workplace (up to 1,000m2 and over 1,000m2) category recognises an office, studio, warehouse or factory.
Entries can be submitted through the Interior Awards website until Wednesday 2 May 2018.
