what we do

services

Architecture, New Build and Conservation
Brief formulation
Feasibility studies
Planning Applications
Detail design documentation
Procurement
On-site activities
Urbanism (see separate)

PRIMARY SECTORS

URBANISM

Site selection studies
Masterplanning
Development frameworks
Public realm design
Landscape and planting design, with our sister company Quartet Design

WHO WE ARE

AWARD WINNING PRACTICE

Q2 architects are an award-winning design studio. Underpinning our practice is an approach rooted in the constant exploration of ideas about how buildings and cities are made and built, and how they can improve lives.

PROVEN REPUTATION

We have secured a reputation for delivering high-quality buildings and solutions, working with a great team who share our vision, and with whom we have built long-lasting and trusting relationships.

effective TEAMWORK

Our success is achieved through well managed teamwork and with the talented, ambitious and complementary group of people who work with us.

approach

PHILOSOPHY

q2 Architects is committed to delivering high quality projects. Our approach to all projects, regardless of scale or budget, is to gain a clear understanding of the objectives and vision of our clients. We invest time and energy collaborating with our clients and other specialists to identify opportunities and explore a range of options to arrive at the optimum solution, and add value. We believe that buildings should be informed by their location, not only in terms of responding to local climate, topography and landscape but also by the culture and tradition of a place. Designing buildings is a process about which we are passionate, leading to a product we hope others will enjoy.

experience

q2 Architects have a well established reputation for good design and innovation, and a strong track record in commercial buildings, from HQ Office buildings, to efficient industrial and retail units, to sensitive redevelopment of listed and historic buildings. We are renowned for providing a very direct and responsive service. We are experienced in working with building occupiers in all aspects of the design, from feasibility and concept to detailed space planning and fit-out works. We enjoy leading the multidisciplinary design as this creates the opportunity to pool experience and expertise and to evaluate ideas and options.

organisation

Our aim is to provide an excellent service to our clients and to achieve results of which we are proud. To manage this, professional teamwork is essential. This philosophy is embraced with client, contractors, and consultants. As a small to medium practice, the organisational arrangement on projects is straightforward and direct. Each project is the responsibility of one of the Directors, with the other Director providing a shadow role to ensure continuity and quality assurance. Below director level each project has a senior project architect and supporting architects / technicians related to the scope, value and complexity of each project. Additional graphic or specialist assistance is available in-house or from associated companies.

MILTON KEYNES

q2 architects have unique experience in successfully developing design proposals for major projects within the current Milton Keynes (MK) planning and urban design framework. Directors Iain Smith and Steve Shaw worked historically for MK Development Corporation, and subsequently helped to set up and run a large multi-disciplinary practice, before establishing Quartet Architects, now trading as q2 Architects, in 1997. Whilst the MK development context is similar for each project, all of the solutions are individual to each client’s requirements and the potential to add value through creative design. Collaborative working relationship with the key stake holders in MK are established to add value and focus on opportunities rather than overlaying constraints that detract from the creative design process.

SUSTAINABILITY

q2 architects promotes sustainable design in all its projects. Concern for the environment is central to our work and has been for many years. The challenge is to design buildings and spaces that balance high quality, durability and value with the equally important environmental, social and economic aspects of sustainability. We believe that green / sustainable design is an integral part of the design process and not a bolt on application at the end of the process. Early design workshops are held with other consultants to achieve a holistic approach to the design, especially the integration of appropriate M&E systems within an efficient structural design solution.

VALUE

The architect’s role is to lead the design team and be actively involved in the process of achieving the appropriate quality and commercial viability. This requires an understanding of and respect for the other disciplines involved, and the establishment of a close and effective working relationship with the project manager and quantity surveyor. This approach is intrinsic to all our work and is based on a sound understanding of prevailing costs and values and on a desire to maximise quality and value for money within the available budgets. This requires a realistic view on the affordability of alternative design strategies and invariably involves not only refinement of design and specification, but also improvement to design and efficiency to add value.