Gallagher Lourens Architects was formed in 2005. The practice, then known as BGL Architects, brought together expertise in the fields of heritage, planning, architecture and environmental design in a multidisciplinary approach to create holistic design projects. The principals in the practice, Tina Gallagher and Henk Lourens, have a combined experience of more than 40 years in a wide range of both small and large scale projects covering urban design, education, civic, institutional, residential, industrial and infrastructure architecture. The practice strives to produce well-informed, contemporary design solutions which are respectful towards the environment, both natural and man made, and which do not mimic existing precedent, but speak of specific time, place and culture. We believe in creating functional, comfortable yet inspiring environments that address the needs of the users and give them something they never dreamed they could have. Similarly, we believe that the design of the larger environment, which extends beyond the building itself, is equally important and that these environments should relate and integrate with each other.