Our in-house architecture team is on a mission to redefine the way we approach design. In an industry saturated with digital models and blueprints, we believe that there's no substitute for experiencing a project firsthand. Andrew Tsuei and Kyle Kutz, two of our in-house architecture team members, weighed in on the insights gained from the design team’s regular field trips to construction sites.
“These trips are key because you can’t understand a project just from a digital model,” said Andrew, Architectural Designer at Green Canopy NODE. This sentiment underlines our core philosophy – that to truly comprehend a design, the designer must go beyond the confines of a screen. Is that room too tight? How does the ceiling height affect the overall feel? How will users navigate through the space? These are questions that can only be answered by immersing yourself in the project as its user.
Site visits provide insights that extend beyond theory, allowing the design team to understand the project in the context of its surroundings. "You get to feel the materials of neighboring buildings, see what the neighbors are like, eat fruit off the bushes," said Andrew. Inside the home, the team discusses the full process of building a home – from air sealing details to lighting layouts.
In addition to these real-life insights, our team takes a holistic approach to these visits, engaging other members of Green Canopy NODE’s integrated team such as sales and construction team members. What truly sets the Green Canopy NODE architecture team approach apart, emphasized by Kyle, Architect and Senior Design Project Manager, is this integration. For example, "being part of an integrated team with the construction managers allows for more open and honest conversations. We can see what they’re seeing, and they can see what we’re seeing. Egos are set aside, and everyone shares a common goal: build better housing,” Kyle said.
This seamless integration and collaboration not only enhance our projects but also addresses a critical industry challenge. Design changes are a major cause of cost overruns and project delays, often due to communication issues. However, by increasing communication among all stakeholders in a project, we are better equipped to deliver projects on time and on budget.
Ready to explore the possibilities of designing and building with us? Contact our team to bring your vision to life. Learn more about our integrated development services.