New local project in Hampton

One of our projects, which is just located around the corner from our office, has recently commenced on site. This project entails a loft extension as well as modifications to an existing ground floor rear extension.

Initially, the property featured an uninsulated loft extension, along with a ground floor rear extension that was constructed poorly. These extensions were found to be lacking in functionality and, as a result, the client sought the expertise of Square One Architects to enhance the overall layout of the property.

With regards to the ground floor, we made the decision to relocate the existing WC beneath the staircase. This strategic move enabled us to open the ground floor area, thereby creating a brand-new kitchen/diner space.

In addition, we introduced new rooflights and replaced the existing French doors with sleek, Crittal style doors.

Moving on to the loft level, we designed and implemented a new extension that corresponded with the existing outrigger, thereby enabling us to elevate the ceiling height of the first-floor bathroom. This newly created space is set to serve as an en-suite for the loft bedroom.

Recognizing the inadequacies of the previous loft en-suite, it was converted into a stylish dressing area.

To enhance overall comfort for the occupants and improve the thermal performance of the house, our project allowed for full insulation of the loft area.

Rear and side return extension in Hampton

We visited a construction site near our office to check on the progress of one of our projects. The project involves extending the ground floor of a four-bedroom terraced house in Hampton. Our aim is to create additional high-quality living space by adding a side return and rear extension. This will include a new kitchen, utility room, and dining area.

The new layout will feature an open-plan design, with a spacious kitchen and island on one side and a dining table on the other side. To ensure ample natural light reaches even the darkest corners, we designed large skylights in strategic locations. Additionally, the extension includes an large oriel window to the rear, which not only enhances the aesthetics but also serves as seating with great views of the rear garden.

In addition to the aforementioned features, there will also be a dedicated utility area on the ground floor.

Our work was fully coordinated with other consultants including structural engineer and building control. The party wall process was particularly simple given the fact that the neighbours are about to carry out a similar extension to their property.

We are delighted with the progress made by the contractor, and we anticipate the completion of the construction work in the near future.

Site visit in Surbiton

We had the opportunity to visit one of our ongoing projects in Surbiton, which involves constructing a rear and side extension to a beautiful period detached house. This particular property, boasting 5 bedrooms, is an exquisite example of Victorian architecture and was worthy of receiving the local listing of Townscape Merit.

Before our intervention, the house had various disjointed extensions at the rear, including a kitchen extension, a conservatory, a utility area, and a guest WC. As a result of these additions, the layout of the ground floor felt rather incoherent, lacking a cohesive flow.

To rectify this, Square One Architects was brought on board to design a side return extension that would not only open up the plan but also create a more spacious kitchen and dining area. Our client expressed a desire for an airy and light-filled space, and thus, our proposals focused on maximizing natural daylight while ensuring appropriate insulation.

In addition to the expanded kitchen and dining area, our plans included a new utility space, a pantry, and a guest WC, which would enhance the functionality and convenience of the house. As part of the overall redesign, we also decided to remove the existing chimney breast located in the old dining area. This alteration significantly improved the layout of the ground floor.

To improve the connection between the internal and external spaces, we meticulously designed a flush transition, eliminating any steps between the existing paved area at the rear of the house and its garden. This seamless integration would enhance the accessibility and flow between indoor and outdoor living.

At present, the project is progressing exceptionally well, thanks to the expertise and dedication of the contractor. We are truly excited to witness the evolution of this remarkable transformation. Although the glazing has not been delivered yet, the outline of the glass roof on the side and the presence of large patio doors at the rear provide a glimpse of the extraordinary final outcome that awaits.

Extension in East Molesey, Surrey

Today, we had the opportunity to visit an incredibly promising project that is currently under construction. The original 5-bedroom detached house featured a ground floor extension which was constructed approximately 20 years ago and a garage that unfortunately did not align with the specific requirements of our clients.

