insights Farlows Lake fishing lodge, Buckinghamshire
17
‘The key to our work is an enthusiasm to deliver modern,
coherent designs’ WG+P Architects
research and development in construction methods and emerging sectors, and partners
schools
As well as undertaking commercial projects, WG+P applies lecture at
of architecture. How do the three directors set the tone with their passion
for appropriate, contemporary architecture? The individual strengths of the directors compliment each other: Phil spearheads strategy with James focusing on execution, while Sonya oversees practice management. Their experience, gained over 50 years of running large-scale projects in commercial practice, is blended with an expanding team of 17 highly-motivated and talented architectural staff. From their W12 studio they have structured the office into
teams and set out formal design review/crit processes. The core principles and approach from the early projects is retained, but with a structure capable of undertaking varied projects from a large-scale 35,000 m2
mixed-use masterplan in Ipswich, includ-
ing 450 units; to highly bespoke and innovative residential extensions and new homes. “We have also developed specialisms,” says Phil. “With
ongoing research and development, in new fabrication processes and sectors such as spaces for the latest gym concepts – such as the Core Collective Gym in Kensington – and the recycling of pre-owned modular buildings as low-cost housing solutions.” James Potter describes some of the current projects. First, the
Core Collective: “This project is at the forefront of the emerging ‘wellness’ sector that encompasses a broader spectrum of well-being rather than focusing solely on physical conditioning. It has led the way to a series of further projects with start-ups and operators in the wellness sector.” On the Westgate Masterplan, Ipswich James says: “This is
an exciting and significant public realm and regeneration project on the town’s inner ring road, moments away from Willis Faber Dumas’s site famously redeveloped by Norman
WG+P Fact file
Waind Gohil + Potter Architects is a RIBA Chartered practice of 17 architectural staff based in West London, working in the housing, leisure, community and emerging wellness sectors. Designing for construction / fabrication, WG+P devise a clear strategy to meet the various
Foster in the 1970s. The project offers hotel, residential and retail buildings.” Lastly, Farlows Lake fishing lodge, Buckinghamshire: “This
is significant for the practice” says James: “it is a rare building that is both wholly new, contemporary and within London’s Greenbelt in an attractive lakeside setting. The scheme utilises off-site fabrication to improve the quality and lessen time spent on site – two areas of design and construction process close to our heart.” One of the current challenges for the team is developing the
practice’s portfolio of completed projects whilst maintaining and improving the quality of the designs. “This is by no means a challenge unique to a young practice such as ours,” James adds. “But we hope to have put enough effort into our business plan and the systems necessary to support its realisation in the future.” “We want to strengthen and develop our approach to
innovation with commercial understanding as part of the design approach. This will undoubtedly evolve as we explore the possibilities for off-site fabrication, where appropriate.” Looking ahead, Phil feels the key is an enthusiasm to deliver
modern, coherent designs: “We believe the creation of space is an enriching and positive experience to which we enjoy devoting our time and energies. We invite clients to put their faith in our ability to inspire and innovate.” Based on a talented and committed team at Shepherd’s
Bush, WG+P is looking to maintain its specialisms while taking on larger and more sophisticated projects and so double in size within the next five years. With all three directors still under 40, the future trajectory
is full of promise. Norman Hayden –
norman@netmagmedia.eu
scales of requirement, opportunity, context, cost and programme, with the process providing form, materiality, decoration and sustainability of contemporary-built outcomes. As well as undertaking commercial projects, WG+P
apply research and development in construction methods and emerging sectors, and lecture at schools of architecture.
www.architectsdatafile.co.uk
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