Compared to other forms of art, architecture is undoubtedly the most solid and enduring. Consequently, when we speak of the ideal architectural industry, we explore it within a larger span of space and time. The birth of a building not only signifies the completion of a labor-intensive task, but it also entails the transformation and redefinition of the space in itself. Such an influence is erected along with the building and continues to coexist with it as long as it stands. Our pursuit of architectural design is based on the following premise: design is not only for the era in which it exists, it should also be concerned with finding an enduring vitality; creating integrity in architecture that stands the test of time.

This creative process relies on the designer’s dual-dimensional construction of space and time. For GOA, we emphasize the continual integration of architectural ontology and its environment. By paying specific attention to the emersion and interaction between architecture and environment, we seek to stimulate people's emotional resonance with a poetic experience.

At the same time, we respect the uniqueness and diversity of regional culture and use this as a starting point to trace local cultural connotations. Thus obtaining the ability of a sort of expression which transcends the times and given styles, while realizing the integrity of the building throughout an elongated span of time. This is also a summary of the practical direction of GOA for over 20 years.

Our methodology is based on listening. We believe that architecture is not only about the personal enthusiasm of architects, but also needs to integrate a large number of social resources in the design and construction process. Therefore, we need to listen to real needs with a prudent attitude. These requests come from developers, users, and the public. This kind of listening does not mean a simple response to each specific request, but a deep understanding of the real expectation of the heart.

To build cooperation as the support for the main textual research. Modern architectural design has never been successful by the architects efforts alone. Cooperation is the only way to make it successful. Architects need to establish active and close cooperation with owners, collaborative consultants, construction units and even future users, in order to define a unified goal and achieve it.

The construction of a “1:1 concept” as our practical criterion. Our architecture is ultimately geared to real users. Every choice architects make in their design will affect end users daily life, so we always make great efforts in design and construction. For every project, we insist on making a 1:1 ratio model on site from sample walls to sample rooms. This is how GOA guarantees the highest quality results.

This is mainly due to the fact that different principals in GOA create and accumulate works under a shared, common standard. In order to better control the overall quality of our projects, we have assembled a full team capable of urban planning, architectural, structural and electromechanical aspects, landscape and interior design as well as design consulting that allow us to accurately manage every step in a high-quality construction project. As the core of the design team, we have three main roles: project manager, design manager, and technical manager. They work together to lead the design team and supervise projects from three unique areas, thus further ensuring a high degree of completion of projects.

In the architectural industry, getting a say in the design discourse is not easy. To be able to fully realize your design ideas means that your design enterprise has been recognized in terms of creativity, technology, professionalism and works. There are only a few established companies of such caliber on the market. After 20 years of unremitting persistence, today's GOA can be said to have such credentials.

The variety and number of our projects are very large and is increasing every year. As a commercial company, real estate projects are our main business type. In terms of design, the pressure of speed, scale, and cost in real estate development constrains us and make the products we design for the market to be very similar. This is one of the main challenges we face at this stage.

In the face of these challenges, we are always committed to researching user needs and the R&D of new products. This is not based on the requirements of the owners and the market, but based on our design values of “focusing on the city and user experience”. With the development of our design institutions and the maturity of the real estate market, the value of this persistence gradually emerges. Our work types are not limited by the market, we also design urban complexes, municipal public buildings, and characteristic towns, urban renewal, hotels, education, pensions, and commercial housing. We have gradually gained recognition from domestic and foreign counterparts alike. We hope to use design to create more value for the city. We also hope that through cooperation and collaboration on projects, we will convey the values we recognize and even influence more owners to think about and explore these issues.

Like many creative companies, fresh and distinctive things are always exciting. The diversity of the types and locations of GOA works is also in line with the wishes of those working here. Architects at GOA have the opportunity to work in different regions and work with different expert teams to create more unique types of buildings for the city.

We hope that we can really influence the city through design and promote the development of urban construction.

From a professional point of view, we hope that through the “partnership system” and through “Group of Architects” we can exert our true strength and value, and inject lasting and exuberant creativity into the design organization through a professional team of architects. It will allow the life of the design agency to continue, even long after its founders are gone.

