ABOUT US Since 1996 we have specialised in the design of environments for children and adults with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) and other learning difficulties. Our expertise embraces the design of residential and educational buildings as well as respite centres for new builds and refurbishments. Providers of care and education for children and adults with ASD and other learning difficulties do not always have access to designers who are experienced in this specialist field. Furthermore, there has been a lack of recognition of the fact that a well-designed building can be influential in the lives of those that are coping with a disability and their carers. We can assist clients in the preparation of a brief so that the right building or refurbishment can be delivered at the right cost. The key elements are design and management; design to ensure that the building will be a good place in which to live or work and management to make sure that the brief and cost are compatible and that the client is exposed to the minimum of risks between commissioning and completion. We will always prepare a feedback study after the building has been occupied for six months. This provides the client with useful information concerning maintenance and cleaning issues as well as monitoring the building’s performance in more general terms.
At ga architects, we’re always keen to donate our time, experience, expertise and creativity to a worthy cause. We are committed to supporting a range of industry causes and local charities in the UK, Europe, and World. Each year we dedicate our time and expertise and commit to spending a percentage of our profit on charity. Some of the good causes we have supported recently include: NAS - The National Autistic Society ActionAid UK Cancer Research UK ga architects can assist at any stage of your project planning and offer expert advice on any specific, individual or complete turnkey package to suit your needs. We understand the sensitivities inherent in designing new build and refurbishment facilities for special needs. Combined with our expertise in planning and building regulations and a strong management approach we can help you get more value out of your budget and a building that works for all its users. Brief preparation, concept design and feasibility studies, inclusive design, project management and post occupancy evaluations are the essence of our practice.
EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS
NEW BARN SCHOOL Client: Sussex Healtcre • Location: Broadbridge Heat Completed: 2016 • Value: n/a
This school for 40 pupils was commissioned by Sussex Health Care and occupies a rural site adjacent to housing for a range of residents with special needs managed by SHC. GA Architects’ brief was to focus on the interior fitting out and landscape design. The sensory garden and facilities for horticulture as well as other landscaping were designed to encourage and breakdown barriers in communication through the exploration of the senses; the smell and feel of plants. The curves of the landscaping has a simple and uncomplicated simplicity which promotes a friendly and nurturing environment.
OUSIDE CLASROOM
OUSIDE CLASROOM
OUSIDE CLASROOM
OUSIDE CLASROOM
OUSIDE CLASROOM
OUSIDE CLASROOM
OUSIDE CLASROOM
OUSIDE CLASROOM
OUSIDE CLASROOM
OUSIDE CLASROOM lavender rosemary basil
oregano
thyme parsley
sage
mint coriander
TCES SCHOOL Client: TCES Group • Location: Stratford London Completed: 2018 • Value: £ 1 Milion
Nursery for 30 children aged three to five with special needs including ASD. This was a conversion within the existing hall to provide nursery, offices for social workers and new occupational therapy facilities as well as ancillary services.
OUSIDE CLASROOM
OUSIDE CLASROOM
OUSIDE CLASROOM
OUSIDE CLASROOM
PHOENIX SCHOOL Client: Phoenix SEN • Location: Tower Hamlets Completed: 2009 • Value: £ 800,000
Work included the refurbishment of parts of the school to make more autism friendly. This included a classroom to provide teaching kitchens and life skills facilities. Also refurbishment of the dining hall to provide arts laboratory for dancing and experimental theatre. There was also an assessment of classrooms to advise on work needed to achieve a good standard of teaching environment in regard to acoustics.
ACLAND BURGHLEY Client: LB Camden • Location: London Completed: 2011 • Value: £ 700,000
A mainstream school in the London Borough of Camden that required a Resource Base for up to 20 children on the autism spectrum. An existing and very run-down space was designated for the project which had to be mechanical ventilated due to the proximity of the site to the school playground that meant the windows could not be opened. The Resource Base has been designed to provide an autism-friendly environment based on our specialist knowledge and experience in this field and after a consultation with some of the children, some of whose suggestions were incorporated into the design.
KENNEDY LEIGH Client: Norwood • Location: Hendon London Completed: 2008 • Value: £ 900,000
Nursery for 30 children aged three to five with special needs including ASD. This was a conversion within the existing hall to provide nursery, offices for social workers and new occupational therapy facilities as well as ancillary services.
WHITTON SCHOOL Client: Norwood • Location: Hendon London Completed: 2008 • Value: £ 900,000
Nursery for 30 children aged three to five with special needs including ASD. This was a conversion within the existing hall to provide nursery, offices for social workers and new occupational therapy facilities as well as ancillary services.
TCES SCHOOL Client: TCES Group • Location: Stratford London Completed: 2018 • Value: £ 1 Milion
Nursery for 30 children aged three to five with special needs including ASD. This was a conversion within the existing hall to provide nursery, offices for social workers and new occupational therapy facilities as well as ancillary services.