KAW architecten

Architecture Firm Rotterdam / Netherlands

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KAW architecten 2
KAW architecten
The letters KAW in Dutch stand for ‘Co-operative Architectural Workshop’, and as the name suggests, we are not the average architects. We were founded in 1976 and since then we have been working with a broad combination of disciplines: architecture, urban planning, public housing, process management, real estate and engineering. This makes us a unique and service minded company capable of handling a multitude of medium to large-scale projects. At KAW we work with approximately 75 highly competent professionals from our offices in Groningen, Rotterdam and Eindhoven in the Netherlands and Barcelona in Spain. We work for governments, housing corporations, developers, schools, building co-operations and care and welfare organisations. Our philosophy and approach Ever since KAW was founded, we strongly believe in creating an environment that enables people to live and work happier. Such homes, workplaces, neighbourhoods, districts and villages deserve our full and integrated attention. In the environments we create, we consider economical activity and social connectivity as this supports the liveliness and comfort of the people living and working there. Through creativity and innovation we can create this sense of spatial freedom and togetherness. The aim we want to accomplish with our work is adding value to a project for both the initiator, the residents, the neighbourhood and the city, and subsequently create a design that transcends the fashions of time. What we do is part of a larger context. We are permeated with the consciousness that a city is more than the sum houses and offices. A city has to live! KAW is fully capable to develop the complete range of urban innovation. The way we work From the onset of a project KAW uses a complete range of expertise to start analysing the problem and developing a vision based on the entire process of building and living. Therefore we do not limit activities to the functionality of the architectural design, but we also consider the consequences of implementation, energy management, maintenance, and different usage in the future. KAW professionals look over the borders of their expertise. Through this integrated approach we see projects in the broad context; meaning we can identify project risks at an early stage and benefit from the not so obvious opportunities. Our collaboration model ensures speed and inspiration, but above all it ensures a plan that is well thought out in all aspects and will therefore have a lasting value for the future. Our Experience and Capabilities KAW has delivered a number of prize-winning designs. Housing is our expertise. Our strength lies in organizing complex and multi-disciplinary processes, particularly in renovation of city districts, and developing the functions present in a residential area both in the scheduling stage and execution. We do not operate from a distance: we feel responsible for content and are closely involved with the residents. Our main focus is (the integration into) the existing city. Whenever we design a district, we always start with a thorough analysis of spatial and social structure and getting acquainted with residents in this district and their housing requirements. This broad analysis is the basis for a high-quality spatial concept. The ultimate result of the design highly depends on a flawless execution. At KAW the building and architecture team closely monitor the execution together. This way we can guarantee reliability, clarity and efficiency. In this context the technical draughtsman, project manager, cost accountant and supervisor of the building and architecture team execute a suite of activities from the initiation phase up to and including the execution. Our Flexibility We have an extensive network of employable resources. This enables us, together with our own staff, to quickly ramp up teams for new projects. We can also execute projects of various sizes in combination with international or local contractors. In some cases we act as the ‘home’ architects for a building company. We are very willing to work together with local associates or partners and set up local facilities for efficiency and effective communication with the client. Our ‘Life Cycle Costs’ Solutions Investment costs are usually seen as the key decision factor for a building project. At KAW we realise that design is an important input in the overall cost, yet we also review and include all other costs associated with the project in a proposal. This ranges between building costs, energy costs, phasing of delivery, maintenance costs and other elements that overall determine the life cycle costs for the client or future owner. This helps the client in his decision making process when design and material choices have to be made. We handle sustainability the same way, weighing environmental impact and durability against the life cycle costs. Our Project Management Capabilities We realize the importance of costs- and schedule predictability of a project for the client. Therefore we do our utmost to provide realistic estimates at the beginning of the job, using our broad in-house experience in consultation with the client. Throughout the project the assigned project manager has the overall responsibility to manage and control costs, time schedule and quality. When required, we also provide construction supervision services for building processes.
KAW architecten
KAW architecten

The letters KAW in Dutch stand for ‘Co-operative Architectural Workshop’, and as the name suggests, we are not the average architects. We were founded in 1976 and since then we have been working with a broad combination of disciplines: architecture, urban planning, public housing, process management, real estate and engineering. This makes us a unique and service minded company capable of handling a multitude of medium to large-scale projects. At KAW we work with approximately 75 highly...

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