A New Zealand firm has staked its mark in built and natural environment consulting services by taking out not one but two awards in the 2022 Client Choice Awards.
Isthmus Group, a design studio that integrates architecture, graphic design, landscape design and urban planning in a range of environments, was awarded two titles of Best Landscape Architecture Firm (less than $30m revenue) and Best Urban Design Firm (less than $30 million revenue).
CEO Ralph Johns said his team was “thrilled” to be a winner in two categories, in what is a unique process that compares firms across Australia and New Zealand and is decided by client feedback rather than judging panels or industry experts.
“This is the first time we have entered the Client Choice awards, but we have long been aware of them what it signifies about the firms that are awarded,” Mr Johns said.
In 2022, more than 250 firms entered the Client Choice Awards, and the winners were determined from more than 15,000 individual pieces of client feedback submitted to beaton. Winners each year are chosen across four categories of accounting and consulting services, built and natural environment consulting, law and related services, and specialist IP and related services.
Mr Johns said the process of gathering feedback from clients as part of the process of entering the Awards was more important to his firm than winning the top prize.
“For Isthmus, entering the Awards was driven more by the process than the prize. We were genuinely curious to know how our clients felt about the experience of working with us,” he said.
“It was a bonus to be benchmarked against similar firms, and to find out that we right are up there in terms of engagement and value.”
This year represented the first time Isthmus had entered the Client Choice Awards, which added significance to the firm’s winning results. Mr Johns said being the client’s choice of firm in two categories was an indication that the firm was doing at least a few things right.
“This result is super motivating for our team. It’s an affirmation of our values and purpose,” he said.
“We are driven by going the extra mile to connect land, people and culture and help regenerate Aotearoa. Our many and varied clients entrust us with some incredible opportunities, and we carry the weight of responsibility seriously.
“This award helps us to retain a client-focussed approach to our work at a time when there are many opportunities for distraction. The award gives us the confidence to double down on our studio culture and the unique client experience that we offer.”
Isthmus Group was named the Best Landscape Architecture Firm (<$30m revenue) and Best Urban Design Firm (<$30m revenue) in the 2022 Client Choice Awards. These awards are presented in partnership with Deltek.
The Client Choice Awards rewards firms for excellent client service, technical expertise, innovation and client experience. It is the only multi-profession and fully client-judged awards anywhere in the world. The Principal Partner of the Awards is NAB.
Enter your firm for the 2023 Awards here.
