What previous clients said:
Andrew Rowe’s chain link bench and railing designs were commissioned for the Pontypridd Town Centre Regeneration project. The benches are elegant, iconic and popular and the multiple placement of the benches has created two distinct social spaces. They command a strong sense of place which successfully blends a heritage theme with robust contemporary features.
DAR Designs are experienced and conscientious contractors who deliver bespoke, high quality designed and robust metal work for the public realm. Throughout the two year process in Pontypridd they were able to work well with the project team, had all the relevant structural engineering and heavy lifting requirements subcontracted into their own team. Their experience and knowledge of the challenges involved in large scale regeneration projects was invaluable. We would not hesitate to work with them again”
Anne Hayes, Arts Development Officer – Regeneration
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
When we met Andrew it was clear that he was very comfortable with taking our sketchy ideas and thoughts and translating them into a number of design themes which would form the basis for the gate design. Andrew kept us fully in the picture during the fabrication process with a series of photographs, and this allowed us to share in the experience of the design coming to life as the process continued.
When finished, the gates were installed and had the immediate impact that we wanted and still remain a talking point for people who see them for the first time.
We are absolutely delighted with our gates and Andrew made the whole experience enjoyable and exciting and we have felt really involved and part of the whole process from concept design through fabrication and installation.”
Dr and Mrs Evans
Langland, Swansea
Andrew collaborated with light artist Simon Fenoulhet on the Delta Street seating project. There were many restrictions to the site due to underground services but Andrew was not deterred. The seat is an elegant solution to the public space available; offering seating for several people and yet taking up very little floor space due to the cantilevered design. He ensured that the lighting was fully integrated into the seat, creating a channel for the lighting units underneath, so that only the cast light is seen and not the light source.
Andrew also managed the installation, and was able to deal with problems arising from other contractors’ work to complete the project.
A pleasure to work with, Andrew is efficient and professional and will work hard to ensure the project goes smoothly.”
Mererid Velios – Celfwaith
We worked with DAR Design on our Kaleidoscope site in Cambridge. The planning permission included an element of Public Art throughout the site that provided links to the site history and created a sense of place through the development.
As the former Cambridge University Press site DAR Design created two features that involved the use of lettering as a subtle reminder of the sites former use. One feature included hand crafted railings that were installed on a podium deck around mature trees. The other feature was a play on the sites sales name “Kaleidoscope” and uses a selection of different coloured plates featuring a poem piece written about colours and about Cambridge.
From start to finish DAR Design was committed to creating a long lasting feature piece for the development and over the course of the build programme attended site meetings and provided illustrative design concepts. Despite the technical constraints and timescales for artwork to be produced DAR Design worked efficiently and to a high standard and the final artwork produced has been well received and is a real feature of the development.”
Andrew Owen – Crest Nicholson