GSSArchitecture is celebrating its 140th anniversary as an architectural practice throughout 2019. This month, Michael Magri, Partner at the Practice who oversees the Gloucester office, takes the opportunity to reflect on his time at the practice since he joined 15 years ago.
After studying at Oxford Brookes I completed my studies at the Architectural Association in London. Upon graduation I started my own practice from my flat in Fulham, where we specialised in high-end domestic projects around Kensington & Chelsea.
After the birth of our daughter, Lily, we decided to move out of London and we relocated to my home city of Gloucester. I commuted to my practice in London for nearly two years, but eventually I had to find something more local. Fortunately for me GSS had just opened a new Bristol office and were on the search for an architect. After meeting with Tom Lyons, who is now Senior Partner, I decided GSS would be a good opportunity and I accepted their job offer.
At GSS we are fortunate to have a broad range of projects always on the go, which ensures we aren’t sitting still for too long. One current project is a nine-storey student accommodation development in the heart of Bristol, which is due to start on site later this year. This project has many of the usual challenges associated with working in a large metropolitan city, but it is also one of the tallest projects we have delivered. We are seeing an increase in the commissioning of taller buildings, and as such this is an important project to ensure GSS remains at the forefront of innovation and regulation changes.
GSSArchitecture is 140 years old this year and our heritage not only sets us apart from other architectural practices but enforces our role as partners. Yes, we are here to maintain a successful and creative business, but we are also custodians for the next generation of partners to ensure GSS hits 150, 175 and 200 years old.
GSS is a forward looking practice, and I’m excited about the changes and innovation that technology will bring to our industry, particularly on the construction site, as we see greater use of modular construction and in our daily lives with AI and automation.
I believe our approach sets us apart from other architects. We always have a partner assigned to a project irrespective of the project size. The partner is embedded within the project and remains so until completion, meaning the partners have detailed knowledge of each and every project going through the practice.
To me, GSSArchitecture means TEAM. We cannot operate in this industry as individuals, and we rely on one another to share knowledge and skills to deliver a collaborative and friendly service to our clients.
I am always proud when one of our projects generates repeat business for GSS, as this reflects on everyone involved in the process, from project architect to admin team members.”
For more information about GSSArchitecture and to keep up to date with its latest projects and activities visit www.gssarchitecture.com.