As part of this project, we planned to rebuild the existing garage and rear extension, with the goal of creating a brand-new side and rear extension complete with side access. The proposed side extension will encompass a generously sized utility room that will face the main road, along with a new pantry and garden storage area that will overlook the rear of the property. The utility room at the front will be connected to an existing guest WC, which will undergo a transformation into a luxurious wet room.

The expansive rear extension will not only be wider, but it will also utilize an underutilized side patio. This large extension will be comprised of a grand kitchen, dining, and living area, accompanied by a cozy snug and a convenient pantry. The new open plan layout will allow for a seamless flow between the modern kitchen and the spacious dining area, creating an inviting social space.

We are thrilled to unveil our largest skylight design to date. This remarkable skylight, spanning over a staggering 5 meters, promises to flood the entire space with an abundance of natural light.

To enhance the connection between the interior and the exterior, we have thoughtfully designed a covered porch at the rear of the property.

The contractor has made exceptional progress thus far. Stay tuned for forthcoming images that will document the remarkable transformation in vivid detail!

Site visit in Kingston

Today we had the opportunity to visit one of our construction sites in Kingston, where we are working on an exciting project for a full extension to a large detached house. The progress is quite impressive, and we can't wait to see the project completed after Christmas. We will make sure to provide more images to keep you updated on the transformation!

This project started back in 2019 with the extension of a 4-bed detached house in Kingston. Initially, the property was extended at ground floor level to the back and side in 2012. This was preceded by a first-floor extension on the side in 1969. However, the client had plans for further expansion and received planning approval for a loft extension in 2015. Unfortunately, upon reviewing the room's size, they decided it wouldn't meet their needs, and construction was put on hold.

One of the main concerns expressed by the client was the lack of natural light, making it a top priority to improve the daylight intake in the house. In line with their requirements, our proposals focused on a number of key areas. Firstly, we planned to square off the rear extension at ground floor level, creating a new office that would benefit from a large skylight and window. Additionally, we designed a first-floor extension in this area, providing extra space for one of the bedrooms.

On the opposite side of the property, we designed a first-floor side extension with dual purposes: to provide valuable space for a home office at first-floor level and to increase the overall footprint of the house for a subsequent loft extension. The front of the house was also extended, resulting in a double-height space featuring generous glass surfaces that bring in natural light and create a visually striking entrance.

To accommodate the loft extension, we completely redesigned the roof. The new roof not only has a larger footprint but also stands higher than the existing one. This new volume, combined with a large rear dormer, allowed us to create a spacious master bedroom with breathtaking views of Richmond Park. This bedroom also boasts a generous en-suite bathroom and a walk-in wardrobe, providing the ultimate sanctuary for the homeowners.

We are proud of the progress that has been made on this project and are confident that the end result will be a stunningly transformed home, filled with natural light and offering an abundance of space. Stay tuned for more updates and visuals as we continue to bring this vision to life.

Project schedule #11 House in Teddington

In 2021 Square One Architects was commissioned to do a complete refurbishment as well as a rear extension to a recently purchased property in Teddington. The house, a 3-bed terraced house was received in a state of neglect and was spatially arranged in a manner that did not fit in with the new owner’s lifestyle.

The existing kitchen was located on the first floor facing the street and on the ground floor, a conservatory was used as the sitting area. The latter, differed stylistically from the main building appearing very much as a separate addition that would also prove to be problematic for frequent use in the colder months.

As our initial point of action, we redesigned the rear ground floor with the intention of relocating the kitchen and adding as well space for dining and sitting. The new addition was designed to be part of the main building both visually and as means of circulation and use. The redesigned space allowed for a comfortable kitchen with an island facing outwards to the garden and the trees beyond through wide windows and large bi-fold glass doors. Both the dining and sitting area enjoy the same views of the garden and plentiful of light coming down through two large skylights in the centre of the room. This open plan arrangement, features not only bold colours and modern materials to match the client’s taste, but also transforms into a very pleasant and comfortable space, perfect for the frequent use it is intended for.

