About
CoARC is a joint venture architectural practice formed from the collaboration of two West Midlands based firms; Fleming James Architects and architecture:nw, set up to enable combined working and collaboration under a single umbrella company. The directors previously worked together at one of the UKs largest architectural firms before setting up their own businesses, delivering projects in a variety of sectors including a significant number of education and schools buildings.
The purpose of CoARC is to provide a flexible and adaptable resource to clients that constitutes a highly experienced hands on practice with the benefits that come from a small enterprise (such as low overheads, and readily identifiable and continuous points of contact), coupled with the experience and approach to delivering projects, as well 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 50 years of experience working as architects. During this time acquiring a broad range of skillsets covering all project work stages from strategic briefing and stakeholder engagement, feasibility appraisals, complex planning approvals to full specification, technical detailing and contract administration.
They have previously worked together successfully on a number of award wining buildings, including listed properties; buildings in conservation areas and AONBs; projects involving multiple stakeholder groups; and often with challenging timescales and/or budgets.
What do CoARC offer?
Nick, Andy and Ian provide hands-on knowledge and architectural skills directly through all project stages, backed up with their director level experience and project overview/responsibility. The directors, as committed and passionate architects offer day to day input, ensuring thorough involvement in the architectural services delivered to clients.
CoARC uses the latest Vectorworks BIM software for all stages of works providing BS EN ISO 19650 compliant information as necessary, working side by side with Revit and IFC information and data exchange.
As a comprehensive 3D BIM modelling software Vectorworks enables schemes to transition from massing and sketch design, through all design development and technical output all within one software package; providing coordination, flexibility and efficiency throughout the project.
We utilise the latest NBS specification software to ensure fully cross referenced construction information and technical documentation.
Experience of contract administration from minor to major projects including use of the latest JCT suite of contracts.
The directors have all built up great working relationships with consultants and contractors during their experience and can assist with the appointment of other consultants to the client's design team. They are well versed in working on a variety 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 contracting organisations and smaller builders alike.