Cato Bolam distinguishes itself through a design-driven integrated approach that Director Chris Solleder ardently champions. We sit down with Chris to discuss his role in driving this innovative approach and its benefits.
An integrated design approach that delivers.
Director Chris Solleder is one of the driving forces behind our streamlined integrated design process, driven by a deep passion for efficiency and innovation. “At Cato Bolam, we emphasise a team-wide commitment to every project’s success, and this is the force behind our integrated approach from inception to delivery,” explains Chris.
“We have removed the silos between disciplines. We have combined engineering, architecture, surveying, planning and ecology services and brought them in-house. And then, we’ve gone one step further and looked at ways to integrate these disciplines as effectively as possible to ensure everyone’s work is closely aligned.”
Effective design management and leadership are an integral part of this integrated approach that enables Cato Bolam’s architects and engineers to navigate challenges and harness opportunities for our clients as seamlessly as possible.
“As a Design Manager, my role is to ensure each step in the process seamlessly flows into the next. So, for example, I’ll sit with the architect and ensure their design aligns with the engineering process before we bring the engineer. “ Chris reveals.
Addressing any constraints early in the design phase helps to accelerate a project’s progress and ensures that each decision advances the overarching project objectives.
“Making sure the architects are thinking about certain engineering elements, and the engineers are thinking about certain architectural elements is so important.”
So, what does this integrated approach look like?
A recent residential project Cato Bolam delivered exemplifies the difference our integrated approach can make.
“We delivered a complex fast-track project that involved designing 165 units comprising 3-level walk-up apartment buildings, terraces, duplexes, and freestanding dwellings while managing and designing for two central flood plains on a steep site in a very limited timeframe. It was a highly challenging project and was only possible because we could leverage our integrated design process,” says Chris.
*View infographic for more details and renders of the project below.
This approach makes it easier for our clients too.
Our integrated design approach also helps to reduce the pressure and stress on our clients.
Chris shares, “We’ve had some great feedback from clients who have commented on how much they appreciated not having to be overly involved with the Design Management process and how atypical this was. Our process makes it easier and less stressful for our clients.”
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