Gazey Architects

We had a kitchen that was long and dark, with the functional areas 1.5 metres from the main source of light (French windows leading to a conservatory) because of the door that led to an adjoining utility space that was an unwelcoming, cold and narrow lean to. We wanted to move the functional areas of the kitchen towards the light and creating a new utility area. Gazey Architects was recommended to us by a surveyor friend. At the options stage. Gazey Architects produced a number of options, including one that approached the project in a different perspective than we had imagined, reconfiguring most of the downstairs or our house, and which really caught our imagination. He suggested demolishing our much loved conservatory as well as the utility area and replacing them with a wrap around extension including lots of windows, also losing three of the walls to the kitchen, including that between our lounge and kitchen and moving our downstairs WC to create the space for a new utility space. We were really excited by this plan and eventually, after much discussion with Gareth Gazey, decided to go ahead with it. Gazey Architects were invaluable for this vison, and for their assistance in finding contractors and then managing the project and contractor. The result is a space that is something we would never have thought of but does everything we asked for and so, so much more. It continually delights us, and wows everyone who visits. We couldn't be more delighted and cannot praise Gazey Architects enough. We thoroughly recommend them.

After 14 years in our house, we were ready to take the leap to transform it into our forever home. While gathering ideas for layouts and feeling unsure about how to move forward with our existing project plans, we decided to attend the Grand Designs Live show in 2022 for inspiration. A quick glance at the show website led us to the 'Ask an Expert' stand, which seemed like the perfect opportunity to discuss our project needs and seek advice on our plans. In preparation, we reviewed the architects’ profiles and chose two that we believed would approach our project in a different way. Gazey Architects caught our attention due to their creative design approach, which emphasises sustainability, working with existing buildings, and engaging in constructive client consultation. We were impressed by the varied ideas presented by both architects. However, it was Gareth's holistic approach, along with his thoughtful designs and project management services, that ultimately secured our decision to work with him. From our first onsite meeting where we discussed design options, to reviewing prospective builder tenders, through to managing project finances, and ensuring project progress was on track, Gareth's input and guidance proved invaluable. We are incredibly thankful for his support throughout our first project experience and highly recommend anyone considering a building project to reach out to Gazey Architects.

Gareth was excellent at all stages of the design, tendering and building stages of our single storey rear extension and kitchen renovation project. Starting with a survey and concept designs, he presented a few viable options, having first identified and solved for some key issues in our ground floor layout - such as the ground floor WC position, that were at the root of some of our problems with the old layout. He had excellent relationships with other professionals needed which sped things along, and with the contractor, whilst also effectively controlling costs. But I think the stand-out thing, compared to some experiences with some other architects we'd heard about through friends, was his approach when our views differed to his about the design. Whilst robustly defending his design, he always gave all the reasons clearly for design elements and talked through things that he'd considered. This approach allowed us to avoid making a big error when we were considering deviating from the design, since we'd be brought along with the process.

Gareth provided an excellent service combining design insight with assured project management. He was always willing to amend designs to more closely align with the functional requirement. We now have a beautiful loft conversion fully maximising the utility of the extended space with the new landing flooded with light through the imaginative use of a large skylight and glass flooring/balustrade. One of Gareth’s core strengths is his ability to robustly negotiate with, and challenge, building service providers. A good manager, a very competent architect and a decent guy to boot. Recommended.

Our project was an internal refurbishment and rearrangement of the kitchen and dining room of our house in Muswell Hill. We found Gareth via the RIBA website and engaged him to work up some initial options, provide detailed design and plans for our chosen option and to project manage the works through to completion. Gareth took the time to get an excellent understanding of our ideas and the sort of look we wanted, and translated that understanding into designs and plans to make it a reality. Gareth clearly explained the process and all the required steps between inception and completion. This ensured there were no unexpected or unpleasant surprises later in the project. Gareth managed the tender and contractor selection process for us as well as the other professional services needed in a project of this kind. Payment terms and signoff of works were made very clear to us from the outset. Building work got underway in June 2020. Working with the contractor Gareth ensured this proceeded very smoothly. Any queries or issues were promptly and professionally resolved, and the project was completed early and within 10% of the original expected cost. We are delighted with the finished result which has completely transformed our house beyond our expectations. The use of space and light and the overall design all contribute to a home which we enjoy living in every day. We are very happy to highly recommend Gareth - the service he provides is excellent in all respects.

