| 87 ARCHITECTURE Chow:Hill Architects Scale, variety of projects key to success Sue Russell Rabobank Centre in Union Square, Hamilton, part of a precinct that will contribute to the transformation of the CBD in the city, says Brian Squair, Senior Principal at Chow:Hill Architects. Brian Squair, Senior Principal at Chow:Hill Architects says that the scale and variety of projects that Chow:Hill has taken-on is one of the key reasons the business has flourished to the size it is now and the successful delivery of the projects has contributed to the positive reputation it carries in the Region. With studios based in Hamilton, Auckland and Christchurch, Chow:Hill has established long-term relationships with a number of key clients in both the public and private sectors. In Hamilton, where the practice first established 30 years ago, Chow:Hill has been behind the design of many iconic commercial buildings. “Union Square, an impressive five- building precinct is set to contribute to the transformation of the CBD and, once completed, add 23,000m2 of office space to the thriving city,” Squair says. “We also delighted with the progress of the beautifully designed Rototuna Library building in Hamilton’s north-east quarter along with the Regional Renal Centre on the Waiora Waikato Hospital campus currently in design phase”. Workplace Strategy and internal fit-out design is another core business activity at Chow Hill, recently completing the Waikato Regional Council’s new premises on the corner of Tristram and Ward Streets. Richard Hill and Chien Chow formed the Practice in 1992 and one of the first projects for the newly-formed Chow:Hill was Hamilton’s Down-Town Plaza. Asked how busy the practice has been through all its studios, Brian comments that they are busy enough to the point of looking to engage new skilled staff. “It’s just been a very busy time with the construction sector boom and large-scale investment in commercial property. We prefer to ensure we keep our promises to our existing clients rather than pursue more and more clients merely for the sake of growth. New clients and new projects are great, and we are always open for new business, but we don’t want to drop the ball in terms of delivery, and by extension add risk to healthy relationships.” to page 88
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