Saunders Boston Architects celebrated 100 years of business with a retrospective and future gazing look at its journey through the past century and into the next 100 years, and marked the occasion with the launch of its new branding, at the Fisher Building in St John’s College – a Saunders Boston Architects’ project from 1989.
John Blair, Director at Saunders Boston Architects said:
“For 100 years we have placed emphasis on building personal relationships with our clients and producing bespoke solutions. The result is an enviable reputation and a strong portfolio of unique projects that will make a difference to people and society long into the future.”
“We are proud of our heritage but we are not bound by it and whilst the current directors and staff will continue to reflect the ethos of Saunders Boston Architects, we will not be defined by it, we aim to constantly improve what we do and the service we offer.”
The practice, which has been located in Cambridge for the last 50 years, was formed after the First World War by the notable architect CH James. It is now 60 people strong and designs and delivers inspirational buildings and environments for sectors including education, higher education and science, residential, retirement living and care and sport and leisure. Notable projects include: Sapphire Ice and Leisure Centre, the University of Cambridge Veterinary School Hospital, the Colchester Institute, the Science Centre at Anglia Ruskin University, Spillers Mill and the Office of Post-Doctoral Affairs Centre.
Talking about its long and successful history, Nick Green, Director of Saunders Boston Architects, said:
“The history of the practice is defined by a quiet modesty focusing on considered work defined by the people that use and enjoy our buildings. Whether this is through the sensitive garden city inspired residential work of the 1920s, the grand civic buildings of the 1930s and 1940s, or the richly detailed work of the 1970s and 1980s. This thread of accomplished, attentive design runs through all of our past, current and future work.”
Examining the impact that technology has had, and will have, on the industry, and demonstrating the practice’s approach through the use of 3D design, building information modelling and VR technology, Nathan Swift, Director of Saunders Boston Architects, said: “Architecture requires immense vision; as such, translating ideas into designs for clients can sometimes prove tricky. However, VR technology is revolutionising architecture by allowing virtual buildings to be experienced from the inside out, making designs accessible and understandable to everyone, not just those who are regularly reading plans.”
According to Martin Lindus, Director of Saunders Boston Architects, the future will be defined by those who really understand their client’s needs. He said:
“We set out to exceed our client’s expectations and banish mediocrity – something that we have been doing for a century now.”
Finally, marking its 100-year milestone, Saunders Boston Architects launched its new branding, designed to reflect the creative and collaborative nature of the practice, and its diverse, expert and flexible team. The practice’s vibrant new brand identity was unveiled by Director Darren Heffer, who said:
“Following the tremendous growth and success of the business over the last decade, we have created a new brand that is reflective of the company as it is today, but that will be equally relevant in the future. We believe the 3D multi-facetted and coloured acronym ‘SBA’ reflects the diverse mix of people in the practice and crossover of sectors within which we operate.”