2007 Client Service Award |
02-12-2007 |
Nick Seemann, from Constructive Dialogue Architects, is the winner of the 2007 Client Service Excellence Award supported by the NSW Architects Registration Board.
The Client Service Excellence Award encourages excellence in the professional services offered by architects and promotes a better understanding of architectural issues in the community.
The projects that prompted the nomination of the winner of the 2007 Award, Nick Seemann, were renovations of an aged care facility, and additions to a homeless persons’ crisis accommodation centre. They demonstrate that architecture does not only benefit the wealthy and that the thoughtful use of internal space can create places that lift the spirits of those who use it.
While all the collaborations between clients and the nominated architects were marked by a shared passion to achieve the best possible design outcome, the Board was particularly impressed with the way Nick was able to increase his clients’ understanding of architecture, the exhaustive consultation carried out throughout the projects and his high-level problem-solving skills.
In commending their architect, Nick’s clients believed that he encouraged them to raise their expectations: ‘The concepts and solutions in design far exceeded our hopes and ambitions for this project. It is difficult to measure the positive impact this space is having on our clients and staff, we have an exceptionally safe and friendly physical environment.’
The winning architect was presented with his award by the Minister for Commerce, Eric Roozendaal at the Board’s Annual Awards ceremony at The Mint on 29 November.
‘This Award is unlike other architecture awards,‘ said the President of the Board, Richard Thorp. ‘It does not focus on design, but rather on areas relating to meeting clients’ needs in areas of information and communication, design processes, management and contractual fulfilment.
To be eligible for the Client Service Excellence Award, architects or architect corporations and firms had to have two clients nominate them for providing excellent service. Clients nominating their architect for the Award ranked their architect’s performance and provided comments under the broad categories of Information and Communication, Design Process, Management of the project, and Contractual agreements.
‘The common theme across all the nominations was that the clients were all truly delighted with the services provided. In that sense all the architects nominated are winners,’ said Richard Thorp.
The projects that prompted the nominations varied enormously and included houses, large and small scale alterations and additions in city and regional contexts, and an aged-care facility. It was also pleasing that again this year a reasonable proportion of the architects nominated are based in regional areas.
Comments made about all the architects nominated for the Award confirms that the key to a successful client architect relationship is clear and open communication that builds trust, resulting in a collaboration that can weather the difficult and stressful times that almost invariably occur across all kinds of construction projects.
Media Enquiries:
Kate Doyle, NSW Architects Registration Board 02 9241 4033
Nick Seemann, Constructive Dialogue 02 9516 4411
www.constuctivedialogue.com.au
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