Design Philosophy

We believe that great design begins with a deep understanding of the people who will inhabit the space, as well as the physical, cultural, and historical context of the location. Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that thoughtful, innovative design can transform spaces and elevate experiences. We believe that every project should leave a meaningful mark. We are driven by the belief that every project should enhance its environment.    

At the heart of our philosophy is empathy, a purposeful commitment to understanding and valuing the diverse needs, emotions, and experiences of the user. By listening, learning, and collaborating, we ensure that our designs are closely aligned with the needs and aspirations of the community.  

Our commitment to sustainability and responsible design drives us to create spaces that are not only aesthetically compelling but also environmentally responsible, ensuring a positive legacy for future generations. 

Design Methodology

At ARQS, we use a front-loaded design approach, dedicating a greater amount of effort, time, and resources to the early stages of design. This strategy focuses on thorough planning, problem-solving, and design development upfront to avoid costly changes and inefficiencies later in the construction documentation and construction contract administration phases. By comparison, the traditional approach may lead to issues being addressed later in the process, when changes are more expensive and time-consuming.  

The front-loaded approach provides several key benefits:  

  • In the early stages, there is more flexibility and opportunity to make significant design changes and cost decisions before the construction documents phase begins. 

  • By addressing potential issues early, the design team can avoid expensive changes or delays as the project moves into the construction phase. This also allows for more accurate early cost estimation, providing greater financial clarity for both the client and the project team. 

  • This method allows for a more thoughtful, in-depth exploration of design options, leading to better-aligned, innovative solutions. 

  • With detailed and resolved designs, the construction phase tends to run smoother with fewer interruptions, such as redesigns or change orders. 

Team Overview

Our architects and interior designers are the heartbeat of creativity, they bring spaces to life by meticulously considering every detail, creating environments that are aesthetically pleasing and aligned with our clients’ needs. Collaborating closely with our consultants, they ensure a cohesive and holistic approach to design. 

At ARQS we aim to channel resources directly into the projects, rather than through the unnecessary layers of corporate intermediaries that often separate clients from the architects and engineers working on the project. We cherish the team effort that unfolds with the client on each project, driven by a mutual desire to achieve the best possible outcomes 

Our staffing approach provides clients with consistent, direct access to the team members responsible for delivering their project. We avoid a hierarchical model, preferring instead a collaborative team where each member’s unique talents are leveraged for the benefit of the project.  

While our architectural team may seem smaller, we allocate more senior hours to the project, in comparison to larger firms. In large firms, projects are often handled by a combination of junior and mid-level team members, with experienced staff only reacting to problems as they occur.  

At ARQS, we take a more hands-on approach by allocating more hours and engaging our senior directly on the project. This means that our clients benefit from consistent access to seasoned professionals at every stage, ensuring a higher level of attention, detail, and expertise throughout the process. This approach enables us to provide a more personal and thorough service. We also partner with trusted engineering consultants who share our values, ensuring that every aspect of the project receives the specialized expertise it requires, resulting in better project outcomes. 

As a local firm based in Addison, ARQS prides itself on accessibility, adaptability, and responsiveness. Our team members working on your project are local, ensuring that we are not only easy to reach but also readily available. You can be confident that our commitment to the project comes with the benefit of proximity and availability, eliminating the delays and communication barriers that can arise when working with teams based on remote cities, out of state or even out of the country. 

Diversity is Our Strength

We believe that diversity in the types of projects we undertake is a key driver of innovation and success. Unlike firms that focus exclusively on a single niche, we intentionally avoid over-specialization. This deliberate choice allows us to cross-pollinate ideas, drawing inspiration from various industries, trends, techniques, and disciplines. Each project type we work on informs and enhances our approach to the next. For example, the precision and attention to detail we apply when designing a high-end hospitality space can be adapted to create more intimate, user-centered experiences in a municipal project. 

This adaptability and openness to learning from different fields keep us at the forefront of architectural innovation. By not being tied to one specific project type, we respond more effectively to the unique challenges and opportunities each client brings. This ensures that every space we design is not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also benefits from the best practices and insights gained from our diverse portfolio. 

At ARQS, we understand that the architectural landscape is constantly evolving, and our ability to adapt and innovate is what sets us apart.