How Architects Remain Cutting Edge

Cox: “Listening to future trends is important, but do not be a slave to them. Do not be afraid to step over the edge on occasion.”

IRVINE, CA—For architects, fresh ideas come from understanding the context you are dealing with and having an intimate knowledge of the community, TCA Architects ‘ CEO and managing partner Thomas Cox tells GlobeSt.com. The firm recently received the Gold Nugget Grand Award for “Best on the Boards Multifamily Community” at PCBC for its design of Legacy Partners ‘ Neptune Marina apartment community in Marina del Rey, CA. In this exclusive roundtable, GlobeSt.com spoke with members of the firm, including Cox, senior designers in Orange County Jon Hellinga and Sarah McGee and senior designer in L.A. Sandy Chung about how they stay relevant in the fast-paced world of real estate design. GlobeSt.com: How do architects remain fresh in their design, particularly with so much development and redevelopment activity going on in real estate? Hellinga: Key to maintaining fresh design is a keen understanding of what the end user (for us, the renter) wants and how they will be drawn to live/work/play in our projects. Trends are always changing, and keeping up with those trends keeps the designs constantly evolving. Cox: Every site offers a unique design opportunity. Fresh ideas come from understanding the context you are dealing with and having an intimate knowledge of the community.

Hellinga: “Ultimately, a well-designed project is one that seamlessly fits into its context.”

McGee: Architects are always looking to raise the bar. We constantly strive to achieve a better design with attractive aesthetics, superior livability and improved functionality. In order to achieve this, architects need to continuously think outside of the box, step outside of their comfort zone and take risks in their design. GlobeSt.com: What do architects use as their inspiration for future projects? Chung: Context is highly inspiring: physical, historical, cultural, social. It is key in the development of our “big ideas” that shape each of our projects. Hellinga: Look to the surrounding area to help inform the massing and design of the new interjection. Draw from the proportions of historic buildings, the whimsy of contemporary buildings. Ultimately, a well-designed project is one that seamlessly fits into its context. Cox: Pushing boundaries, understanding opportunities, knowledge of and taking advantage of technological advances. It is always important to understand your impact on the community and on the people who will use and occupy the spaces you create. Listening to future trends is important, but do not be a slave to them. Do not be afraid to step over the edge on occasion. McGee: A great deal of inspiration can be found when an architect steps outside of their discipline and looks toward other design industries. Observing trends in urban planning, landscape design, industrial design and graphic design often allows the architect to create a “big idea” vision for their project and serves as a road map to guide the design.

McGee: “It is important for architects to step outside of the walls of their office and experience new spaces and project sites firsthand.”

GlobeSt.com: How do architects learn about how space is used before designing a project? Chung: By understanding the profile of the end user, we design specifically to meet/exceed their expectations. Hellinga: Field trip! Experiencing the places ourselves to see how we feel in them, what we would change. Understanding how the end user will utilize the space, etc. Cox: Once you have created a space, it is important to always self-evaluate, ask questions and be willing to adjust your approach. There is no perfect space; there is always room for improvement—that is what we should always be doing as architects. McGee: It is important for architects to step outside of the walls of their office and experience new spaces and project sites firsthand. It is critical for an architect to develop a contextual frame of reference to better understand the environment, demographic and culture for which they are designing. Much can be learned from speaking to the ultimate end-user and understanding their needs, wants and desires for the new space and engaging them in the design process.

Chung: “Context is highly inspiring: physical, historical, cultural, social. It is key in the development of our ‘big ideas’ that shape each of our projects.”

GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know about today’s real estate architects? Cox: Our profession is changing at light speed. With advancement in hardware and software, we are able to create and visualize our projects better than ever. At TCA, we are at the forefront of incorporating 3D modeling and VR to see the spaces we create and to walk through those spaces with our clients, community and officials. These advances are opening up a whole new world of exploration for architects and their clients. McGee: Often the architect’s most important role is to be an advocate for good design. Finding the balance between introducing fresh ideas while adhering to your client’s bottom line is perhaps the greatest challenge of all. Consumer behavior also plays a huge role in the overall success or failure of a project. Consumers should keep that in mind for their next real estate transaction, demand only the best product and never settle for second best. With developers leveraging development and redevelopment opportunities across all property types, how can you capitalize on this activity?  Join us  at RealShare Orange County on August 16^th for impactful information from the leaders in Orange County CRE. Learn  more .