We design and manage bespoke architectural competitions for a broad range of developer and end user clients. We work from first principles to ensure that the competitive process that is used is best able to deliver the right team for the given project.
Competition structures vary depending on the type of project and, crucially, on whether the client is looking for a design solution or for an architect with whom to develop designs. Unsurprisingly therefore, there are many different ways of structuring the competitive process – from a simple competitive interview and credentials presentation to a full blown multi-staged design competition.
Our expertise in designing and then managing competitions draws on Caroline Cole's experience of running the RIBA Clients’ Advisory Service and Competitions Office in the late 1990’s. During this time she was responsible for developing many of the most effective competitive processes that are used across the industry today. She also gained first hand experience of setting up and managing major competitions for a wide variety of projects, including: Wembley Stadium, the European HQ for Toyota and the Women’s Library at the London Metropolitan University.
Colander has set up and managed architectural and design team competitions for a range of clients. These include various mixed use and housing sites for the Peabody Trust; the landscape design for Battersea Power Station for Parkview International and a competition to find a master planner for a major urban extension for Land Securities.
Our service includes:
• Designing the right competitive process
• Researching and identifying potential competitors
• Writing the competition rules
• Writing the competition brief
• Planning the competition timetable and budget
• Acting as point of contact for the competition
• Identifying independent jury members
• Briefing the jury panel
• Briefing competitors
• Managing the competitive process
• Arranging interviews and presentations
• Maintaining confidentiality and anonymity
• Maintaining an audit trail
• Competition administration
• Debriefing and follow up
