“After searching for a home in a sought-after conservation area, we purchased a post-war lateral conversion of a 19th century structure in an incredibly dilapidated condition that required, listing, a full renovation and modernization. A+B came highly recommended due to their related experience on complex design projects, a familiarity with the locality and commitment to their client’s interests. During our first meetings we were struck by how intuitively we understood A+B’s design philosophy and their chemistry as a “design team”. In addition, A+B could “walk the talk” showing us a recently completed project that was inspirational in terms of “the art of the possible” in that specific location.

Reflecting on our journey together there are three principal reasons why I am happy to endorse A+B:

A+B have the credibility and portfolio of work to establish trust quickly. They listened very well to our needs and instinctively “got” the look and feel of what we were trying to achieve. They were able to provide us with a contemporary design, incorporating ideas we had never even thought of, that seamlessly blended the best of the “old” properties features with an innovative cantilever “floating extension” design. They were attuned to our financial considerations and using 3D renditions and intuitive concept storyboards (termed Bronze / Silver / Gold) they provided a spectrum of project options available to us in addition to clarity on the associated fee structures, so we knew what we were getting into in advance.

We undertook the project with A+B during COVID. For much of the process A+B had to navigate being advisor, coordinator, technical managers, as well as the creative designers remotely. They efficiently and effectively collaborated with the structural engineers, building contractor, interior designer, suppliers, landscape gardener, etc. all the way through this surreal period. Despite a complex planning and contracting process, complex design involving many moving pieces with some “big personalities” involved and supply chain constraints the project was completed on schedule, within budget, and to an incredibly high standard of quality.

The degree of complexity of our renovation could have been completely overwhelming, but A+B successfully guided us through the whole process, maintaining control of the project plan and managing dependencies. They initiated an incredibly detailed tender process, and the selection of the building contractor was down at a granular line-by-line level. Having said that, as the project evolved, they continuously demonstrated their versatility and pragmatic trouble shooting on the many technical issues that arose (given the age and neglect of the original structure). Over the project they enhanced design elements where required to maximize space, and storage; researching materials, fixtures, finishes, AV equipment and even designing bespoke joinery, the wooden staircase installed, I consider a “work of art”!

The overall result of the above has been an architectural designed home that has exceeded our expectations, enhanced our quality of life and emotional attachment to our home. A+B have also created an outstanding design that adds value to the neighboring conservation area. Since completing the property, we have been lucky to entertain many people whose feedback is always highly complementary about our new home. A+B know how to create the ‘wow factor’”

“We had been living in our house for many years, the family had grown up there and now we wanted to relook at the space for us moving forward. We also had a major flood, so it was renovate or move time. I was looking for an architect’s practice that would give time and attention and guide me through what felt like a daunting project. Stuart and Sarah came for a site visit, and I immediately felt they understood what I was looking for and that they would be great to work with.

From the initial ideas I was excited at the prospect of what we were planning. It was quite a large project including a small extension, on a Grade II listed house that had not had any work done to it for some time. Stuart and Sarah were creative, professional, communicative, and actually just an absolute pleasure to work with from beginning to end.

They have complimentary skills, and it was great to have them both to discuss every minutia of the project. We looked at everything together from the kitchen to the flooring, light fittings to the door handles and even the tile grout colour. Their eye for detail was superb. They were there every step of the way from applying for planning permission, dealing with the English Heritage queries as well as the local society that also approves plans in my area. Their design ideas were fresh, innovative and clear and I looked forward to our meetings.

Sarah and Stuart very efficiently project managed the build for us. They always kept an eye on the budget and with their weekly site visits everything ran smoothly. They recommended builders that we were so pleased with – not often the case after a year of work.
I am now living in a house that fills me with joy every day. We are all so happy with everything in our beautiful home and would have no hesitation in recommending Archer + Braun. Thank you so much Stuart and Sarah.”

“When looking for a firm of architects, we wanted to work with architects who would be able to give us fresh ideas and the confidence to make design decisions.  We knew as soon as we met Sarah and Stuart that they would be a great team to work with. They acknowledged our own taste whilst encouraging us to step out of our comfort zone and think about different options. They were also not shy to push back on our ideas when (in hindsight) these clearly would not have worked with the overall design. Having Sarah and Stuart each bring their professional experience and individual skills enhanced our project immensely. But more importantly, we engaged Sarah and Stuart for their individual expertise and wanted to avoid being passed on to associates or assistants, as had happened to us previously. This was definitely not the case, as both Sarah and Stuart remained intimately involved throughout. We benefited hugely with their personal attention and tailored/hands-on approach. They were meticulous and detailed and were able to provide advice for every hurdle we came across, guiding us through every stage.

With two young children and busy jobs, we also needed full management of the build and Sarah and Stuart delivered with great overall project management and transparent communication throughout. We were kept informed and abreast of issues at all times and they were always proactively offering solutions and advice if any problems were encountered. We thoroughly enjoyed working with Sarah and Stuart, have tremendous respect for their commitment and professionalism, and look forward to working with them again on future projects.”

“Stuart and Sarah helped us with the drawings and design of a large extension and renovation project in Lambeth. They were very flexible in dealing with the design that our daughter, a qualifying architect, had initiated and developing it into a workable proposal.

We’ve very much enjoyed working with them at the various stages of the process. Their discipline, professional approach and sharp eye for detail has has been invaluable during the project conception and planning. This is already paying off in the execution of the building works which started 3 months ago. They are both a joy to work with.”