On the upper floor, the existing kitchen was turned into a secondary sitting room that also had a dedicated space for an office. At the rear of the house the existing rooms were turned into a large room that could be used as either a den or a guest bedroom. Similarly, alterations were made to the rooms on the second floor to enlarge the available space and make better use of it to install new storage spaces.

On the two upper floors, spacious bathrooms, one with both a bathtub and a shower, were designed. Using light materials and contrasting colours these spaces express modern details and brightness in areas of the house that do not have access to windows. Various niches offer extra storage and become statement details through contrasting arrangements of the different tiles selected.

The original 3-bed house was turned into a spacious 4-bed house focusing on comfort and spaces to be enjoyed by the clients retaining throughout a minimal yet clear expression of the client’s distinct taste.

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Project schedule #10 Maisonette extension in Thames Ditton

This month we had the pleasure of seeing the completion of an interior refurbishment of a 2-bed semi-maisonette in Thames Ditton, a transformation that has, as the photos show, greatly brought out the possibilities of this 1950s house.

Taking up the upper first floor of the building, the house is accessed through an interior staircase that ended in a corridor. The original division of the spaces not only limited the access to outside views and natural light but also restricted a more fluid use and circulation.

The new design’s focus was to bring the existing character of the house to a more modern arrangement through an open plan kitchen/dining/living area to be enjoyed by the occupants seamlessly as they enter and move around the house, making it a focal point of gathering. The materials and arrangement of spaces have all been considered with the aim to create a warm and calm environment. From the firewood storage in the sitting room to the vertical wood slat partition of the staircase the materials provide cohesion throughout the house.

The existing staircase has now become part of this circulation and further expanded with an additional flight of steps leading to a new bedroom in the loft. Through the slatted design the now two-flight staircase remains well-lit and becomes a statement element in the core of the house. Although the new staircase required minimising the existing bedroom of the first floor it now allows access to a larger master bedroom in the loft with its own en-suite, a space that was until now inaccessible. The smaller bedroom is now turned into a study/child bedroom and the new master bedroom benefits from a spacious walk-in wardrobe, beautiful views, and plenty of light.

Together with the client we aimed from the start to uncover the possibilities of this house both in terms of space and character. The expansion towards the attic took advantage of the existing yet unused capabilities of the building and employing contemporary design approaches a seamless transition has taken shape not only through the materials and circulation, but also through the new spaces that emerged.

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Before and after images

Project schedule #9 House extension in Kingston

 Infill extensions are not only for enlarging interior rooms but are also a great way to make better use of awkward spaces and working with the orientation of the building as seen in this project of 2020.

The project was a large 5-bed detached house on Richmond Road in Kingston featuring Tudor Revival elements to the front and a large garden to the rear. It also featured a side extension, built in the 90’s as a utility area. It was poorly built and created a garden patio that was always shaded by the main building.

The existing kitchen was rather small for the needs of the family and did not accommodate the modern lifestyle offered by an open plan kitchen/dining/living space. Similarly, the arrangement of the rooms on the first floor seemed to be outdated, with bedrooms needing more space and additional bathrooms.

Our approach to these concerns began by reconsidering the position of the house on site and its orientation. By using infill extensions, we expanded the house to the South and West eliminating dark corners and unused outdoor areas. We carefully considered the direction of daylight and the orientation of the extension so as to have the internal spaces benefit from natural light as much as possible. At the same time, the newly extended house was designed to provide more privacy to the rear garden from the street, more options for internal arrangement of spaces, yet with minimal impact to its overall volume and to the neighbouring properties through careful considerate distancing from the boundary and positioning of openings.

With the new ground floor rear and side extension, more space was freed up to design a bright and open plan space to house the kitchen, dining and living area with direct views and access to the rear garden and a more free-flowing circulation with the inner parts of the house. Through the newly designed arrangement and new windows and doors more light now floods the interiors highlighting architectural details such as the central staircase.

