Business Central August 2022

88 | ARCHITECTURE Chow:Hill Architects Engagement with clients paramount Integrating cultural, historical and physical influences was the driving force behind Chow:Hill’s vision for Trust Waikato Te Puna o Waikato. from page 87 Engagement with clients runs fundamental to their success. Brian says everyone working in the practice really values authenticity. “We look for that relationship dynamic and have a very strong collaborative culture. We tend to be creators who engage with our clients thoroughly in the early stages of a project formation. We value the early phases and aim to invest time here, listening and reflecting.” Brian says that often what sits behind great design is a problem-solving approach. Understanding what the problem is that needs a solution. Some Clients have a strong and clear vision, whilst others’ vision may not be clearly articulated and Chow:Hill’s job is to ‘unpack’ that into shared understanding of vision and strategy that can begin to be grounded in design. “It’s like a reverse brief process – once we understand the vision we know how to progress from there.” And while the planning around the 30-year celebration is still a work in progress at this stage, Brian says it will be ‘some party’. “We will definitely invite clients and friends who have all contributed to our success and longevity.” Asked specifically for comment on the revitalisation of Hamilton’s CBD, of which Chow: Hill has been pivotal, Brian says he think the city is really transforming, driven especially by the energy to develop a revitalised City Centre. “It’s great to see a mix of commercial, civic and residential development occurring within the CBD. People living in a city’s centre bring life back to it. “Living, working and recreating in the centre of a large city is such a positive thing and I think Hamilton is one city that is leading the way with this mix. We have to be at the leading edge. “As the research shows, city vibe is important for its attraction to business and economic growth.In a time of talent-competition, Hamilton will need to continue punching above its weight in this regard.” Puncturing through from Hamilton’s main street, Victoria St, through to the river is a key development component. It is great to see the plans proposed by key developers for our city centre. “ To be honest, my pet-project is the aspirational pedestrian bridge straddling the river’s west and east banks which will revolutionise the way Hamilton East and the CBD engage.” “Slowly, deliberately and over time, Hamilton is turning its attention back to the downtown area and opening up to river walkways. Hamilton city will continue to transform to a wonderful place to not only work in but to live and enjoy.”

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