Gelder Harvey Architects turns 5 years old today. And what a five years its been.
We’ve gone from the tail end of boom to recession (and possibly a double dip), seen planning law changes proposed and knocked back, stagnation in building of new homes and the end of many public sector funding initiatives. In the private sector, unless you’re thinking about food retail, it’s a struggle to get financed.
On the positive side, innovative models for funding are emerging and with growth in the US and China maybe we are beginning to glimpse the still distant prospect of a recovery. Mid-term, the government must also be beginning to think about the feel good factor and maybe that will filter through as investment in the public sector estate and measures encouraging private sector development.
What’s it been like for us here at Gelder Harvey Architects? Well, we’ve maintained our strong and rewarding relationships with key valued clients and have sought to find new opportunities, not just wait for them to come knocking. That’s always been our approach – whether finding sites for client, clients for sites or just building close erelationships with trusted, skilled and enthusiastic colleagues.
In these last five years we’ve tried hard to keep a healthy balance between sectors and across markets and that has helped us. At the same time we have been driven to deliver high quality, award-winning design. In the current market, mediocrity isn’t acceptable.
So, thanks again to everyone who has worked with us over the last five years. We look forward to the next five. We like a challenge.