From the outside the new rear extension compliments the form of the house which now also features a gable roof with dormers on both sides. The additions allow for additional spaces on the upper floors including a master bedroom with an en-suite, an additional bathroom and larger second floor rooms benefitting from the added head height. On the ground floor the utility room was redesigned and an additional study room added in the now expanded footprint, resulting in a house that not only meets the clients' needs but promotes comfortable and healthy living conditions.

Project schedule #8 Loft extension in Isleworth

This project is for a loft extension on a house in Isleworth.

The property was a 3-bed semi-detached house on a quiet residential road of similar styled houses. The neighbouring properties had recently had works done including hip to gable conversions and rear dormers, giving the green light to the current property for similar opportunities to expand.

Working with the client we extended the loft through a hip to gable conversion transforming the space into a master bedroom with dressing area and an en-suite bathroom with a shower.

Following their request for ample natural light we designed a wide window that encompasses most of the bedroom to the rear with sweeping views of the garden and the trees beyond and installed multiple skylights so that both the bathroom and the staircase are filled with natural daylight. Using light colours and materials the new spaces reflect the natural illumination and make the space feel bright, airy, and spacious as is also shown in the photos.

The extension was made feasible without affecting the arrangements of the existing lower floor rooms. Through this small intervention the house benefitted through enlarged internal spaces, better lighting, and additional amenities. At the same time, it assisted in creating cohesion with the neighbouring houses retaining the local style.

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Full house renovation in Hampton

We just received the final photos of our breath taking project for a full house renovation in Hampton. The transformation of this home is truly remarkable, showcasing the artful blend of modern design and timeless elegance. Click on the link below to see the finished project.

Our residential projects in South West London (squareonearchitects.co.uk)

We started this exciting project back in 2019, when we were presented with the original brief, which involved various tasks such as internal alterations, both internally and externally modifying an extension that was built back in 2006, and the conversion of a loft space into two bedrooms and a bathroom.

One of the key objectives from the client was to create an open plan layout by removing an existing wall on the ground floor. Additionally, we wanted to enhance the overall aesthetic by designing a new staircase that seamlessly integrated with the existing one, ensuring it didn't feel like an afterthought. To achieve this, we needed to construct a front dormer to provide ample head height.

After extensive planning, we successfully gained approval from the council for the necessary alterations to the front of the house, aligning perfectly with the property's character. However, in 2020, a turn of events occurred when the client decided to relocate to a larger residence in a different location. As a result, the property was sold to a new owner who shared the vision and enthusiasm to finalize the original project. The new owner introduced an exciting twist by incorporating Crittal Style doors and windows supplied by Fabco Sanctuary, infusing the ground floor extension with a truly unique and captivating ambiance.

Renovation of a house of Townscape Merit

The final photos of our project for the renovation of a house of Townscape Merit are now online

Our residential projects in South West London (squareonearchitects.co.uk)

This project was a remarkable opportunity for Square One Architects to contribute to the preservation and enhancement of a historic 1920 house in Hampton. Situated within the Hampton Village Conservation Area, this property holds Townscape Merit, highlighting its unique significance. While the house underwent a refurbishment in 2003, certain parts of the structure were left untouched and now require attention.

One of our main objectives was to improve accessibility to the basement, which was previously accessed via a steep and outdated stairwell. Our solution involved replacing this outdated stair with a sleek and modern design, ensuring safer and more convenient access. By doing so, we not only addressed the functionality of the basement but also allowed an abundance of natural daylight to flood into the ground floor, creating a welcoming and open atmosphere.

In addition to optimizing the basement for accessibility, we transformed it into a versatile space, serving as a third bedroom complete with a comfortable sofa bed and a home gym. To further enhance its functionality, a new bathroom with a shower was also incorporated into the design.

Accompanying the basement remodel, we also adapted the entrance lobby to seamlessly connect with the new stairwell, providing a cohesive and harmonious transition between floors.

Envisioning the project holistically, we recognized the need to improve the overall approach to the house. As a result, we designed a new pedestrian access in correspondence with the wider section of the sidewalk on the main road. This not only enhances the curb appeal of the property but also ensures a safe and welcoming entrance for residents and visitors alike.

