Atelier Architecture & Design

We couldn’t recommend our experience with Stephen and the Atelier Architecture & Design team more highly. We interviewed 5 local architects and Stephen stood out for his vision and enthusiasm for our project. With our project being in a conservation area coupled with the age of the property it wasn’t a straightforward project, however Stephen and his team guided us in such a way that helped us achieve more than the initial vision we set out with. A highly professional, detailed and creative company that clearly thrives on tackling even the most challenging of projects.

No hesitation at all in recommending Stephen and Atelier, he was great to work with on our extension project. The challenge was to add a very contemporary space to an elegantly distinctive mid century design, in a beautiful rural setting of Chiltern escarpment and beech forest. Stephen's expertise and sensitivity to the environment were essential to realising our ideas. We were able to establish a great working relationship between us, the builder and Atelier, whose local knowledge and professional contacts (surveyor etc) were invaluable. Stephen was brilliant to work with, so skilled at interpreting our amateur suggestions, and developing the original plan into a wonderful family space. The finished project, a beloved room which we use every day, really benefits from and enhances the garden too, creating a fantastic indoor / outdoor space which has improved our whole home !

After considering four RIBA member architects, we chose Atelier. They expressed enthusiasm to work with us to 'create' something rather than merely document our ideas for planning & construction. It was only when the house was fully completed did we fully realise what an important decision that was. Our focus was on building layout and interior design details. Atelier had a complete vision for the entire project, politely - sometimes firmly - bringing us back to the overall design impact of detail and material decisions. What often appeared to us as simple ways to control cost would have negatively impacted the final design and Stephen explained and defended his design admirably. What really made the difference was not us agreeing to whatever he said, but working together to achieve a result that met all needs and stayed true to design. Stephens depth of vision was extraordinary and far beyond what a drawing or 3D visualization could show. He managed the project perfectly and ensured accurate execution of the design with contractors and suppliers. When the last exterior details were completed the true value of Ateliers expertise was obvious - inside and out the design is cohesive and seamless. We wanted an extended house that looked original in every way, and it far exceeds expectations. We have the perfect home for our lifestyle - cozy enough for two, ideal for extended family gatherings and perfectly able to host a summer party for 40+. Everybody loves it!

We had a contemporary extension added to the back of our house that has transformed our kitchen/living area. Stephen combined a sloping roof with zinc cladding to create a light filled space that blended the modern design into our square 1980's house. We are really thrilled with the space and the design process from concept to completion.

We found our dream property in 2016 - an old threshing barn sat on a terrace with southerly views across a valley and the quintessential English village church, and a pool in the courtyard. We inherited Stephen's initial design and worked closely with him to achieve the perfect balance of old and new - exposed oak beams and cladding and ironstone plinths juxtaposed with exposed grey-painted steels and glass. Two mezzanine floors were added to the barn - one a bedroom accessed by a bespoke oak staircase, the other a sun room accessed by a spiral staircase. The open plan barn has a living area, vaulted dining room and contemporary kitchen. The single story wing of the barn (old outhouses) has a master bedroom suite, a further bedroom and a bedroom/study all with vaulted ceilings and exposed beams. Add a smart lighting system, underfloor heating throughout and a Stuv woodburner in the living area and we have a modern home in a 160 year old barn which looks like it was always meant to be. This perfect balance of new and old was inspired by the initial design and refined through discussions with Stephen on practical enhancements and the look and feel of the rooms and decoration. We are more than happy to recommend Stephen and his practice.

We had a rather plain chalet bungalow which was in need to some modernisation and facelift. We did detailed research on local architects and after interviewing a few decided to use Atelier. Stephens approach was always to listen to clients needs and ideas but most importantly not to feel constricted by the brief of clients ideas. He pushed the boundaries of our comfort zones but always respectfully and the end result is outstanding.

Our daughter and son-in-law had asked us to move a little closer to them in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire and as we had lived in a Georgian type house for some 30 years looked forward to a change of scenery and property Our dreams were answered finding a property near by with stunning views over a valley but with a house that needed to be removed as it had been converted many times to a poor standard. We had met Stephen before when he had designed an extension to one of our family's homes and were impressed by his ideas and developments so asked him to submit thoughts on building an eco-friendly home for us. Not only did he do extensive investigation of the site prior to sketches and plans he also suggested an alternative means of construction making an exciting warm, sustainable, sound-proof and cost effective home, that compliments and enhances the outstanding landscape. Stephen and his team met every single requirement we asked of them we would recommend them to anyone who wishes to design and build their own home in an exceptional landscape. A 5 star company.

We worked with AA&D on a large extension to our bungalow. This was the first time we had done anything like this. AA&D guided us through the whole process, and, when our local planners repeatedly demonstrated their lack of imagination, came up with exciting new designs for us, not once but three times. After finally getting planning approval, we used AA&M as project managers through the rest of the project from selecting builders to final snagging. The result is a stunning transformation of a 1959 building. Throughout the work AA&D were imaginative, sympathetic, patient (but firm when needed - with us, the builders, planners, technical advisors) and pragmatic. Above all, they took the time to really understand what we wanted. Everyone at AA&D was always friendly and helpful and always totally professional. This level of talent obviously comes at a price but we found them competitive and fair. We would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone.

We approached Atelier with a very broad brief for a North Facing Extension. Their approach took the fundamental principals of our wishes and extended our vision to achieve an end result which surpassed our expectations. From the second meeting where a rough balsa model and torch were used to illustrate the value of certain glazing ideas to selection of contractors who delivered on time and within budget to the time taken to select finishing touches, Atelier took ownership and saw that we finished the project with more than we actually expected to achieve.

We engaged with Stephen and the team during Summer 2016 for a major re-working on the house. The remit was to turn a dated 1930's 3 bedroom house into a 5 bedroom fit-for-purpose property to enable 2 adults & 4 children to move back in. Atelier detailed various options & guided us through the process of design, planning submission, health & safety, structural & numerous other requirements & regulations. The finished item met our expectations: space was used effectively & efficiently, functionally. Atelier worked well with our builder & the various council departments involved, and we still look at the finished product with a smile & a wow factor. I have confidence in the team, and would have no qualms in using them again.