From an industry perspective, the current domestic industry situation is still difficult to support the architect-led design mechanism. Whenever we thoroughly control the whole process of a project with professional standards, we will always encounter many difficulties, compared with foreign countries. The system which honors architects with further responsibilities is relatively complete. As a member of the Chinese construction industry, we hope to be able to play an active leading role in all aspects with professional knowledge and broad vision and promote the development of the industry. We hope that "free design" in China can also be realized.

On the other hand, we also hope to build a professional, open and comprehensive platform for architects, so that every architect working here can fully demonstrate its ability to create more value for the entire industry, city, and society.

The true purpose of a principal-based system is to congregate capabilities together under a professional work platform which will in turn positively impacts the quality of work significantly. Each principal is able to manage a team of around 20 persons. A principal-based system will not only bring good teams together but also boost team execution capability to guarantee that big projects will always proceed under effective management. Therefore, by no means is this comparable to an individual team. In the meanwhile, each principal is gaining more experience to extend the limit of practice. In the principal-based system, every single designer is dedicated to establishing the common ground, and not just work for someone.

The principal-based system is very common in western countries but very rare in China especially in large companies. Since 1988, our company has sustained developed, this can be chiefly attributed to the fact that we have brought many outstanding architects together who always stand on common ground, stay true and motivated to their initial aspiration for design. Also, the principal-based system has realized the value of the institution, in the sense of making more contributions to the city and society.

GOA has developed the “ principal group+ operation group” dual-management system. The operation group manages the daily affairs of the company in order to provide a creative environment for the design principals, pivotal decisions are made by the principals only by voting.

The capacity of turning knowledge into skills is very important, this provides a strong direction for the work of the company. Architecture that is designed by different principals is integrated into a common value system. We can perceive different design intentions in our architecture, however, the fundamental value is to realize quality.

Over the years, we have assembled and continue to search for the perfect team of architects. This group should remain committed to design, creativity and the pursuit of construction. We hope that our architects can work together in an open mindset and leverage their personal abilities and experience to create added value for the team. At the same time, excellent architects should always maintain positive values, pay attention to the city and society, and realize the use of design to create a more beautiful city.

One good method to find talent is through recommendations from universities and peers. In addition, we also actively participate in events and programs that link schools and enterprises, for example, academic lectures and other educational activities. Bridging the gap between industry and education gives students more opportunities, provides students with a deep understanding of the industry, allows greater contact with society, and gives them a chance to practice ideals. Through these processes, we discover outstanding young architects.

Furthermore, we organize summer internship camps every year. In particular, we have launched a design day called the“GOA Open Day ”during which we host a series of activities, and work together with famous universities to build a better school-enterprise design exchange platform. Campus recruitment in the fall is one of the important ways for us to deepen university interaction. Many of our associates personally go to universities to answer the students' questions about the professional field of construction and architecture. This provides students with an opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of architectural practices. GOA also hosts a three-stage “Gravitational Field” workshop. Moreover, GOA is an architectural design company that focuses on the implementation of social responsibility practices in cities. Our principals lead college students to form an architectural practice group to create tailor-made architectural installations for urban public spaces, inspiring the city's vitality and creativity through urban micro-renewal. It is also through this kind of teaching activity that students are able to truly understand the range of problems that architects face and need to solve from design to completion of a project. This enables aspiring architects to get more opportunities to practice and exercise their skills before they enter the market, meanwhile giving us an opportunity to discover outstanding architects.

GOA has established a “Future Principal Program” for young architects. Through this program, we provide a planned and proven career growth path. This fast-growing platform provides a comprehensive development space to support the multi-directional development of architects' individual abilities. This program allows individuals to take the initiative to choose different career development paths.

Our formidable operating platform provides staff with professional support and meticulous security in order to create a stable work environment without distraction. We aim to treat employees with respect and provide a high quality of life. At the same time, we encourage exchanges and interactions between architects, providing employees with a series of professional training activities such as lectures, visits, and lunch talks. These memorable professional training activities inspire a desire to grow in our employees.

On the other hand, we have a very harmonious intergenerational relationship at work. The founders who founded the company 20 years ago are still here. They are as full of inspiration and enthusiasm for today's work as the first day. But at the same time, the company is being galvanized by young talents, and working together over time will allow us to form a common set of values and ideas. It's wonderful to have people of all ages participate, respect and learn from each other.