Bioconstrucción en London, UK

“Paul of Ambo Architects was recommended to me by my builder who praised his detailed construction drawings and problem solving skills. He said architects often provided only outline plans with very little thought on how the design should be practically achieved and that Paul was very different. The builder was right. Paul proved to be a delight to deal with, a very good listener with an open collaborative approach to the early stages of design. He has a great understanding of regulations both planning and building and produced a final design to a very high standard that sailed through all regulatory processes. The drawings provided for construction were extensively detailed with nothing left to chance, when any issues did arise Paul was on hand to help resolve the problems. The project was for a ground floor side return extension with a small first floor extension above. The realised design absolutely maximises both the available space and light in what is a small, and previously dark mid-Victorian house. The contemporary design, with modernist influence, is achieved in traditional materials and sits well with the rest of the victorian architecture. I would recommend Ambo to anyone.”

“What we first loved about Mark's designs was their imagination and vision. The extension he designed for us was on a very difficult site and he immediately came up with all kinds of adventurous solutions. In the end we simply could not afford the optimum version, but he was able to adapt the original design to be closer to our budget and the final result is a huge success, greatly admired by everyone who sees it.”

“We worked with John at Stanza Design to build our ensuite bathroom, which involved some structural work too. Would thoroughly recommend, its my favourite room! The balance between choice in design and being guided by someone who knows what they are doing was perfect, the builders appointment were excellent too. Would definitely use again.”

“Martins Camisuli designed and project managed a new kitchen project in my home. I wanted something individual and crafted. It involved complete remodelling of the space, removal of walls and the design and manufacture of bespoke kitchen units. They were responsive to my ideas, creative and enthusiastic. I found it very easy to communicate with them and the works were completed on time and on budget. I think the choice of materials and overall design are warm simple and enduring. I would be very happy to have the opportunity use them again.”

“Brilliant, really easy to work with, friendly, did exactly what was needed. We will definitely work with Phase zero in the near future.”

“Charles Barclays and his team are simply outstanding and we would recommend them any day. We bought a house that required a complete renovation. CBA made a "bold plan" proposal which we loved at first sight. They tailored it successfully to our needs (children zones, continental taste, etc.). They led the full project from beginning to end, starting from securing planning, tenders and managing a contractor and all third party professionals. At the same time we felt very involved and understood. We feel that the end result reflects exactly what we had dreamt, only in better. With CBA there are no problems, only solutions. Charles Barclays and his team (and particularly Alessandro Pena with whom we worked) are as top notch and professional as it gets. His team is passionate and extremely talented. The team is very resourceful and knowledgeable and could always advise us to keep the project going. For every question they always proposed concrete solutions at reasonable prices without ever compromising on quality. Charles has an impressive mastery of space, light and structures, and offers options that certainly gives a "wow" effect hoped for with an architect. For example, in our project CBA proposed to create double height ceilings surrounded by impressive windows and a rooftop light. That way, CBA managed to transform a dark garage into a majestic and very bright living space. Another example was to switch the parking space with the garden, and so creating a continuous flow between the house, the garden and the patio. The team is very dedicated and passionate and helped us through the whole process (email progress updates with key decision points, detailed timetables etc), from sourcing the floors to choosing the bathroom knobs. They have a strong list of quality/upscale suppliers. The close collaboration between CBA and the builders led to a finalised project that was on time, on budget and with absolutely no headache at all.”

“As Dev Director of Harbourland Ltd, I engaged John Muir of 4D Studio to design (and obtain Planning) for a complex mixed use scheme (residential, offices, restaurants) on a 130,000 sq,ft 18th Century Docklands tobacco warehouse. The results were truly spectacular and the flats all sold within a month as we were by far the best product on the market. Newham Planning Dept regularly use this development to showcase how to deliver leading design solutions for historic buildings. A great success in every respect and John remains our first port of call on all development projects, large and small.”

“Fineline Architechs offered us a fantastic service. We live in a Tudor, listed building which required a great deal of renovation and a total revamp of the large parts of the house. Fineline delivered a fabulous design which was both contemporary but also sympathetic to the original ancient building. Both Katie and Chris had great ideas and where a joy to work with. They were also excellent at dealing with our local council and conservation officer to ensure that the designs we submitted would have the highest likelihood of success, which indeed they did as we had the entire programme of works agreed by the planning department. I can not recommend Fineline highly enough and I would definitely use them again.”

“We have worked with Haines Phillips Architects for a number of years and each project we have ‘built’ with them has not only been a pleasure to carry out, but have all been extremely successful. This award winning practice does much work in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, as we do, and both companies specialise in high end residential property. Their planning, creativity, and attention to detail is second to none. Their brief and instructions are meticulous, allowing us to provide an excellent job with no hiccups!”

“Really enjoyed working with Ian. Very professional, really listens, great attention to detail. A good designer and contract administrator. We are delighted with both loft and rear extension.”