FDKC objectives

In order to control the output of the Company the principals believe that they must remain practising architects developing client briefs and setting basic design parameters in the early stages of a project and then maintaining direct involvement with each scheme through support staff of proven experience and ability.

Building types executed by the present principals, both in the UK and overseas include specialist housing and registered homes, educational and research buildings, hospitals, commercial developments, private houses, building conversion/refurbishment and environmental improvements.

This broadly based work load is the result of a deliberate policy, as we believe that in order to maintain a freshness of approach in design and technical solutions, it is necessary to maintain the stimulus of unfamiliar building types with the commitment to research that this implies.

In recent years architecture has become a controversial profession with substantial criticism from outside and a profusion of stylistic movements from high tech to classical revival within.

Our approach is pragmatic. The building must meet the requirements of the user which, from the outset, means the development of a dialogue between client and architect to ensure that the brief is as detailed as possible, not only so far as accommodation is concerned, but also the context and aspirations for the project. The dialogue is maintained throughout the development of the design and we also encourage end user input when applicable.

The external expression of the buildings, which is only one part of the overall design process, develops in response to building method, client preferences, the site and general surroundings and building types.