About
Originally formed as a collaboration of two West Midlands based practices; Fleming James Architects and architecture:nw, CoARC was set up to enable combined working and collaboration under a single umbrella company. The directors previously worked together at one of the UK’s largest architectural firms before setting up their businesses, delivering projects in a variety of sectors including a significant number of education buildings.
CoARC is an architectural practice focused on providing an open and collaborative approach to building design. We are highly experienced and hands-on, offering the benefits of a small enterprise (such as low overheads and readily identifiable and continuous points of contact), coupled with the experience in delivering projects, such as the technical abilities, typical of a larger architectural firm.
The three directors of CoARC: Ian James, Andy Fleming and Nick Woodcock have between them over 60 years of experience. They have a broad range of skill sets that cover all project work stages from strategic briefing and stakeholder engagement; feasibility appraisals; complex planning approvals; technical detailing and full specification; and contract administration.
Their past experience has seen them successfully work together on award-winning and challenging projects. This has included: listed buildings in conservation area and AONB settings; projects involving multiple stakeholder engagement and, delivering against challenging timescales and budget constraints.
What do CoARC offer?
As Directors but also committed and passionate architects, Nick, Andy and Ian are directly involved in the day-to-day running of all projects, contributing with their hands-on knowledge and architectural skills. This is backed up by their director-level experience and wider project oversight.
Working in a collaborative way we want ideas to align, with a clear mutual focus to bring a project to life. We offer an experienced set of hands, added value and client support.
CoARC uses the latest Vectorworks 3D BIM building design software enabling scheme transition from massing and initial sketch design development stages to the output of full technical construction information, within one software package. This provides coordination, flexibility and efficiency throughout the project.
Vectorworks BIM software provides BS EN ISO 19650 compliant information as necessary, working side by side with Revit and IFC information and data exchange.
We utilise the latest NBS specification software to ensure fully cross-referenced construction information and technical documentation.
Experienced in contract administration including the use of the latest JCT suite of contracts.
The directors have developed great working relationships with clients, consultants and contractors. As a practice we can assist with the appointment of other consultants to the client's design team. We have experience with a number of procurement routes including: traditional, novation/consultant switch D&B, and contractor lead or contractor framework D&B. This provides the ability to work with both larger contractors and small builders.