We retained Gareth to design and project-manage the re-development of our second-floor attic, in a terraced Georgian house in central London. Total budget was approximately £100,000 including design, build and materials fees, and taxes. Gareth is a very businesslike and no-nonsense guy. He got stuck straight into our project and came up with some very innovative design suggestions. He was proactive about dealing with issues as they arose, and took a very firm approach to handling the builders. We were very happy with the final product, and the project was on-budget. The project was about two weeks behind schedule, which in the context of a three-month build spanning the summer holidays is not a big deal (and was largely caused by a delay in the manufacture of a bespoke picture window).

Gareth designed a loft extension and some ground floor improvements in our little 1920s terrace house. His creative scheme cleverly maximised the available space and respected the character of the house (and the sensitivities of the planners) whilst still feeling fresh, airy and modern. We (and the builders) were amazed he managed to get a loo in under our tiny staircase but he did and it has made a huge difference, whilst the loft space he created is spectacular and a pleasure to spend time in. Having him manage the tender process and supervise the builders was really reassuring and we are delighted with both the quality of the build and the price we ended up paying. We've already recommended him to some friends and they are really happy with the scheme he's put together for them.

I own an Edwardian terrace in north London and wanted to renovate the rear of the property to make the kitchen and dining room an open plan space. The best option was a side return extension. After searching like conversions online I found a previous project that Gareth had completed. It stood out from the rest due to its individual features and architectural aesthetics, I did not want a fits all design and build option. We are now midway through our build and on the way to achieving a unique and light filled space thanks to the ideas that Gareth has brought to the table. Having Gareth attend the site on a biweekly basis has given us huge piece of mind and reassurance. Approaching a project of this type is daunting if you have no previous experience. Gareth responds immediately to any questions and also referred us to both a fantastic structural engineer and party wall expert. As such you really do have the guidance of an expert team behind you. Highly recommended.

It was a real pleasure working with Gareth Gazey and loved the design for the rear extension right from the first meeting/drawing. Gareth took care of all the planning and also had back drawings, in case the Corten extension was refused, the design sailed through planning and Gareth's detail drawings were exceptional, we love the extension and it really works for us as a family. Gareth was always contactable, arrived on time for scheluded site visits and also when he was needed to come to site to discuss the design build, arrived on site the following day. He worked well with other other contractors to bring the design to life.

was put in contact with Gareth through a recommendation as we were planning on an attic conversion in our 2 bed Victorian terrace to make a double bedroom and en-suite. From the very start Gareth was extremely helpful - we had meetings at the house to discuss the options and he explained everything very clearly. Gareth has pretty much managed the whole process. We both work full time and don't know the first thing about building so having somebody reliable that we can trust has been a huge weight off our shoulders. We are planning on doing further work to our house in the future and would not hesitate in asking Gareth to help us with that also.

We bought an old bungalow and wanted a new, modern house to replace it. Our brief included lots of natural light, high ceilings with no attics, a modern kitchen with space for a large island and a snooker room - all within our overall budget! We met Gareth at Grand Designs Live and haven't looked back since. Gareth has worked tirelessly to produce fantastic designs and quality drawings that fit our brief. He then took them through the planning process and got tha plans approved despite our worries beforehand. He is very knowledgeable and great at reigning us in with our sometimes (too) grand ideas! We now have the basis of a house that we never thought we could own, with building about to start in the new year. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend Gareth Gazey for anyone building or altering their house. His knowledge, experience and expertise will save you time, money and give you a really modern design with the latest materials.

Refurbishment of internal and external space of a 6 bed Victorian house, including creation of a separate studio flat on the ground floor, The work encompassed a new open-plan kitchen and dining space, with opening to rear decked garden space and a new double height living room with gallery.