19.01.2023 The process of working with an Architect
A commercial client recently admitted that they had initially thought they needed to take their project to a theatre director or curator, however, after just a few weeks of working with us, she exclaimed, “an architect is exactly what we need!”. She was referring to the way we think about spaces, our understanding of how people interact with them and the experience of being in them. Also, to our detailed understanding of materials, how those decisions connect to a brand and our know-how when it comes to getting stuff built.
The joy of our job is getting to know our clients, what’s important to them, and how they need their space to function. Everyone has different approaches to how they want their space to work for them, be it a brand requiring a unique immersive retail experience, a charity adapting to address the changing needs of their community or homeowners needing additional space to retreat to at the end of a busy day. These are all significantly differing uses but are connected by the fact they are all architectural problems which an architect can solve.
“We were struck by the rapport that was quickly established …Matt and Camilla always took our views and lifestyle into account and included us in decisions but never overwhelmed us with too much detail. Their use of physical models also greatly helped us to visualise the various early drafts.” Rick & Hannah O’Shea, the Corner Fold House.
Construction projects can be daunting, stressful, and frustrating at times, but our aim is to make the process as smooth and enjoyable as possible. We know it’s imperative to consult, listen and understand the people one is designing for and to establish the best way to communicate ideas. Some people connect with physical models; others prefer a photorealist render or hand sketches. Of course, it is also essential to understand the budgetary requirements, deadlines, and logistical issues early on and design accordingly. A thorough analysis of the constraints often makes for a richer project.
"....the design and realisation of my Library of Exile for the Venice Biennale 2019 was an extraordinary feat as the Library had to be created in London, shipped to Venice, and subsequently re-erected in Dresden and then again in the British Museum. In each case the Library had to be installed in historic interiors. From our very first conversations around the project Matt and Camilla have proved to be sensitive interlocutors- asking questions, coming up with proposals, following-up ideas and suggestions. They have an iterative way of researching and thinking that is very positive. I felt they had the confidence to connect with me on my ideas and the knowledge and skill to interpret them. Whittaker Parsons are a remarkable practice." Edmund de Waal CBE.
Nothing gives us more satisfaction than signing off a completed project, having learned something new with a happy client and stakeholders. Sounds cheesy (apologies!) & too good to be true? Check out this feature in the Evening Standard Homes & Property, where Anna Mansfield, the client of the Interlocking House, discusses the value we added to her project and the process of working with us.
24.06.2022 Material Evolution
We have a diverse portfolio from artist pavilions, temporary structures, retail galleries and private homes. These projects have wildly different budgets, clients and constraints, so what ties them together?
At the heart of each of our projects is a sense of collaboration, craftsmanship and pragmatic resourcefulness. The evolution of our material research.
Our collaboration with Gentle Monster for their London flagship store was a fascinating, fast-paced project and was a brilliant testbed for material ideas. The Korean sunglasses giant were keen to explore the use of local materials sourced from the UK. So we took the design team to visit London timber reclamation yards and local landscaping suppliers. We had terrific design team meetings not only discussing the appropriate level of conservation of the listed context but the suitability of the internal application of a bare resin bound gravel often used on suburban driveways for a luxury retail gallery floor - why not?
It's not only about finding new material applications but also how existing architectural features can inform the new material interventions. At Gentle Monster, we worked closely with the M&E consultants, Max Fordhams, to design bespoke bronze grills to face the large plenums located below the existing shop windows - their materiality and elegant detailing complimenting the fine bronze work of the existing listed shop front.
At the other end of the scale, the Naked House is a compact revival of a private family home in east London, where we pursued the honest expression of materials. Each material selected was robust, had integrity, natural beauty and was self-finished - hence the name, the Naked House. Bespoke joinery elements were made from laminated bamboo panels, a carbon-neutral, sustainable product and renewable resource.
The clients loved the raw finish of the boards so much, that we left the boards un-stained, which creates a beautiful softness to the pieces. The contractor's plumber made the simple bent copper pipe sanitaryware, and the kitchen splashback isn't simply tiled, it's made from glazed bricks, which form the exposed brickwork wall. The new roof was finished with expertly laid leadwork and natural slate, to satisfy the conservation area design criteria.
I guess our interest in the manipulation and reuse of materials comes from our early career experience, particularly my architectural conservation background learning the craft of building through first principles. We have a deep appreciation and respect for traditional trades, the efficient use of materials, the ethics behind the material and for people who challenge materials' properties.
As architects, we are continually striving for the best outcomes and so we continue. We're lucky we've found clients who feel the same and are willing to embark on a journey of discovery with us!
