Williams Ross Architects create well-built design with a strong identity and sense of belonging for occupants.
We value design that will hold its qualities for long periods of time. We value construction design that works and is readily buildable, and we respect our builders as partners who are crucial to realising the design and its effectiveness.
We believe that optimum solutions arise out of a high quality, collaborative process with our client, users, team and builder, valuing everyone’s expertise. We listen carefully to all parties to the project, balancing needs, goals and budget. Our consultation skills have helped engage community support, while delivering facilities that work well for their occupants and users.
We find inspiration for design expression from the client’s identity, history, site context and landscape. We want our buildings to age well and therefore favour ‘classic’ forms and proven, long-lasting materials, rather than transient novelty.
“‘We believe that great design weaves together an integration of all the client, functional, site and specific needs of each project. Effective functional planning, sustainability and universal design, and well-resolved construction are fundamental to good design. Achieving this requires relentless attention to detail throughout the process.’
– Virginia Ross, fmr Managing Director”
Setting up for Success
Planning for sports, education and community facilities requires a holistic approach - balancing function and technical requirements with strategic design decisions and community expectations of high-quality, responsible and sustainable built outcomes.
Our practice specialises in the complexities of master planning community and educational facilities and precincts. We have a passion and strong belief in projects that reflect a sense of place, welcome people, encourage them to linger and socialise, and through the right mix of activities, can increase their participation in community life, activities, and sport. We approach them with sound process planning, targeted consultation and willingness to engage in lateral thinking, grounded by practicality and experience.
“‘All WRA staff are very skilled architects and have excellent customer service focus. They have clients at the forefront and can find innovative solutions.
WRA have always assisted us from planning to implementation to after sales service.’
— Tony Grant, Business Manager, Siena College”
An integrated approach to Interiors and Workplace design
We view interior design and fitouts to be as important to the overall success of a project as the exterior form. Our interior architecture team is included in all design projects to provide a holistic approach from conceptual design to completion. This involvement influences structural and spatial considerations from the beginning and informs our architecture to provide high performing spaces that genuinely respond to client needs and enhances user experience.
Many of our projects incorporate staff workspaces as part of their scope. We have seen a strong emphasis on functionality to a people-centric model, acknowledging that fostering diversity, collaboration and human connection helps to create healthy and dynamic workplaces.
Our approach focuses on healthy workplaces through high quality internal environments, active and diverse workplace settings, and equity in the provision of space. We also facilitate organisational change through the design process, critical to new ways of working in contemporary workplace design.
Delivery record
We take pride in delivering high quality, long-lasting facilities on budget and program. The majority of our projects are delivered within or under approved budget. Despite tight time frames none of our projects have been delayed by team performance.
Our projects range in size from small but important works up to around +$50m. Each year we consistently manage about $240m in construction and substantially more in pre-design studies.
WRA has been ISO 9000 accredited for over 15 years. Our systematic processes use checklists at each stage of work. We use cloud-based document management to systematise processes or run large projects on Aconex or Teambinder. Weekly program and task review, fortnightly design meetings and regular client meetings maintain progress and review decision-making, cost and risk management.
“‘Providing advice and encouragement that Council should have a ‘whole of life’ approach to the project and being committed to working effectively with Council to manage the planning legal, financial, design, land management, community / stakeholder consultation, ESD and timetable issues has been a strength of the work by WRA.’
— Phil Warner, General Manager Infrastructure, Whitehorse City Council, Whitehorse Sportlink”
Sustainable design
Design can have substantial impact on sustainability by creating buildings with low carbon and resource impact. All projects are scrutinised repeatedly throughout design to evaluate sustainability opportunities across the full range of strategies. We are particularly focused on measures that deliver measurable greenhouse reduction benefits, energy efficiency and promotes sustainable industry – such as recycled materials.
We also work to minimise the carbon impact of our practice and the design process itself – an aspect that is perhaps less focused upon. We do this through reducing our own energy consumption, resource use, minimising work-related travel, using digital communication and public transport whenever possible. Our team have also signed up to Architects Declare and acknowledge the benefits of socially responsible procurement activities.
“‘The Green Building Council of Australia is very pleased to announce that the Frank Fenner Building has been awarded a 6 Star Green Star — Office Design and Office As-built V3 certified rating, which represents ‘World Leadership’ in environmentally sustainable building practices.
I congratulate the WRA project team on your achievement.’
— Romilly Madew, Chief Executive, Green Building Council of Australia”