Atelier Architecture & Design Ltd

When we were thinking of remodelling our 1960's home we approached RIBA who circulated our interest to member practices in our area. Four expressed interest and after meeting them we chose Atelier. Only Atelier appeared to have vision and enthusiasm to 'create' something rather than officially document our ideas for planning and construction. It was only when the house was fully complete did I come to realise what an important decision that was.

Stephen of Atelier understood our desire to make better use of the space our house occupied and worked well with us, patiently educating us along the way, to reach an eventual final design that went on to planning and subsequently to tender. My focus was really on building layout - room positions, doorways, walls, windows and 'flow' to get the best of the space. Our project was a massive undertaking and we did at one point can the idea for a year before realising it was the only way to have the lifestyle, layout and finish we wanted.

On paper it was financial suicide - take a wholly owned, perfectly maintained property asset, borrow 85% of its value, throw in all our savings and every penny of spare cashflow, then half demolish it to 50% of its value (or less) making it uninhabitable in the process, and rebuild it differently to gain, in estate agent speak, 'just an en-suite bathroom'. Thats the main reason we walked away - how could adding a room double our property value, and just how much equity would we be left with, if any, when complete? Atelier supported us in understanding the cost structures and the true impact on value of our unique project, and we're so glad we went through with it. When it was valued after the work was completed the estate agent doubled the valuation meaning the equity we origianlly had was fully intact.

Most importantly what we got was a dream family home - it wasn't about making money or building to sell. What we didn't fully appreciate during the whole process was the real value and impact of professional architecture. Through design and construction it's just drawings, pictures and, to be frank, a heartbreaking mess of a buidling site that we desperately wanted to be a home again; to be inside the space that we created in the plans and amongst all the interior finishes we spent so much time choosing.

I truly didn't fully appreciate Stephen's vision in the building design until the very last details were complete. They give the house itself a Wow factor. Yes the decor, interior design, the kitchen especially, all make a big impression but its the architectural details that truly make the house what it is and so many of those details I could have dismissed to save money as I didn't have the architects vision or knowledge to understand them. Stephen resolutely stood by the importance of staying true to those details - they are part of a total cohesive design - and when budgets came under pressure, he worked with contractor and QS to ensure design integrity. The finished product is truly stunning and the house will remain that way through new kitchens and interior decor updates for years to come.

If you want an architect to draw plans and get them through planning, of course Atelier can do that with ease, but its in architectural vision and a solid attention to the many details needed to realise it, where they really excel.

We engaged with Stephen and the team during Summer 2016 for a major re-working on the house. The remit was to turn a dated 1930's 3 bedroom house into a 5 bedroom fit-for-purpose property to enable 2 adults & 4 children to move back in. Atelier detailed various options & guided us through the process of design, planning submission, health & safety, structural & numerous other requirements & regulations.

The finished item met our expectations: space was used effectively & efficiently, functionally. Atelier worked well with our builder & the various council departments involved, and we still look at the finished product with a smile & a wow factor. I have confidence in the team, and would have no qualms in using them again.

Thanks - Matt

We met Stephen Melvin in the spring of 2013. AA+D were recommended to us by a member of our family who had an extensive house extension designed and overseen by Stephen. Our project was to pull down an existing home and build an eco friendly property, as we had been living in a Georgian home built in 1928. It leaked heat like a sieve and Stephen and his team created a home where light, heat, convenience for today and future use were the paramount things we requested. We got everything.
We would highly recommend this company to anyone for design that you want, service and attention to detail.

Roma and Brian Wilkinson

We worked with AA&D on a large extension to our bungalow. This was the first time we had done anything like this. AA&D guided us through the whole process, and, when our local planners repeatedly demonstrated their lack of imagination, came up with exciting new designs for us, not once but three times. After finally getting planning approval, we used AA&M as project managers through the rest of the project from selecting builders to final snagging.

The result is a stunning transformation of a 1959 building. Throughout the work AA&M were imaginative, sympathetic, patient (but firm when needed - with us, the builders, planners, technical advisors) and pragmatic. Above all, they took the time to really understand what we wanted.

Everyone at AA&M was always friendly and helpful and always totally professional.

This level of talent obviously comes at a price but we found them competitive and fair.

We would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone.

We found AA+D to be professional, courteous and reliable. Their projects are thoughtful, creative and exciting. When the scope of our brief changed we were relieved that the additional work was covered by a very reasonable fee. We recommend this practise for people who are looking for something that can make a positive difference.

I Advise not to use this firm. They charged a huge fee, delivered nothing, ignored our brief, refused to acknowledge our repeated concerns. Took 6 months to produce 3 squares on a plan. And were just frankly unpleasant, unreasonable, self entitled and unpleasant . Be warned!!

The company's sensitive contemporary approach to heritage sites are unique in their area. I recommend them for everyone looking for something fresh and new ☺

We had an extension added to the back of our house that has transformed our living. Stephen combined sloping roof with zinc and blended the modern design into our square 1980s house. Really thrilled with the space and the design process.