10 Learnings From 10 Years In Practice

You heard right! We’ve spent a decade as leaders of medium-density public and private housing design in New Zealand.

It’s an amazing milestone. Chatting to our managing director James Solari about what we’ve learnt during this time, we realised one thing pretty quickly: it’s a lot.

So, here are 10 learnings from our 10 years in practice.

1. The power of good design

“We know good design,” says our director James. James brought medium-density architecture from Sydney to Wellington a decade ago and he’s never looked back.

So, what is good design for Solari? One key element is assessing the unique requirements of each project and working accordingly. This bespoke approach runs through all of our medium-density design.

We learnt how to ask the right questions. What is the topography and environment of the site like? How will residences relate to one another? How can vitality and energy fill communal spaces? And how can a building allow for privacy and discretion?

“True design comes into play when you’re understanding all those different factors,” James says.

2. How good design impacts communities

Everybody wants good neighbours! We know that thoughtful architecture brings people together. But what does this mean in practice?

“First and foremost is facilitating good interaction between people,” James says. One way Solari achieves this is through ‘bump spaces,’ shared zones where people cross paths with each other. Mailrooms, laundries and green communal spaces all become areas for comfortable interactions between residents.

“People will come and go at the same time,” James says. “There’s an opportunity for little kids to play while adults sit nearby and engage with their neighbours.”

Add easy access to public transport, welcoming public spaces and social amenities like cafes and bars and you’ve got a thriving community.

3. Find the right collaborators

A truly successful project begins with an effective collaboration and relationship with your client.

It takes a village to build a village. The past decade has taught us the value of collaborating effectively with every team member on a job. “That’s across structural engineers, civil engineers, to landscape architects to urban designers,” James says.

Long-term relationships allow Solari to deliver projects smoothly in tight time frames. James has worked with construction contractors Redican-Allwood, for example, for over 13 years. “There’s a true respect and connection there,” he says. A shared commitment to quality and efficiency underpin their multiple successful collaborations. “We’ve built hundreds of apartments together.”

4. The importance of shared values

“Success is dependent on your key values,” James says.

For our practice, that’s architecture for everyone (not just a privileged few) and working together as an empowered team. Now, we’re strategic, choosing to work with people aligned with Solari’s core beliefs.

“We’ve come a long way in terms of establishing who we are and who we align with,” James reflects. “And that’s a powerful position to be in to truly effect change.”

5. Prioritise sustainable design

On a personal note, our directors James and Catherine have a child who’s about to turn 10 (it’s a big year for us!). This has only reinforced the importance of designing a greener future for the next generation.

“We’re in a position where we can make a difference,” James says. “That’s trying meaningful long-term good design decisions that have the right environmental impact.”

Some examples? Energy-efficient heating and cooling mechanisms that utilise the natural resources of sunlight and wind, for one. Another is prioritising durable materials; building structures with longer lifespans makes a powerful contribution to a sustainable future.

6. Create a strong team

As a small practice starting out, this was a real challenge. Over the years, we’ve learnt how to attract talent and go beyond hiring based on resumes alone.

“Finding a person who is a strong cultural fit for our practice is more important than just an impressive skillset on paper,” James says. “You can adapt and grow with the right people.”

7. Empowering others

One of the most rewarding parts of building a practice up over the years is supporting younger colleagues to take on more and more independent responsibilities.

“It’s so satisfying when you see the growth of people who are happy to take an opportunity and run with it,” James says.

When team members leave Solari and move to the next step in their journey, we’re proud to have contributed to their growth.

8. Ongoing learning

“The world around us is changing all the time,” James says. “You have to put the effort in to keep up with it.”

How do we do it? We’re always attending conferences, speaking on panels and reading our peers’ publications.  Staying open to new ideas is non-negotiable.

We also hold regular open forums in our office. This fosters a culture of sharing ideas and means that team members with different areas of expertise can learn from one another.

9. Have fun

It’s important! Bonding with the people you work with every day creates a sense of vibrancy that lifts everyone up.

A well-being dog who is always up for a cuddle, an entire-office quiz at 3 pm every day that keeps the team connected and the recognition that sometimes you need to put down the tools and have a laugh — this is the workplace culture our team members thrive in.

10. Be adaptable

“Have an open mind. There are multiple ways of solving problems that aren’t just following the textbook,” James says. When you’re juggling shifting site conditions, multiple contractors and complicated bureaucracies, remember this: flexibility is key.

The importance of this learning was hammered home during the ultimate disruption, the COVID-19 pandemic. “The textbook about how to deal with that doesn’t exist,” James laughs, “so you’ve just got to have that adaptable mindset.”

We’ve got a feeling we’ll be leaning on these lessons for many more years to come.

Connect with Solari as we reflect on 10 years of practice.

Want to discover more about the design of successful medium-density housing? We’d love to chat with you. Connect with a Solari team member by calling +64 49 744 562 or emailing [email protected]