In the past few months four new team members have joined us: Liam, Jennifer, Chloe & David. Here are some clues as to how they are going to influence us.
Read MoreInvisible Repairs
I only had one problem to solve. There was nobody to tell me what to do or how to do it. I had the opportunity to learn how to do one thing well. And how often does that happen?
Read MoreAn Architects Honeymoon
Back in July, Robert and I were married in Tipperary, Ireland.
Rob is Irish and, rather predictably, he’s an architect too. So where do two architects choose to go for their honeymoon?
Read More9 Favourite Documentaries on Place, Design & Doing Good Work
Everybody watches TV. What we choose to watch can give an insight into the types of people we are. With three new faces in the office this month, we thought it would be interesting to share a bit about ourselves...
Read MoreYour place or mine?
It turns out we're all 'topophiliacs'. But what does that mean, and why is it important?
Andy's take on what makes places special.
Studio in the woods
This is what happens when you invite 15 of the UK's leading architects in to the woods for the weekend with 70+ designers & makers and let them build whatever they want...
Read MoreIs the future of Chester Black & White?
To what extent should new buildings in Chester make reference to the incredible architectural legacy of the place?
Read MoreRaise Launch
On 17th May we held an event at Storyhouse, the amazing new theatre and cultural centre in Chester. Over a hundred of our friends turned out to hear about our plans...
Read MoreHidden Potential: How to set up your renovation project for success
There is a certain romance associated with turning a derelict building in to a dream project which appeals to a lot of people. But exactly how do you turn that tumble down pile of bricks in the woods into a forest hideaway?
Read MoreDesign is a process: How to get the best possible solution for your project
Something came up recently which caused me to think. I was discussing a new project with a client and they asked an interesting question: If I had one piece of advice to give them at the start of their upcoming project, what would it be?
Read MoreA new generation brings change to Mapperton
Mapperton appears as a timeless jewel, unchanged for generations. However this is, of course, an illusion and finding ways to keep this historic place in use has required much careful planning over recent years. The first stages of these plans are just starting to be implemented...
Read MoreComing Home
Along with the other ‘30-somethings’ leaving London, after nearly seven years I decided it was time to move back to my hometown, Chester. So here it is, this is why I decided it was time for a change — a long-term change...
Read MoreInspiration - are you getting enough?
You may have come in to this world fully charged with a mission to do something or you may have stumbled in to your life’s work. Chances are, though, it was a conscious decision to do something particular having been inspired by someone or something.
Read MoreI wouldn’t say I messed up but…..
Some architects are control freaks and like to present their work as inevitable. As if everything had been intended. I prefer architecture that reflects life. You know, full of good intentions but a bit messy, more complicated and ultimately more interesting.
Read MoreI know……….let’s do something interesting!
Can you imagine the medieval stonemason at work, high up on his precarious timber scaffold?
Read MoreThe One Chair Project & Industry Chester
The One Chair Project is the initiative of Chester-based photographer, Sam Riley. The people of Chester were asked to nominate a person to the CHAIR. A cultural hero, an inspiration to others but mainly someone who was adding to the contemporary culture of the city.
Read MoreCritical comment........who needs it?
Critical comment is really important for anyone who wants to get better at what they do. That much is obvious. But is enough done to encourage it? Do we know how best to give it when others need it? And do you we know what to do with it when we receive it ourselves?
Read MoreThe importance of the North point
All architects plans must have a north point. It provides your orientation. You need to be able to imagine the building relative to the movement of the sun. It's fundamental. It's Architecture 101.
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