Understanding the importance of natural light, we incorporated two new skylights on the first level of the house. This strategic design decision amplifies the distribution of daylight throughout the entire space, creating a bright and airy ambiance that elevates the overall aesthetic.

The client’s brief also included the refurbishment of an existing green house. Conscious of preserving the original features, the contractor undertook a meticulous approach during the refurbishment process. Striving to retain as many original components as possible, we ensured the seamless blend of historical charm with modern functionality.

Lastly, our scope of work extended to the complete rewiring of the house and the installation of new lighting fixtures, guaranteeing a safe and contemporary electrical infrastructure.
Overall, this project allowed Square One Architects to not only make significant alterations to a historic 1920 house but also to honor its legacy and contribute to the Hampton Village Conservation Area. Our attention to detail and commitment to preserving the original character of the property ensured a seamless integration of modern enhancements while maintaining its timeless charm.

New front and rear garden

The front and rear garden of one of our projects for a house extension in Hampton has been completed and complement the design in a cohesive way.

Our residential projects in South West London (squareonearchitects.co.uk)

This exciting project began back in 2019 when our team was approached by the client who owned a 4-bed semi-detached house in Hampton. Originally built in the 1930s, the property had undergone previous renovations by a former owner, resulting in a ground floor layout that no longer met the needs of the client's growing family.
Our task was to reimagine the space and create a more functional layout that would seamlessly blend with the original character of the house. The project involved a ground floor extension, carefully designed to accommodate an open plan layout that encompassed the kitchen, living, and dining areas, while also providing a separate space dedicated to the children. To enhance the overall ambiance, we incorporated large doors and skylights, allowing an abundance of natural light to flood the space.
Additionally, we reconfigured the entire ground floor to provide well-designed bedrooms and a family bathroom. We meticulously planned every detail, ensuring that each room would serve its purpose with utmost efficiency and harmony. To further maximize the potential of the property, we designed a loft extension to create an additional bedroom complete with its own en-suite.
The end result of this project is a stunning transformation that not only respects the history of the home but also meets the evolving needs of the client's family. With a thoughtfully designed ground floor and a new loft extension, this house is now a harmonious blend of functionality, style, and comfort.

House boat updates

In 2020, Square One Architects worked on a special project involving a house boat on the river Thames. The client wanted a floating space that could serve multiple purposes for their house on a small island. It was important to the client that the view from their deck remained unobstructed, so we studied the river's level and tides to design a structure that would not block the view.

The following updates provide a comprehensive account of the construction process, capturing every significant milestone beginning from the early days in the boat yard all the way through to the momentous occasion of the structure's long-awaited completion in the latter part of 2021.

Update No.1 (01/07/2021)

We are thrilled to share the exciting progress we have made on one of our current projects! Our team has been dedicated to bringing a unique vision to life -- a magnificent house boat to be moored on the serene waters of the majestic river Thames. We are delighted to announce that the construction of the sturdy steel hull is well underway.

Update No2 (26/08/2021)

Our exciting house boat project in Hampton is progressing incredibly well. The dedicated team of skilled workers has successfully completed the hull and erected the robust main structure of the house boat. With careful attention to detail and top-notch craftsmanship, every step of the construction process has been meticulously executed.

Update No.3 (13/09/2021)

Our project to build a house boat on the Thames is currently being constructed. The vision that was once only on paper is becoming a real thing as the main structure of the house takes shape gracefully.

The new round windows, resembling elegant portholes, have been meticulously installed.

Update No.4 (18/10/2021)

Our house boat project is now on the verge of completion. With meticulous attention to detail our team of architects has worked towards transforming this visionary concept into a reality. As we eagerly approach the final stages of construction.

Update No.5 (29/10/2021)

Our project for a house boat on the river Thames is finished. The house is prepared to be pulled to Hampton.

