Design Philosophy
Our design philosophy is about enriching the lives of the user by placing Cultures, Communities and People first. This philosophy starts in our own studios where we encourage growth and development by implementing fair hiring and advancement polices. Education and growth is a key, as we encourage our team to reach their full potential, and have everyone participate in a creative, challenging, responsible and caring work environment. Carefully researched, innovative and sustainable solutions are a foundation to work.
Sustainable Design
Sustainable Design is a basic philosophy behind all of our projects. Sustainable design seeks to manage natural, economic and social systems and resources in a way that enhances the quality of life for this generation and those to come. Through such programs as LEED® and ESTIDAMA®, we go beyond the use of recycled building materials; we also create better environments for people, better products for their use, and better places to inhabit. Ultimately cultural and community sensitivity drives sustainable design as respect for the community and site is integral to our work.
Culturally Sensitive Design
Our experience has taken us around the world, and we have come away with the knowledge that the users mindset and their approach to environments and Wayfinding vary greatly by country and culture. We therefore never apply a standard set of Wayfinding principles to every project. Rather, by gaining an understanding into the cultural differences, language and user mindsets, it allows us to create a Wayfinding Masterplan that is respectful of and celebrates the local culture. These cultural differences in language and understanding of Wayfinding make for opportunities to design and develop products that are tailored to the environments and its users. Culturally Sensitive Design has the added benefit of giving users a sense of place and pride in their culture.
Users With Disabilities
Properly designed signage must engage and assist all users from a variety of backgrounds and abilities. While many countries have implemented Codes to make provisions for users with disabilities, such as ADA, and the DDA, others so far have yet to establish such Codes. In every project we provide guidelines and implement standards in consideration of all users, and provide design solutions for those with physical and sensory disabilities.
