Dominica based architectural practice ARGO expands into the US

Specialising in digital construction and climate intelligence, award-winning international architectural practice ARGO Development Studio www.argodevelopmentstudio.com , founded by Irishman David Campion, has announced its expansion into the U.S. market with the opening of a new office based in New York. It will service new and existing clients based in the city – and throughout America – who are investing significantly in Ireland and the Caribbean region. Current estimates are that, annually, US firms will fund more than $3.8 billion dollars in construction in the Caribbean with an estimated $8 billion in Ireland. ARGO also has offices in Barbados, Jamaica, Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean and in Dublin. To date, the Studio has developed over 20 million sq. ft throughout the Caribbean and Ireland. Current work includes the

$280m Mandarin Oriental project in Grand Cayman and the $500m Apes Hill Golf Resort & Community development in Barbados (See Editors Notes for Dublin projects).

New Design Director appointed

ARGO has announced the appointment of international architect, Michael Casey, to head up their brand-new New York Studio, as Design Director and new business strategist. As a licensed architect in New York, Michael has over 20 years’ experience working on high profile US, European, Middle Eastern, Asian and Caribbean projects. With his proven track record of innovative architectural design in New York, he has worked for award winning firms including Skidmore Owings and Merrill (they designed the World Trade Center 1), Woods Bagot and Rockwell Group. He will be supported by a team of 10 including both a Climate Intelligence and Digital Construction Lead in addition to architects and technologists.

ARGO Expertise

Argo’s work includes architecture, masterplanning, interior design, conservation and infrastructure projects. The Studio has spent a decade leading industry standards through its intelligent design process, BIM (Building Information Modelling). BIM allows ARGO to design, cost and construct intelligent buildings in a 3D virtual environment, making them more scientific, increasingly resilient to the effects of natural disasters and up to 20% more cost-effective to construct over traditional methods.

ARGO founder David Campion said: “The decision to open the New York office is of threefold.

Firstly, we noticed that clients in the Caribbean and US were eager to streamline the process between the concept design from their international architects, and the construction technology/climate intelligence expertise, critical to successful delivery in the Caribbean – and we’re the link that allows them to achieve that goal.

Secondly, the pipeline of US investment into the Caribbean and Ireland will continue to grow in the coming years and we want to tap into that potential.

Finally, Michael and I have known each other since we first met working together in architectural practice Murray O’Laoire in Dublin. We share a passion for architecture of its time with a considered appreciation for environmental, social, cultural and economic impacts. When the opportunity arose to work together again many years later, we seized upon it.”

Michael Casey, Design Director ARGO New York said: “The New York market is like no other and I’m delighted to lead ARGO’s Design Studio as Design Director. I’m looking forward to introducing clients to our work and capabilities in the Caribbean, Ireland and New York.

I believe our expertise in design, digital construction and climate intelligence will make a big impact on major hospitality, residential and transport sectors. A passion for great design is in our DNA and we’re looking forward to sharing that – and much more as we start connecting with leading developers, contractors and industry professionals with direct connections to Ireland, the Caribbean and elsewhere in the US.”

About ARGO and a 16-hour workday

Describing itself as “an architectural practice delivering next level intelligence through digital construction”, ARGO was founded in Barbados in 2013 by David Campion and now employs a team of 44 representing 14 different nationalities. Uniquely amongst its competitors, it is the only architectural Studio to offer clients a 16-hour workday as standard by availing of a six-hour time zone overlap by splitting its teams between offices in the Caribbean, Ireland and the US, capitalising on time differences between the different offices in its network.

Climate Intelligence Unit + CTE

ARGO’s one of a kind Climate Intelligence Unit (CIU) is a new initiative undertaken by the company to drive climate positive change and respond to the need identified by the UN and the Paris Climate Agreement for society to be carbon- neutral by 2050. As a Centre of Technical Expertise (CTE) – ARGO’s architectural technologists can work seamlessly alongside an existing team or provide a complete managed solution with its full range of design development services.

ARGO believes that digital modelling will be one of the major processes utilised in all construction projects of the future, with highly technologically sophisticated design and production processes used to help achieve the goal of net-positive effect on our environment. It also provides development consultancy services to assist clients in safeguarding the project journey, from concept to completion.”