Design Philosophy

Architecture, as I see it, is the art of composing spaces in response to existing environmental and urbanistic conditions to answer a client's needs. In this way the building becomes the resolution between its inner being and the outer conditions imposed upon it. It is never solitary but is part of its setting and thus must blend in a timeless way with its surroundings yet show its own fresh presence.

The real needs are often beyond written briefs and become apparent through discussions and demonstrations. We come with extensive and valuable experience but no baggage so that each project is approached as new and original territory, yet to be explored.

We are not peddlers of the fashionable. We believe that good design defies fashion, is truly innovative, eminently sensible, yet a source of inspiration to those who have the pleasure of living with it.

Arthur Erickson

Design Approach

Arthur Erickson insists that the working process should begin with a careful study of the client and user needs, including the project schedule and budget, all of which is prerequisite information in effective architectural and urban design work. At the outset, there is also an emphasis on determining the role the project plays in relation to its environmental, historical, social and economic context. Following personal contact with the owner and user clients to explore their need and interests, a facility program needs to be prepared to organize and describe the client's requirements in written, tabular and diagrammatic form. Project design usually starts with a small team of architects working directly with Arthur Erickson to set the ground rules and subsequently the basic conceptual direction. The design is developed gradually from conceptual sketches through increasing levels of detail. Models are an integral part of the working process from the outset. These models are supplemented with computer perspectives where required to understand the building better.

Arthur Erickson and the project team meet on a regular basis throughout the design process. Between these work sessions, the team explores various alternatives and ideas to ensure that every possibility has been examined, and its design and cost implications understood. The intent is to start a design without preconceptions and to keep all design possibilities open for as long as possible before making the concept final.

To encourage the most appropriate and creative use of the talents of the team members, Arthur Erickson prefers a flexible project management approach, which allows the team structure and the assignment of responsibilities to be tailored to suit the needs of each specific project. Arthur Erickson's primary focus is on the design aspects of each project, and he is personally involved in all stages of design, while responsibility for management matters is assumed by the Project Manager.

At the start of an assignment, the Director of Design and the Project Manager work with the client to define the scope and nature of the project and determine the appropriate staffing and scheduling. The Director of Design is responsible for the project from inception to completion, including coordination and integration of the design direction provided by Arthur Erickson. The responsibilities of the Project Manager includes client and user liaison, organization of the architectural team's day-to-day activities, consultant coordination and dealing with the authorities who have jurisdiction over certain aspects of the project. Arthur Erickson makes all key presentations.