David Battersby and Heather Howat like nothing more than talking about architecture and design. They have been business partners and friends for 25 years, and apparently there is no end to the discussions. “We think of our practice as multi-disciplinary,” Battersby explains. “We provide our clients with a nice range of options in putting a project together.” Between them they have degrees in interior design, landscape design, and architecture. Both are highly decorated professionals, gaining recognition across the continent.
There are clear advantages, since the team at BattersbyHowat can literally work from the ground up, and from the outside in, making each project not only unique, but uniquely comprehensive for the client—who does not have to balance varying agendas between different disciplines or companies. Each project is approached as a consultative, mutual exploration of the possibilities. “It is an incredible privilege, working with people to build a dream home or a beautiful, highly functional office space, and work out every single detail with them,” says Howat.
Their body of work includes multiple private residences, plus offices, art galleries, and even forays into specially-designed furniture. “This holistic method allows us to achieve a kind of harmonious whole, which is better for the clients, I think,” explains Battersby. A recently-completed project on Fairmile Road in West Vancouver is a great case in point. “We were asked to maximize the views towards the city and the Lions Gate Bridge, but also to maximize privacy,” he says. “So our landscaping skills became extremely important in establishing how the house and gardens would work together to make a complete urban living oasis.” Adds Howat: “At Fairmile, we even created a special roof that can adapt to different environmental conditions and maximize heating efficiencies.” Not bad at all.
So it is that Battersby and Howat conspire with their clients to achieve the finest results possible, both inside and out. The outcomes tend to speak very well for themselves.
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