Architecture…
… for me, is about creating beautiful buildings inside and out, that improve our everyday lives. Every design solution, regardless of budget, should be a perfect combination of practicality and aspiration.
Having trained at Manchester Metropolitan University and Brighton University, I fully qualified as an architect in 2000. After working for a number of small architectural practices, I spent most of my qualified work time at Child Graddon Lewis Architects (CGL), a practice that shared my design ethics. Based in Spitalfields, London and I worked there for 12 years, four of which as a Director of the Practice.
At Child Graddon Lewis my first projects were working on high end residential refurbishments and extensions, moving from this to work in the commercial and retail sector designing shops for clients as diverse as Hobbs, Boots, Vision Express and Wilkinson and leading an interior design team on office refurbishments for clients such as The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and small financial institutions.
During my time at CGL, I conducted a research study on the origins and future role of shopping centres in UK towns, publishing a whitepaper which led to a number of projects with large commercial and mixed use clients such as AXA and Allied London.
After my second child, I decided to give up the commute to London and set up GG Architecture, from home, leaving behind the corporate world and focusing back where my career started – with residential projects.
Mostly my clients are looking to improve or extend their homes and my architectural services cover all stages of the process from initial design to completion on site. My approach to design is imaginative and practical. I will always start with a visit to my client’s home in order to discuss the project and understand my client’s hopes, concerns, budget and designs. From there, I use my experience and knowledge to come up with a number of design options for discussion. No project is too small. A design challenge is satisfying to solve no matter the size – every project is unique.
My experience to date has led me to work in a number of different fields with a wide variety of clients. My projects range in size from removing internal walls to improve a living space, to reconfiguring a shopping centre and that is what I love about architecture. It is always diverse, people want different things and have different expectations, and I enjoy trying to find the best solution to help them improve their homes, offices or business ventures.
Architecture is not all about design, it is largely about buildability. I have a good knowledge of all aspects of the building process from design, through planning, to gaining building regulations approval and working on site with the contractors to come up with practical construction solutions. My friendly approach will help you navigate the process of completing a building project on your home, streamlining the process and avoiding the potential pitfalls along the way. A well thought out design can help to ensure better cost certainty from the outset.
Services
Design
I always start with an initial design consultation in your home or office to understand the brief fully. Understanding the client requirements, the space, site constraints and budget is key to an effective design.
Planning application
Building regulations application
With a detailed knowledge of the current regulations and extensive on site experience, I will provide and submit the required information before project commencement and liaise with the Building control officer, contractor and client throughout the build to ensure compliance.
Construction detail plans
In order to achieve the exact look and feel you want for your project the contractor will need detailed construction drawings. Detailed drawings will ensure that correct construction techniques are used and the end result will match your aspirations.
Project management
I can help manage the entire project from design to completion. Appointing builders and other consultants, arranging meetings, guiding you through the relevant regulations and monitoring building on-site. I can put together contracts, examine project costs, liaise between client and other parties.
Concept, technical and 3D drawings
Whether you require hand drawn sketches, mood board inspiration, accurate detailed surveyed drawn (CAD) information or 3D computer generated imagery, I can assist. This could be for any aspect of your project: a damp proof course detail, a shelving layout or a 3d walk through your proposed kitchen.
Projects I’ve worked on
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Create your dream space with me
Enhance your life with perfectly planned space inside and out.
120
Number of pencils used
3
Tonnes of pencil shavings
36
Rulers and set squares
23
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