Leading architect gives his views on 2012

Philip Lewis, managing director of the award-winning architectural firm the Lewis Partnership, of South Wales, gives his views on what 2012 holds –
These are uncertain times, but architecture is about building for the future. As one of the leading firms in South Wales, we have to be optimistic about 2012.
It may seem like a simple wish, but it is surely not beyond our own Welsh Government to look at providing greater investment opportunities in the building industry.
A much-needed stimulus for the building industry will help create employment – and everyone in Wales can feel the mutual benefit from more jobs.
As architects, we are keenly aware of the need to produce eco-friendly, sustainable and environmentally-friendly buildings.
The focus on energy savings will become ever more important during 2012 and those businesses who use cutting-edge technology and techniques to keep at the forefront of environmental issues will be the ones that succeed.
Partnerships will be prized and valued during 2012. Architects, building contractors and suppliers (everyone involved in the building process) needs to work as a team to provide economical solutions for customers.
The unknown factor for all of us will be the fallout from the Euro crisis.
How much of a dent that will put in investment and confidence in housing is anyone’s guess?
On a happier note, it is nice to see local authorities like Carmarthenshire continuing with their modernising schools programme. Investing in quality new schools for the next generation of teachers, doctors, nurses, builders and architects is bound to be good news.
Education in the workplace will also become more valuable in 2012. As members of RIBA (the Royal Institute of British Architects), we follow the philosophy of ‘CPD’, continual professional development. Education and training within the workplace is a crucially important tool in making sure individual firms keep their cutting edge.
Weblinks –
http://www.lewispartnership.co.uk
On Facebook, search ‘Lewis Partnership Ltd.’
On Twitter, look for @Lewis_Architect

The Lewis Partnership of architects was founded in 1995 by partners of established architectural firms based in Llanelli, Carmarthen and Bridgend. The firm has a wide knowledge of the design and project management of a wide variety of building types, and draws on the experience of chartered architects and a complimentary technical and secretarial staff. Projects are prepared and completed using high-tech Autocad computer-aided design The company has gained accreditation to the International Quality Assurance Standard BS EN ISO 9001 : 2000. During 2007, the company gained RIBA Chartered status. The company is one of Carmarthenshire Council’s preferred Architectural Practices in their Building Control Partnering Scheme.