Harris Kalinka, one of the world’s leading ‘visualisation’ agencies in the fields of golf and architecture, has engaged the Azalea Group to handle its PR and marketing.
The specialist company helps golf firms and architects communicate ideas and designs through images and animations, so potential clients can see, experience, embrace and connect with the concepts. The visualisations have been used successfully to raise investment, sell off-plan, develop a design or merely to present an idea.
Like Azalea, Harris Kalinka started 10 years ago; it now has two offices, one in the UK, the other in Latvia, from where the company founders originate – Andrew Harris and Juris Kalinka having met as architecture students at the turn of the century.
The staff have qualifications and vast experience in architecture, programming, interior design, graphics and animation. But, as company director Harris explained, what sets the Harris Kalinka apart is the passion and enthusiasm they display for each individual project.
He explained: “We all get equally excited when we see the first image of a new project. And we see that same excitement in our clients. We’ve even been told by one client that receiving our images is the best part of his day.
“But we realise that passion, talent and enthusiasm are only relevant if people are aware of what you can do and that is why we have engaged Azalea. Their knowledge of the golf industry, in particular, is unrivalled. Our paths crossed first because both (Azalea director) Andy Barwell and I are member of the Golf Consultants Association.
“When we saw what Azalea was doing for its clients we quickly realised their passion for putting out a message could also be of benefit to Harris Kalinka.”
Harris Kalinka’s client list in golf includes Arnold Palmer Design Company; Robert Trent Jones II; International Design Group; Ernie Els Design; Faldo Design; Schmidt-Curley Design; Pacific Links; and VITA.
In architecture and design, the list is no less impressive: RTKL; Anderson Orr; Kelly Hoppen, from TV’s Dragons’ Den; David Chipperfield; HWO Architects; Woods Bagot; Kirkland Fraser Moor; and John Pawson and Christian Liaigre. All told, the company has worked on more than 300 projects across the globe
Harris added: “There isn’t a single term to describe what we do, which can confuse our clients. We get emails asking for CGIs, 3D renderings, artist impressions, and architectural visualisations; some people ask if we offer photomontages, verified views, flyovers, fly-throughs or walkthroughs. Essentially they’re all slight variations of the same thing.
“So we try to keep things simple. We call ourselves a visualisation company that creates images and animations.”
Harris Kalinka’s unique visualisation skills can be enjoyed in this film:
Azalea director Andy Barwell said: “There’s a lot more synergy between Azalea and Harris Kalinka than merely both celebrating 10 years in the marketplace. For a start, the two brands are both passionate about what they do and both have been impressed with what the other is capable of.
“The first time we saw one of Harris Kalinka’s golf course animations we were blown away – we had to check to see if it was just video of the course, it was that good. There are myriad opportunities out there for Harris Kalinka and we’re excited about taking on the responsibility of letting the world know about the company.”
Now in its 10th year of trading, Azalea has established itself as one of Europe’s leading specialist agencies, working with some of the continent’s major national and regional tourist boards, flagship golf and lifestyle resorts, and leading brands.
Harris Kalinka www.harriskalinka.com
Azalea Group www.theazaleagroup.com