Culture & Diversity

Number TEN has developed a design process that recognizes social and cultural diversity.

We have built a reputation as "careful listeners" who build mutual respect and trust between people from different cultures and backgrounds.

For over 30 years, Number TEN has collaborated with Aboriginal communities in the design of schools, daycares, community and health centres, nursing stations and other institutional buildings. Number TEN has honed their skills in working with small, community based groups to create a comfortable atmosphere of sharing and openness.

Number TEN has learned from our many relationships with First Nation clients that there are both subtle and obvious cultural differences in the way that Aboriginal people communicate and see the world around them. Each Aboriginal community has its own unique set of circumstances. Often, their cultural influences are eloquently expressed, while at other times, the design team must be keen listeners, patient interpreters and gentle inquisitors.

It is important to understand what connects people with the built form around them, what stimulates them and gives them joy. One of our major design goals is always to create a place that "fits", that "feels right", and "belongs" to its place.

At Number TEN, our relationships with our clients and team members are characterized by:

• Openness
  Sharing ones own experiences and sensitivities allows others to openly share theirs.
• Humility
  Respecting the qualities in others and valuing their opinions.
• Listening
  Focus on understanding another's opinion and working to interpret and implement their meaning.
• Patience
  Good ideas take time to evolve.
• Humour
  Laughing brings people together.