VOLKERFITZPATRICK is a multi-disciplinary construction contractor. They had obtained permission to build a new HQ on a brownfield site in Hertfordshire but needed someone to deliver it to a very tight schedule. They had an image of what they thought it could look like, but trying to shoehorn what an organisation really needs into a pretty picture is not good architecture. We sat down with them, unpicked their brief and demonstrated how they could get so much more value for money and quality of experience for their investment. We specified the technology to achieve an Excellent BREEAM rating, and turned the building inside out to give staff a beautiful working environment with highly responsive lighting, heating and cooling. We even piped in pine- scented fresh air from the surrounding forest.