19.01.2023 The process of working with an Architect
A commercial client recently admitted that they had initially thought they needed to take their project to a theatre director or curator, however, after just a few weeks of working with us, she exclaimed, “an architect is exactly what we need!”. She was referring to the way we think about spaces, our understanding of how people interact with them and the experience of being in them. Also, to our detailed understanding of materials, how those decisions connect to a brand and our know-how when it comes to getting stuff built.
The joy of our job is getting to know our clients, what’s important to them, and how they need their space to function. Everyone has different approaches to how they want their space to work for them, be it a brand requiring a unique immersive retail experience, a charity adapting to address the changing needs of their community or homeowners needing additional space to retreat to at the end of a busy day. These are all significantly differing uses but are connected by the fact they are all architectural problems which an architect can solve.
“We were struck by the rapport that was quickly established …Matt and Camilla always took our views and lifestyle into account and included us in decisions but never overwhelmed us with too much detail. Their use of physical models also greatly helped us to visualise the various early drafts.” Rick & Hannah O’Shea, the Corner Fold House.
Construction projects can be daunting, stressful, and frustrating at times, but our aim is to make the process as smooth and enjoyable as possible. We know it’s imperative to consult, listen and understand the people one is designing for and to establish the best way to communicate ideas. Some people connect with physical models; others prefer a photorealist render or hand sketches. Of course, it is also essential to understand the budgetary requirements, deadlines, and logistical issues early on and design accordingly. A thorough analysis of the constraints often makes for a richer project.
"....the design and realisation of my Library of Exile for the Venice Biennale 2019 was an extraordinary feat as the Library had to be created in London, shipped to Venice, and subsequently re-erected in Dresden and then again in the British Museum. In each case the Library had to be installed in historic interiors. From our very first conversations around the project Matt and Camilla have proved to be sensitive interlocutors- asking questions, coming up with proposals, following-up ideas and suggestions. They have an iterative way of researching and thinking that is very positive. I felt they had the confidence to connect with me on my ideas and the knowledge and skill to interpret them. Whittaker Parsons are a remarkable practice." Edmund de Waal CBE.
Nothing gives us more satisfaction than signing off a completed project, having learned something new with a happy client and stakeholders. Sounds cheesy (apologies!) & too good to be true? Check out this feature in the Evening Standard Homes & Property, where Anna Mansfield, the client of the Interlocking House, discusses the value we added to her project and the process of working with us.
24.06.2022 Material Evolution
We have a diverse portfolio from artist pavilions, temporary structures, retail galleries and private homes. These projects have wildly different budgets, clients and constraints, so what ties them together?
At the heart of each of our projects is a sense of collaboration, craftsmanship and pragmatic resourcefulness. The evolution of our material research.
Our collaboration with Gentle Monster for their London flagship store was a fascinating, fast-paced project and was a brilliant testbed for material ideas. The Korean sunglasses giant were keen to explore the use of local materials sourced from the UK. So we took the design team to visit London timber reclamation yards and local landscaping suppliers. We had terrific design team meetings not only discussing the appropriate level of conservation of the listed context but the suitability of the internal application of a bare resin bound gravel often used on suburban driveways for a luxury retail gallery floor - why not?
It's not only about finding new material applications but also how existing architectural features can inform the new material interventions. At Gentle Monster, we worked closely with the M&E consultants, Max Fordhams, to design bespoke bronze grills to face the large plenums located below the existing shop windows - their materiality and elegant detailing complimenting the fine bronze work of the existing listed shop front.
At the other end of the scale, the Naked House is a compact revival of a private family home in east London, where we pursued the honest expression of materials. Each material selected was robust, had integrity, natural beauty and was self-finished - hence the name, the Naked House. Bespoke joinery elements were made from laminated bamboo panels, a carbon-neutral, sustainable product and renewable resource.
The clients loved the raw finish of the boards so much, that we left the boards un-stained, which creates a beautiful softness to the pieces. The contractor's plumber made the simple bent copper pipe sanitaryware, and the kitchen splashback isn't simply tiled, it's made from glazed bricks, which form the exposed brickwork wall. The new roof was finished with expertly laid leadwork and natural slate, to satisfy the conservation area design criteria.
I guess our interest in the manipulation and reuse of materials comes from our early career experience, particularly my architectural conservation background learning the craft of building through first principles. We have a deep appreciation and respect for traditional trades, the efficient use of materials, the ethics behind the material and for people who challenge materials' properties.
As architects, we are continually striving for the best outcomes and so we continue. We're lucky we've found clients who feel the same and are willing to embark on a journey of discovery with us!