House in Kingston under construction

We were thrilled to visit our project for a large extension and renovation of a detached house in Kingston and were delighted to see the progress being made. The construction works are moving at an impressive pace, and we anticipate the scaffolding being erected soon to commence the expansive loft extension. We will provide you with further updates in due course!

When we first arrived at the site during the early stages of the project, we were impressed by the scale of the plot on which the original detached house sat. In the 90s, an extension was added to the side of the house to create a utility area. However, upon closer inspection, it became evident that the built quality of this side extension left much to be desired, particularly in the case of its flat roof.

Taking into consideration the clients' feedback during our initial meetings, we carefully devised a design that prioritized their desire for a more spacious and open kitchen/dining/living area. To achieve this, we embarked on a thoughtfully planned extension at the rear and side of the property, ensuring that the front reception room and hallway were preserved in their original form. Additionally, we incorporated a utility area/boot room and a cozy study on the ground floor for added functionality.

Moving up to the first floor, we designed a side extension to accommodate a stunning new en-suite bathroom. And we went even further by undertaking a generous loft extension on the second floor, creating a luxurious new bedroom complete with an en-suite bathroom.

In addition to the transformations happening within the main house, we also provided a design to revamp the large garage into a vibrant playroom, complete with its very own convenience—a WC. The aim was to provide a space dedicated to amusement and entertainment for the whole family.

As we await the completion of this exceptional project, we are continuously amazed by the progress and the positive impact it will bring to our clients' lives. Stay tuned for further updates on this exciting project!

New roof to an arts and crafts home in Hampton

Our project for a roof conversion to an Arts and Crafts home in Hampton is well underway.

The remarkable progress has allowed us to witness the transformation taking place before our eyes. As part of the conversion, a new bedroom and bathroom will be added to the existing structure, accompanied by a tastefully designed dormer that seamlessly blends with the original aesthetics. It is worth noting that this remarkable home resides within the boundaries of the Hampton Village Conservation Area, further emphasizing the importance of maintaining harmony with the surroundings.

Square One Architects was appointed for this project back in 2018. The property itself boasts a rich history, dating back to its construction in 1913, with a ground floor rear extension added in 2015. Originally, the planning application included proposals for a loft extension, which were subsequently withdrawn.

The client expressed a strong desire for the new roof conversion to be in keeping with the Arts and Crafts style that defines the essence of the house. In response, our team retained the original roof's profile while introducing generously-sized roof windows. These windows serve to infuse the new space with ample natural light and provide effective ventilation.

Additionally, our role in this project extends beyond the roof conversion. We have also been entrusted with the task of redesigning the large front garden of the house. Here, we aim to introduce a new wall, period gates, and an entirely fresh garden design. By doing so, we seek to further enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the property, reinforcing its historical charm and visual integrity.

House in Teddington construction update

Our project for a ground floor redevelopment and rear extension to a 1960’s house in Teddington is progressing smoothly. Thanks to some well-placed alterations to the internal partitions and a thoughtfully designed rear extension, the space now exudes an incredible sense of vastness compared to its previous layout. The transformation is truly remarkable.

The journey with this client began in 2020 when they approached Square One Architects with a vision to extend the ground floor of their 4-bed terraced house in Teddington. Having been built in 1964, the property held a special charm that the client wished to preserve and enhance. We made sure to take this into account as our design unfolded.

One of the key elements of the project involved eliminating the non-original conservatory, constructed in the 1980’s, and replacing it with a solid extension that seamlessly integrated with the rest of the house. This new addition serves as a glorious sunroom, radiating warmth and providing a serene retreat for the homeowners. Moreover, the removal of internal walls and partitions allowed us to create an open plan kitchen/dining area, further enhancing the sense of spaciousness and flow.

In the pursuit of maximizing natural light, a keen desire of our client, our design embraced the abundant use of large, glazed surfaces and a generously proportioned skylight.

As the project continues to unfold, we will provide further updates on the progress made and the exciting new features that will soon grace this transformed home. Stay tuned for more!

