Peckham #121

We researched different architectural practices online using websites like Houzz and RIBA. Through this process we come up with a short list of three firms.  We spoke with each of the firms and ARCHEA were our favoured practice.

This renovation was the first time we had worked with an architect.  We wanted to maximise the potential in our property and felt the best way to do this was with the help of an architect.  We had employed another firm to visit our property to run through our initial ideas.  We found this helpful to understand the processes involved and get an indication on what was feasible, within our limited budget.  We clicked with Richard and Luke from the outset so proceeded with ARCHEA.

ARCHEA's guidance during the design process was invaluable.  We felt that they really understood our brief and we liked the ARCHEA ethos of ensuring the core of the property was structurally sound and energy-efficient; a blank canvas that we would make our own.  Whilst ARCHEA have a clear aesthetic they do not have a dogmatic approach to design and were always open to exploring our ideas; the process felt truly collaborative.  The sheer number of decisions that need to be made during the design process could have been daunting but ARCHEA’s structured approach/ system helped us to focus on what was important to us versus areas where we were happy to defer to their experience/recommendations (such as selecting the window system).  As part of the ARCHEA process they provide extensive core product recommendations which we used as a jumping point to tailor the product choices to suit our own taste and budget.  We benefited greatly from ARCHEA’s network of suppliers.

LDB were introduced to us by ARCHEA.  We researched other firms but are really happy that we appointed them, they were excellent.  Communication was a strong point of the company, as was their attention to detail.  LDB sourced the majority of the materials which was a valuable service.  We maintained a great working relationship with them throughout the build & the finishes achieved are immaculate.  We have subsequently had further work carried out by LDB and could not recommend them more highly.

We lived in our house for a year prior to commencing the renovation work.  Whilst we loved the period features and character of the property, it was in a poor condition. Space was not being fully utilized, the layout of the rooms made the house seem cramped and dark & the energy efficiency of the house was terrible. The finished renovation has addressed all these issues, and whilst the footprint of the property has not increased, ARCHEA’s design has increased the sense of space and our house is now much better suited to modern living. It was important to us that the renovations were sympathetic to the age of the house and we are so pleased that ARCHEA understood that, and that the finished project has managed to retain the original character of the house.  The more modern “new” areas perfectly compliment the older parts of the house.

The sheer level of planning required for success!  The ARCHEA approach was fundamental to ensuring our project was delivered on time and within budget. Setbacks and minor delays are inevitable but ARCHEA’s detailed planning enabled efficiencies to be gained in other areas of the project when minor setbacks did occur.

We would have benefited from a better understanding of the ballpark cost of our original renovation plans earlier in the process.  Whilst estimating such costs is obviously an inexact science, even as unexpected costs do arise, a ballpark estimate in the initial stages would have helped us think about staging and what was really important to us.  Ultimately this would have also reduced the design burden on ARCHEA.

If a client has a limited budget (as we did) compromise is inevitable; we would recommend prioritising the structural integrity and energy efficiency of the property. Cosmetic changes can always be carried out at a later date.