DVRA is a progressive, young architectural practice based in Brisbane, Australia that thinks of itself more as an "Atelier". The word Atelier has French origins and means "a workshop or studio, especially of an artist, artisan or designer". Our Atelier is one that offers a flexible service undertaking work diverse in its typology, scale, context and culture. The same level of rigorous commitment and intensity is provided for each project regardless of its size or complexity.
We approach each project from the position of our client and the perspective of future users, identifying the unique problem of each project, and in response craft a bespoke solution. We are informed by each brief, and as such have become good listeners. Once combined with the unique constraints of the site, location and culture, we invent poetic yet pragmatic propositions, which directly respond to a client's brief and exceed their expectations. Our process involves role play to create spaces that facilitate rather than prescribe, whilst enhancing the processes of living. We envisage what might happen in a space, not what must happen. We maintain contact with clients well after completion in order to learn how to improve, so that the next project will be the better for it. Practicing in a sub-tropical climate means that our architecture is informed by a first principles approach to environmental design. We aim to design spaces that are climate responsive, regardless of the climate type, and which enable the users to moderate the atmosphere of spaces to provide different experiences.
The Atelier actively encourages exploration of all ideas, thoughts and concepts in pursuit of a rigorous and appropriate conceptual strategy for each project. Throughout the project lifecyle, the office infrastructure is one that supports and adds value, enabling our ideas to flourish and materialise. The Atelier is in a constant state of evolution, with in house training, continuing professional development and quality assessments being undertaken regularly, which strengthens and stretches the Atelier's capabilities. In fact, to maintain registration as an Architect, it is a requirement to participate in continuing professional development.