Architects Vs Engineers

Sometimes clients seem rather confused by the difference between Architects and Engineers and I thought it would be a good idea to shed some light over the differences and similarities between the two professions.

Both Architects and Engineers, in particular Civil and Structural Engineers, deal with the built environment. Their main role is that of the designer although they deal with widely different realms.

In broad terms Architects overlook the entire design process from the early concept till construction, while Structural Engineers take care of the structural design only, which is a very specific part of the design process.

When it comes to home project and renovations both professionals play different, but essential roles. Potential clients should get in touch with an Architect in first instance, the Architect will then inform the client when the Structural Engineer will be needed.

Although in some cases Architects design some simple structures, I tend to believe that structural design should be treated as a very specific subject and therefore should be addressed by a specialist.

This doesn't mean that Architects can afford to ignore the structural design, on the contrary Architects have a duty to understand any proposals that come from a Structural Engineer (and in some cases even challenge them), but the two fields are very different and in my opinion it's always a better to leave the design of the structure to a qualified Engineer.

Any Architect should be able to guide the client through all the stages of the design process and approximately around stage 4 of the RIBA Plan of work (also called Detail Design) the Structural Engineer will come into play.

Following an initial inspection and discussion with the Architect, the Engineer will provide one or more structural options which may have architectural implications. These solutions always need to be discussed with the Architect. Following this, the Architect will integrate the structural design within the drawings package.

The structural design will come with some associated calculations that will then be submitted to building control for a structural check.

Finding architecture jobs in London

As a practice we receive many emails from all around the world inquiring about architecture jobs in London.

This seems to be a very common query and I would like to go through a few suggestions that may be helpful in finding an architectural job in the London area.

Your portfolio

My first suggestion is to be extremely critical about your own project portfolio. Ultimately, we are Architects and we are drawn to strong projects and images. You should never forget that you are as good as your worst project and therefore try to give priority to quality over quantity. You need to be ruthless in your project selection, which can be hard given the attachment that we all have to our projects. Try to look at your portfolio from an outsider’s point of view. How strong is your project? Have you conveyed its quality?

Another important point is to make sure that it is clear what role you had on a specific project. There is no point in sharing several drawings if they were produced and coordinated by someone else.

No matter how good your profile is, nobody will ever spend much time going through your entire life’s history and therefore any application needs to be a ruthless summary of the best work you have carried out.

I like portfolios to be relatively short up to 10 A4 pages and with a simple design.

Hard copy vs email

If there is a quick way to stand out of the crowd it is certainly to send a hard copy of your documents. I appreciate this is not very straightforward, it is certainly much easier to send an email, however it shows the practice that you have gone the extra mile. Sending documents by post can also be quite expensive when you consider printing costs and shipping costs. However, you must keep in mind at 99% of the applications we receive are sent via email and they often get mixed with suppliers’ emails and sometimes spam and a printed application will have more weight than an email.

Sending a physical copy of your portfolio guarantees that whoever receives the document will pay attention, plus a physical document is much easier to read than an email.

In order to avoid spending enormous amounts of money I would suggest making a shortlist of the offices that you prefer and limit the shipment of hard copies to this list.

The Curriculum Vitae

Every application should come with a Curriculum Vitae that should support the work shown in the portfolio.

Again, I think the Curriculum Vitae should be relatively simple, probably two A4 pages, with a graphic design that feels consistent with the rest of the portfolio.

The cover letter

The application should also come with a cover letter that should be completely bespoke to the office you are targeting.

The cover letter should explain why you are applying to that specific office and what you've done in the past that relates to the type of projects undertaken by that office. In other words, you must explain why you would be a good match for that practice.

Finally, we tend to ignore all applications that do not present a London address, and this is even more important after Brexit. I strongly suggest sorting out any visa requirements before applying for a job as it is highly unlikely that an architectural office will have the ability to provide any visa support given the relatively small size of most practices.

