Our thoughtful, practical approach elevates every architectural and interiors project we work on.
From transforming homes and creating vibrant commercial spaces, to preserving the heritage of historic buildings, our wealth of experience is united by our drive to inspire and elevate how people live, connect and work.
We can support you from consultation through to design and build, and finally project handover, adding value at every stage.
‘Our approach is practical yet creative, and the buildings we create are both functional and inspiring.’
Oliver Brookes, CA
Our process is defined by the RIBA stages of work:
From planning and building regulations, right through to final handover, at every stage we go the extra mile to ensure quality and costs are fully managed and that the project is delivered to the highest of standards.
We will listen first, consider carefully, then take you with us on a design and build journey that ends only when you have the building that’s right for you.
We understand that your project is personal to you – it will be personal for us too – and we’ll work with you to find creative yet cost-effective solutions.
We specialise in:
With busy family lives ourselves, we understand that your home needs to be designed around your everyday needs and embrace them, seamlessly.
From housing developments and office spaces, to retail and hospitality, we design buildings that live on in people’s imaginations.
Our experience includes:
Our passion is to push for creativity within the confines of town planning and building regulations, even in challenging locations.
Each of our commercial projects is unique, created to both inspire the people who use them and bring excellent returns for the owner.
Our interior designers are BIID accredited (British Institute of Interior Design) and offer extensive experience in transforming interior spaces.
We can match the most suited interior designer to the type of project and interior style that you are looking to achieve. Our interior designers have experience in both residential and commercial settings.
We do not have a signature style or ‘look’ – the personalities of the clients and the contexts of each project lead our team to create buildings and spaces that are totally unique.
We use cutting-edge tools, such as 3D animation and BIMX models, to communicate our designs effectively right from the start of a project, ironing out potential stumbling blocks early.
We believe in adding value for our clients at every stage of our process – from honest, straight-talking throughout, to regular site visits and meetings to provide clarity and reassurance.
Research – look at current portfolios online for architects local to you.
Referrals – is there someone in the neighbourhood that you could talk to about a similar project they’re having done?
General contractors are also great leads. If you get more than one or two referrals and you hear the same name twice, that’s a good sign.
Consider the scale and type of your project and match to some architects.
Find a few whose work you like and call them up and ask for a meeting. Visit their office or do a Zoom call to discuss what you want done, then ask them to put together a proposal for services.
This will explain what work they plan on providing you and for what price and by when. After that you can negotiate and decide who to go with.
Remember – price isn’t always everything, some may be more or less expensive and some may be more or less qualified. Pick the one you feel most comfortable with. You will be working with this person/firm for a while, and ultimately spending a decent amount of money on the addition and renovation.
Do they have any experience with projects similar to yours?
How do they manage client expectations against architectural constraints? – you want them to be able to balance your vision with the realities of architectural constraints
How do they collaborate with contractors and engineers during the project?
Can you see references from past clients?
What are the processes for budget management?
How will they collaborate to integrate your ideas and vision into their design?
How will they ensure a project stays on schedule?
Who will be your main point of contact?
How do they handle permits and approval processes?
Choosing the right commercial architect is about establishing a partnership that will shape the future of your project. We’re here to talk to you about how we can help.
Hiring an architect can often save you money.
They can provide expertise in design, project management, and building codes, which can save time, money, and headaches in the long run.
For example, they might suggest using a different but more affordable material to achieve the same result. They can also prevent costly mistakes in the choice of materials or designs that might be regretted later.
One of the most significant advantages of working with a local architecture firm is their knowledge of their local area’s building codes and regulations. This expertise can save time and reduce the risk of costly delays or mistakes during construction.
A good architect will be able to design a building that not only meets the client’s needs but also fits in with the surrounding neighbourhood. This can help increase property values and maintain the character of the area.
The most important value that architects bring to your project is great design. Despite today’s Do-It-Yourself culture, few of us have the design skills and expertise that a talented architect will bring to your project
Architects have decades of schooling and practical experience designing creative solutions. They will listen carefully to your needs and wants, identify hidden opportunities, and empower you to make confident decisions.
Architects can also provide valuable expertise in sustainability and green design. Many architects have specialised knowledge and experience in creating environmentally friendly buildings, which save money and our planet!
The most obvious difference is accreditation. The professional title of ‘architect’ is protected by law and can only be used by an architect registered by the Architectural Registration Board [ARB].
An architectural designer is not a role that’s governed by a body, so technically anyone can use it. It might be used by someone who didn’t finish architectural studies, for example, or didn’t go through or complete the training and qualifications that are required by law in order to become an architect. They are therefore not part of the code of conduct an architect is obliged to follow.
The distinction lies primarily in qualifications and the accountability they bring. Architects are registered with the ARB, and some are Chartered Members of the Royal Institute of British Architects [RIBA], too, whereas architectural designers are not.
An architectural designer can be a very talented designer and provide a full service as well, but just make sure they can show evidence of a track record of work and recommendations before you decide to hire them over an architect.
The work is the same for both, often going through a process of concept design, planning application and technical design for building control and tender. The level of detail depends on the individual practice
It’s a good idea to find out how long an architectural designer has been in business and what level of insurance they have too. Ask to see case studies and references from past clients, and look at the level of work they cover. Not all companies will produce bill quantities and carry out the tender phase, for example.
Some practices advertise both architects and architectural designers, because both types of professional work there. A large practice with both provides a range of talent to work with.
