Location?

Hammersmith, West London

When did the practice start?

2000 

How many staff?

12 

Company ethos?

Altering existing buildings…we embrace an architecture of change and an acute awareness of style and context underpins everything we do. The juxtaposition of contemporary elements with original features creates a dialogue between different eras and allows buildings to establish a new purpose. Re-using existing built stock is the most sustainable approach to the future development of our cities and countryside, retaining a sense of collective heritage.

Current projects?

We recently completed a Hotel in Berlin within a warehouse from 1902, and an Enoteca in Andermattwithin a timber building from 1620, Switzerland.  Projects nearing completion include a fisherman’s cottage in Cornwall, a theatre for a school in Newbury, an artist’s studio in Piedmont, a family home in Primrose Hill.

You designed your own studio space, what kind of space did you aim to achieve, what was important to you? 

We transformed a derelict pub in West London dating back to 1884  into our new studio which accommodates the growth of the practice while doubling up as a gallery and lecture theatre. The new studio serves as an example of the our approach towards existing structures – bringing them back to life through intelligent architectural interventions. The former pub will therefore continue its function as an ‘urban living room’ but now through exhibitions, talks and community engagement.

Favourite part of the studio?

The vaults, once used for beer and food storage in this former pub they now offer a perfect location for the studio’s sample library and model making materials and provide an eerie light source from the above pavement lights and light fittings.

What was your previous studio like?

Our previous studio was housed in a Workspace building by Ladbroke Grove and did not foster the growth of practice in the way that we were looking to grow.  Having our own permanent home gives us the freedom and flexibility to have public conversations and exhibitions and serves as an example of the kind of work that we do.

Favourite nearby coffee shop?

We don’t have a favourite coffee shop because we make great coffee, but we love getting a generous spread of falafels, humus, baba ghanoush and lavash bread from our local Syrian food market Al-Dimashqi in Shepherd’s Bush.

Which answers the next question, that yes, we do love eating lunch together - most days it is some of us on others we manage to sit down as a group.

Do you eat lunch together?

Not every day but often…sometime in groups (we have a very vocal book club) and other times all together.

Pets allowed?

Yes, absolutely…

Most played song/artist/musician in the studio? 

Answers here will vary depending who is on the Sonos controls.  Lately we being playing a lot of covers but there are times when experimental Japanese music, or Bach choral music take control. 

Architect/Architectural style you look up to? 

We are magpies; our work and passion tend to vary depending on the type of architecture we are altering. 

A flurry of books recently arrived this week on George Gilbert Scott and Voysey because of two projects we are working on; but a month ago it was the Italian projects of Carlo Mollino and Massimo Carmassi.

Favourite building in London?

Ham House

Favourite building you have designed?

Our office! It’s a delight to work in, and to host our lecture and exhibition series (Building on the Built) in...to watch summer and winter come and go from...