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Company: Aelius
Project: Dunwoodie Architecture & Design Website

http://www.dunwoodie-architectureanddesign.co.uk

Dates: Jan 2007 to Feb 2007

How did the project start?

Dunwoodie commissioned me to design and build a new portfolio website to compliment their new re-branding package. They had outgrown their old public image and were looking to be reborn as the fresh, new design consultancy that they have become. They wanted something playful and modern, and yet classical in its simplicity.

What options did you consider?

Architects portfolios are generally very static, understated affairs, and offer very little in the way of creative expression. Dunwoodie's Derek Shepherd and I both agreed that we needed to introduce some movement and sense of space to the website in order to truly engage their audience, and so Flash was the only real option. For easy updates, the site was built around a database-driven back-end.

What help and expertise did you receive?

Sally Ann Norman was commissioned to photograph Dunwoodie's range of projects for the portfolio. Gardner Richardson carried out the branding and logo design work.

Did you face any challenges or learn any lessons?

The balance between cutting-edge fluid motion and usability was always going to be a challenge. The potential audience for this project was huge. The site had to be slick and playful enough to inspire the next generation of young architects, whilst classical enough in its restraint not to alienate the older generation of drawing-board building developers.

On a practical level, programming the fluid motion and springing effects to create naturalistic movement was a great challenge, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

What are the outcomes and how has it improved your business?

The website has been a massive success, gaining attention throughout the design industry on a global scale. The site far exceeded expectations and has played a key role in the transition of the company's public image from a small cottage-industry architects practice into a vibrant and innovative design studio.

What are your plans for the future?

Dunwoodie are so delighted with the website, they continue to expand their range of digital media projects, starting with an animated showreel and DVD-rom.