Andrew Stoddart, the creative force behind Above & Beyond answers our spotlight questions, including giving his opinion on current world-wide architecture.

Above & Beyond is an architectural and interior design practice. The company of talented designers has a simple aim; to create inspirational buildings and to produce the complete customer experience.  Progressive thinking and a passion for design is conveyed in each and every one of their projects. With specialist skills in the care sector, Above & Beyond is well placed the design specialist homes, caring for the needs of very specific customers. Here, Andrew Stoddart has been put under the spotlight so that we can zoom in on the finer details and opinions in architecture.

NAME: Andrew Stoddart

PROFESSION: Architect

POSITION: Founder and Managing Director of Above & Beyond

CAREER HIGHLIGHT: turning the idea of Above&Beyond from a vision to reality

 What is your design philosophy?

To create a positive difference to end users and the wider community. Contributing to the clients bottom line.

 What do you represent as a company?

Design passion, commercial reality and accountable attitudes

 What is your biggest architectural project to date?

Financially it has to be 30 Park Place Leeds, it terms of size it would be South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive Head Office and aesthetically Arundel Gate Transport Information Centre Sheffield takes the title.

 Where does your inspiration as a designer come from?

It really starts with defining the outcome with our client and delivering the end state energy. From that point it moves into thinking about the people who will use the building – understanding their needs, having a picture of what they will be doing, saying, feeling in the spaces we create.

 What era of art inspires you the most?

Modernism

 If you could work in any office environment, anywhere, what would it have to include architecturally and in terms of interior design?

Somewhere with energy, light and space and - a modern look and feel within original fabric of the existing architectural framework. A juxtaposition of modern, sustainable finishes and bold colours to stimulate creative thinking against the quality and stability of the building fabric.

 What unique architectural qualities do you offer to your clients in each different sector?

For all our clients we bring:

-       Delivery towards their vision and bottom line

-       Creativity and Track record of delivery

-       Understanding of client specific procedures and protocols

-       Ground level local knowledge and unrivalled regional contacts

In Healthcare - push the boundaries of modern care provision

In Office – bring workplace expertise to make space work harder

In Housing – creating product that has marketable value, sustains quality living and maximizes return on land value and investment

 For creativity the UK

What is your least favourite style of architecture? And, can you name a building in particular that you do not like and why?

Post modernism

 There are a number of similar boutique style, creative design led practices that spring to mind, which I respect for their talent, their passion and their unconditional drive to push the boundaries. If I was working in collaboration it would come down to the people; a visionary client, an energetic team, a can do attitude and above all a willingness to work together for mutual gain  – the name above the door is the badge, the people behind are what matters.