phi architects

Starting in the second half of 2015 our project was to renovate a 1960s detached house with optimum improvements in thermal efficiency. Key features of Sara Darwin's design input included a new 'warm' roof with rooflights; full internal insulation and airtightness; replacing all windows and doors with triple glazed units; transforming a small kitchen & a dining room into a new kitchen; creating two new bathrooms in an unused cellar area; introducing a new steel stairway to an existing mezzanine floor. From the outset Sara listened carefully to our initial thoughts and helped us to shape our requirements before running the tendering process effectively and sourcing a suitable main building contractor. We worked with Sara through to project completion in February 2017 and at every stage she added immense value: - Sara's Passivhaus experience, including early advice on insulation and airtightness combined with design flair to make sure that the specification was right form the outset. - Main drawings were supplemented with detailed drawings, interior design sketches and material pallettes, bringing the project to life for us! - It was hugely reassuring for us that Sara inspected and signed-off all building work before we made stage-payments; - Sara's support, willingness to solve problems, and positive approach were highly valued. We're absolutely delighted with the end-results of Sara's overall architectural input. In all her dealings with us and representing us in talking to contractors and third-party suppliers, Sara acted with impeccable integrity at all times.

I engaged Sara Darwin on the design of two extensions to our 1980's home. We asked Sara to devise a bathroom design which expanded into our roof space, and a single storey kitchen that opens up the rear of the house to a sunny garden. From the outset she understood our needs exactly and what we wanted to achieve within our budget (which was under 60k). We would thoroughly recommend Sara Darwin to anyone looking for a creative and client-focused architect. The extension that she designed for us has enhanced our home and everyday use of our living space, and we wouldn't hesitate to work with her again.

We consulted Sara on the advice of another professional. From the start of the project (a self-build) Sara had a total appreciation of our aims. We knew there was a good house to be built on the site of a dull 1920's bungalow but Sara translated this into a first-class design and exceeded our hopes. She saw us through a difficult planning stage with such diplomacy and skill that the Planners were singing her praises as an architect they really enjoyed working with! Is this a first? Although Sara consulted with us at every stage the truth is that her original ideas were so close to what we dreamed of that very few alterations were needed. We responded to Sara's technique of asking searching questions about us and our life-style and then talking us through the implications of this for the design process and the resultant, final submission was everything we asked for. Sara helped with all stages, working well with our builder and other tradespeople and after her involvement was largely over she has stayed involved advising us on materials and fittings as the work devolved to us and not professionals. This aspect of Sara's involvement was particularly good since we knew that Sara was always available for support and advice. We have recommended her to others and we know that they have been equally delighted.