Dorota Okonska - M.Arch

Dorota’s passion for interiors and finishes compliments the team’s commitment to holistic design.

The Team

Previous experience in commercial and community designs provide a sound basis for a variety of construction needs.

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THE CHALLENGE.

Existing 1930s house, new owners wish to expand living space to accommodate their growing family including an indoor/outdoor space and storage to the enclosed garden. Owners wish to incorporate dramatic glazing and wishes to complete the project as a self build.

RESPONSE.

Exploration of a number of construction techniques whilst exploring the flow of spaces from the internal to the external with the concept being finished in a contemporary style.

STATUS

Project currently progressing through the design stage.

The 3 ‘Golden Rules’ of any building project! Depending on the character of the project each may vary in order of importance.

WHAT.

Think about what you want to achieve with the build. Talk to an architect now, an initial consultation is usually free and can give you a great headstart with additional ideas and an early flag of any potential structural or legal issues.

Rather than just a list a rooms think about the type of space you would like to create, for example don’t just think ‘we need a kitchen diner’ but think ‘we need a communal space where the adults can get on with some jobs but where the kids are also able to be around and play/do homework’. It may be that your house can be designed to work better by making your space into something other than just the traditional kitchen/diner.

We always find that when meeting clients for the first time it is helpful to get to know how thier house works in order to design the best space solution for them. As such we often ask people not to tidy up before we come so we can see how normal life goes on in the house. If we don’t know that there is always an annoying pile of shoes and coats next to the door the they will still be there once the construction work is finished!

Let your architect get to know you, give honest feedback on any designs – a first design may not fully meet everything you want! Ask for the design to be presented in a way which allows you full understanding of the scheme to help your decision making. Remember to allow time at this stage and don’t worry about investigating alternative approaches it is important to get the scheme correct at this point.

WHEN

‘We will be in by Christmas!’

Talk to your architect and set a realistic build time. There are many stages to any build, some of which may not be obvious at the outset. Your architect will talk you through each stage required and the time needed for each stage in order to calculate a total build time.

For example it would not be unusual for a modest extension to take 11 months from conception to completion taking into account the design, tender, planning and construction phases of the build.

HOW MUCH

Be realistic!

Set your budget and let your architect design within the limit.. Often a large amount can be achieved on on a relatively small budget. It is important not to get carried away as financial difficulties can lead to stressful relationships.

Ideally establish a brief with a financial limit, get a budget cost at design stage, stick to limitations during the construction stage and obtain a good set of tender drawings and documentation (these go beyond building regulation drawings and tell the builder exactly what to allow for thus avoiding assumptions and provisional sums which can prove costly). Confirm all costs with the builder before signing a contract. Remember, the basis of all contracts is to agree what you are getting, when you will be getting it and how much you will be paying for it!

Good Luck and Merry Christmas from all at SPUD Architects

‘stand like a mountain…move like a tiger…flow like the river’

THE CHALLENGE.

Existing 1930s property set within the urban infrastructure of St Albans.

Property failed to relate to the generous enclosed garden or provide space for the client to carry out their ‘life style’ of Sword Tai Chi.

RESPONSE.

Create a high ceilinged space in contemporary and natural materials which reflect the ‘attitudes’ of the 1930’s. Contained within a design focusing on the elements and emotions of Tai Chi providing a strong yet dynamic concept whilst offering transitional space to the garden.

THE CHALLENGE.

Existing 1960s property heavily extended through piecemeal alterations during its lifetime and

and failing to adapt to a family lifestyle in the 21st century. Poor overall strategy, dark circulation / living spaces and poor bedroom sizes.

RESPONSE.

Create light dynamic spaces utilising small scale extensions, internal alterations and interior materials. Create spaces individual to the families needs to create public, family and private spaces within the proposed design.

STATUS

Due to be complete DEC 2010.

THE CHALLENGE.

Existing 1940s house built by a local architect required a facelift both externally and internally to create a modern stylish home.

RESPONSE.

Create a strategy to alter the ground floor movement including the construction of a new entrance porch and the enclosure of current circulation space. Provide furniture solutions to compliment the proposed internal finishes.

STATUS

Due for completion Autumn 2010

THE CHALLENGE.

Existing 1960s property previously extended with tight compact circulation spaces and lack of space to create master parent space, a family space and work zones.

RESPONSE.

Create a large scale three storey extension containing enlarged kitchen family area, master suite, home office and second storey bedroom. The addition of the two storey garage offers the potential for care accommodation should it be required .

STATUS

Project currently at the working drawing stage.

THE CHALLENGE.

Existing 1930s house of strong character which boasts fantastic external and internal features but lacked space for a growing family.

RESPONSE.

Create spaces which favour a young family and connect to the garden, whilst catering for the adults by providing formal spaces for evening relaxation and work spaces.

STATUS

Project currently progressing through planning.