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Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/325830
P r o m o t e d C o n t e n t P R O M O T E D C O N T E N T "To accomplish this we developed a team with diverse talents and experience that could deliver in these areas. One key decision was to expand our management and design expertise by adding two associates, David Echaiz- McGrath and Joel Smith, who have really helped us build the irm." WA achieves an ideal middle ground between the large conglomerates and boutique companies, and enjoys the strengths of both. In addition to delivering big projects on time and on budget it's nimble enough to respond to changing needs and evolving trends, while retaining personal working relationships with clients. Governing Weih and Banich's activities is a commitment to understanding client goals and to follow through eficiently. "We treat every project as unique, and foster a practical approach–which is not to say that we don't make the most of every design opportunity," says Banich. "We strongly believe that no matter what the building is for it should beneit the larger community as well as end users." This philosophy has resulted in a steady stream of repeat clients, and a portfolio of notable accomplishments. The duo cites the recently completed City Centre 1 project as one example. City Centre 1 is a 12-storey medical- ofice building of approximately 183,000 square feet, targeting LEED Gold certiication, developed and constructed by the Lark Group to serve the evolving Surrey Memorial Hospital precinct. Weih emphasizes the importance of good interaction between architects and developers. "We ind that great projects come from great relationships with our clients and partners," he explains. "Our work with the Lark Group is a perfect example. We've worked together as a team, along with key consultants and stakeholders, on several major projects including City Centre 1 and Laurel Place Care Facility, with excellent results." Laurel Place Care Facility is a seniors' complex-care building in the Surrey Memorial Hospital 'campus of care' zone. It consists of 227 care beds including a hospice with resident amenities in a courtyard scheme. "We joint-ventured with M.Saar Architecture for the design of Laurel Place and for Kinsmen Lodge, another seniors' care facility. Matti Saar's background in seniors' health-care was an important factor in the success of these projects, says Weih. "In our profession, HOWARD WAISMAN Laurel Place Care Facility is a 227-bed complex care facility in the Surrey Memorial Hospital campus of care zone. The building incorporates a 20-bed hospice for palliative care and 20-bed rehabilitation facility for the Fraser Health Authority. Joint venture with M. Saar Architecture Client: Fleetwood Villa Holdings/Lark Group HOWARD WAISMAN p156-161- Wensley.indd 157 2014-05-29 3:24 PM