BUILD Q2 2019

BUILD Q2 2019 58 1704BU06 rc Design is an award-winning, chartered architectural practice that was founded by Brian Davies (MCI- AT) and his son Mark Davies (MCIAT) in 2007. The practice maintains a medium sized, passionate design team that operates from its offices in the beautiful surroundings of Willow Grove, Delgany, County Wicklow. Arc Design’s success is based on understanding the client’s needs whilst focusing on Quality in Design and the firm has a reputation for producing bespoke, well-crafted, contextual and contemporary projects within the built environment. At the heart of Arc Design’s working practice is a belief in the importance of engaging in the process by which spaces are made and how they are constructed to the highest quality. Mark explains further: “We approach each design exercise as a collaborative effort, one that demands an intimate understanding of both client and brief before the design process can begin. “We guide our clients through each stage of realising their vision, making the process as enjoyable and stress free as possible.” Producing highly-detailed, functional buildings in a variety of de- sign styles with emphases on maximising light, space and use of materials, is what Arc Design focuses on and the practice’s body of work is broad, with commissions including private houses, interiors, mixed developments, housing estate schemes, sports facilities and public houses. “We believe that design should stand the test of time,” continues Mark. “Our designs are not trend-led. Each scheme is designed based on our clients’ specific needs. Each and every project that we design is completely bespoke.” Arc Design’s many works have received critical acclaim and have been extensively published in leading architectural publications. It is this innovative approach to design, plus it’s flexible, can-do atti- tude, with the opportunity for clients to freely discuss their design ideas, that has led to the practice’s overwhelming success. The Thoughtful Making of Space Arc Design applies the science of architecture to the technology of building to create truly wonderful one-off spaces. We speak to co-founder, Mark Davies, as the firm is recognised in the Architecture Top 50 by BUILD. A