Iacopo

Project schedule #7 Rear Extension in Hampton

Project schedule

Year: 2018-2019

Location: Hampton, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

RIBA Design Stages: 0-5

Architect:

Square One Architects

Structural Engineer:

Steve Nicolaou

Building Control:

Building Control Approval

In this schedule we will revisit a project designed in 2018 for a rear extension in Hampton.

This was a very fun project for a young couple and their lovely dog. The existing house was a typical terraced property that had been extended at loft level.

The ground floor of the house also featured a rear extension probably from the 1980’s. The extension had been poorly built at designed and needed renovation. This is a very typical scenario, house extensions built in the 80’s are often mediocre construction with hardly any insulation and poorly performing windows.

In this case the rear extension was also not making the most out of the full width of the site leaving a side-patio that was essentially wasted space.

Internally an opening had been created between the reception room and the rear. More and more clients are asking us to revert these types of feature. The front reception room was usually designed to create a buffer between the street and the more private rear of the house and people are starting to appreciate this feature more and more.

Our project targeted all the problems highlighted above with a new rear extension that included a bright kitchen and dining area and a new WC and utility room in the darker section of the ground floor.

We analysed daylight carefully in order to provide as much natural daylight to the extension as possible. The before and after pictures speak for themselves.

The clients’ feedback was great, they felt the ground floor had been resolved with a rear hallway leading to the ground floor WC (separated from the rest of the living and dining areas). The rear extension features large skylights and Crittall style French doors and window (supplied by Fabco Sanctuary). They also appreciated having a very private front room.

The result is a very practical layout with an open and bright living area that the clients will certainly enjoy in the years to come.

Before and after images

Open plan

Kitchen

External view

Side return

Your project and COVID-19

The recent outbreak of COVID-19 highlighted the importance of flexible working solutions in order to minimize disruptions to existing projects.

As an office we are fully equipped and organized to work at distance and we recently implemented screen sharing capabilities in order to be able to carry out meetings with our clients at distance, in case of a full lockdown.

Said that our job is not carried out in isolation and there are several elements outside of our control that need to be considered, especially planning and construction.

Planning Applications

In line with the advice from the Royal Institute of British Architects, we wrote emails to Richmond, Kingston and Elmbridge asking to confirm their plans for development control during this period due to potential COVID-19 related disruptions.

Richmond confirmed that officers and admin staff are set up to work from home, however they are experiencing delays. At this moment in time applications are still being processed.

Elmbridge confirmed that at present the timescales for applications have not changed. Things are changing daily due to government advice and anything impacting timescales will be published on their planning web pages.

Update: On March 23rd Elmbridge confirmed the Committees had been cancelled and they could not tell about the timescales of the planning applications.

They also mentioned that they are having to change some working practices, such as site visits being undertaken without the need to enter properties etc, but this shouldn’t impact things in terms of planning submissions and Council’s processing.

We are still waiting for a response from Kingston and we will update this page as soon as this is available.

We invite you to contact your local authority directly for any information regarding new and existing planning applications.

For those who have an account with the Architects’ Journal you can also check one of their articles about how planning is coping with COVID-19 by clicking here.

At present, the planning portal is operating normally including online payments.

Construction

There are two potential risks that may affect construction, the first one is a future full lockdown, the second one is disruption to existing/new orders for construction materials, especially for materials coming from EU countries, which is the vast majority.

We discussed this with one of the contractors we use regularly and they suggested to stockpile materials in advance in the rear garden of the properties, with the only exception of materials that may suffer from exposure to the elements, for example plasterboard.

This requires an extra degree of coordination between the client and the contractor, however it will help to minimize any potential delay at a later stage. If your project is under construction, we suggest to discuss this with your contractor directly and agree with them the best course of action.

Update: on March 23rd a new lockdown was put in place. Under the new rules essential work, including work on construction sites, could carry on.
The housing secretary said: “if you are working on site, you can continue to do so. But follow Public Health England guidance on social distancing”. Source: The Guardian

We are committed to help you through these difficult times and will be there to help you realize your dream soon.