At ACOARCH, we understand that remote working poses unique challenges and opportunities. Clients often ask us how we maintain effective collaboration with both our team and clients across different locations. How do we ensure seamless cooperation with clients locally and abroad while working remotely? Our recent panel discussion in Episode 5 of our Podcast, A Couple of Architects, highlighted the crucial balance between technology and communication in achieving this goal. This balance is essential for maintaining operational efficiency and nurturing the creative spirit that defines our global studio.
Leveraging Technology for Seamless Collaboration
Central to our remote operations is the strategic use of advanced technology. Our co-founder, Sarah Stubbs, ensures smooth company operations by leveraging online collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams and PowerPoint. These tools facilitate real-time updates and streamline project communication, enabling our team to work cohesively regardless of geographical distances. JP D’Ahl, our co-founder, underscores the transformative impact of these tools, which have revolutionised our collaborative processes.
While technology is indispensable, it must be complemented by effective communication strategies. The ability to collaborate efficiently online allows our team to maintain high levels of productivity and flexibility, irrespective of their physical locations. This flexibility enhances our operational efficiency and allows our designers to achieve a better work-life balance. Our project Mantuli has been managed remotely, this project has demonstrated the feasibility of remote collaboration in our processes.
Specific Tools We Make Use Of to Make It Easier
- Microsoft Teams: Meetings and team communications.
- OneDrive: Crucial for file and resource sharing, no matter where the team is in the world.
- PowerPoint: Forms our virtual design workbooks or sketchbooks. Due to cloud technology, multiple team members can access a file simultaneously, adding sketches, drawings, and reference images. These documents then form our presentations for clients.
- Revit and BIM 360: Using information modeling in a 3D platform like Revit is crucial. Cloud technology allows multiple designers to work on one model simultaneously and collaborate seamlessly with engineers, contractors, render specialists, and suppliers.
- TwinMotion: Our preferred visualisation tool for creating realistic imagery and videos, allowing clients to explore their space before it is built.
The Importance of Face-to-Face Interaction and Travel
Despite the numerous benefits of remote working, face-to-face interactions and travel hold irreplaceable value. For architects, traveling and experiencing different cultures first-hand provides a deeper understanding of how people live and use spaces. This enriches our design perspective and approach. Our trips to Zanzibar, Hong Kong, China, and the UK have been phenomenal, opening our eyes to various elements of life, design, and creativity. Returning from these trips, we often felt invigorated, excited, and inspired.
Experiencing different cultures is crucial because living and space-use practices vary significantly worldwide. A design in South Africa differs vastly from one in Dubai. Particularly in Africa and China, there is a strong preference for face-to-face interactions, which necessitates considerable travel around the continent.
Action Items for a Balanced Approach
To ensure our studio continues to thrive in a remote working environment while reaping the benefits of in-person interactions, we have outlined several action items:
- Schedule Regular Team Meet-Ups: These gatherings will foster team cohesion and provide opportunities for face-to-face brainstorming sessions.
- Plan Company Trips and Travel: These trips will enable our architects to gain cultural insights and inspiration from different parts of the world.
- Continue Leveraging Online Collaboration Tools: Maintaining our commitment to using cutting-edge technology will ensure our remote operations remain smooth and efficient.
By balancing the advantages of remote work with the invaluable experiences gained through travel and in-person interactions, our studio can continue to innovate and excel on a global scale. As we navigate this hybrid working model, our focus remains on creating exceptional designs that reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of our clients worldwide.
