Aura Architecture

We were very disappointed with our experience working with Aura and wouldn’t work with them again. The early design phase was positive. The initial concepts were strong, and our architect was patient and thoughtful, which we appreciated as first-time renovators. Unfortunately, once construction began, the service fell well short of expectations. We appointed Aura to oversee and site-manage the build, but this proved to be poor value. Site visits did not happen as agreed, reporting was almost non-existent, and the lack of oversight allowed significant issues with the builder they recommended to go unchecked. This contributed to a very difficult build process with a number of shocking errors. The project ended up around 50% over budget, with no proactive communication or cost control from Aura. We were shocked when invoices arrived, having received no warning that costs were escalating. There were also multiple avoidable errors, including survey and specification issues, incorrect items being ordered, and work being signed off despite clear problems. Communication was a recurring issue. We dealt with a very small team, struggled to escalate concerns, and meaningful engagement from senior staff only seemed to occur when payments were being chased. Even then, transparency around fees was poor and only achieved after repeated pushback (we had to push really hard just to get a breakdown of the fees we were bring charged), which then eventually revealed billing errors on their part. Overall, we felt let down by a lack of accountability, inadequate project management, and an approach that prioritised fees over client experience. While the design work showed promise, the delivery and oversight during the build were deeply frustrating.

We had a very poor experience with Aura. During the planning process, they were fine. I wasn't hugely impressed by them as I felt they were disengaged and poor with communication (for example, someone new would be assigned to the job without introduction, and I often had to chase things up) but I did not have serious concerns. However, as the project was due to be completed it became clear that they had made some major errors due to oversights, poor communication and lack of attention to detail. The impact of these errors was very costly (over £10,000), extremely stressful and time consuming. This was exacerbated by the fact that Aura refused to acknowledge responsibility, even though there was clear evidence. Eventually after a lot of back and forth they did pay part of the costs, but their behaviour and attitude made a bad situation worse. I found them initially via online reviews so I wanted to add my own to warn other potential clients. I regret using Aura for our job.

Ben is firstly a great guy, full of ideas and creativity and positivity, along with experience and intelligence. Secondly, he isn't going anywhere, he is very trustworthy, a man of his word, stable and growing his business in and around London. Always looking to find the best solution for your needs and not afraid to show ambition for your project, whilst having a strong knowledge of all current rules/regs and an understanding of the objectives and constraints of the planning system. As an outgoing and gregarious networker, he has positioned Aura as introducer & deal-maker, so if you need introductions to trusted quality services like: Builders, Project Finance, Consultants (e.g. Traffic, Trees, Planning Law) - he usually knows someone!

Aura Architecture is a dependable firm of professionals that always have the client in mind. Their work is of the highest quality, easy to read, digest and submit to the various planning authorities. They take client feedback seriously and respond well within accepted timelines.

Couldn't recommend Ben and his team more. We were in a really tricky position with our building project and Ben navigated us safely out of it. Superb guidance, great technical knowledge and what I really valued the most was the communication. Always got back to me promptly which makes a real difference when stress levels are high. Thanks Aura!

The quality of work from Arua Architecture is to an excellent standard. We worked primarily with Ben and Gabby, they provide a friendly and professional service that minimised the worry and stresses associated with building projects. We hired Aura Architecture to assist us with our building project. We appointed them for the following work: - Regularisation on previous designs - Planning conditions discharge - Building regulation drawings - Detailed designs They came recommended from a Structural engineering company, and we were not disappointed.

Acting as Project Manager I engaged Aura Architecture to provide design services on an office to residential conversion project in Reading. From the initial appointment Ben and Sophie took a proactive approach to discharge planning conditions and provide a detailed design package ready for tender and ensuring compliance with the project programme and client brief. I would not hesitate to recommend Ben and the Aura team and hope to work with them on future projects.

Great working with Aura on the last 2 projects. They were very practical and were brilliant at solving problems of the site.

Overall great design and exceptional value for money. As a first time consumer of architectural services on what was a large project I can not emphasise enough the value add that we got from Ben, Sophie and the wider Aura team. The effort and detail put into the design and specification of works along with significant assistance in project management was commendable. As the project evolved it was crystal clear that we saved a significant amount of time and money as a result of having a comprehensive package and most importantly we got what we wanted on budget. Expectations were exceeded in terms of meeting deadlines. Accommodating design changes and assistance with the planning process was also first rate. I would highly recommend the team and look forward to working with them on the next project.

Working with Aura was a pleasure. Highly efficient, on time and great drawings. They advised us on more than we expected, and really looked at the bigger picture! Highly recommend them.

Ben from Aura was a pleasure to work with. He made me feel at ease throughout the whole process, from creative design all the way through project management to the final build. We are so happy with the final result and I couldn't recommend Ben and his team more highly.

The first time I used Ben and his team was back in 2018. I was in a position whereby I required drawing amendments on a planning application otherwise it would have been rejected. My existing Architect on the job did not have the time or care to work on the issue. Ben and His team stepped in, within under a day had completed the drawings to a higher standard than the original architect and to the satisfaction to the planning officer. Since that business engagement, I have never looked elsewhere. Ben and his team at Aura are proactive, creative, high quality, experienced, care and cost-effective. I will always use Aura from here out and gutted I did not find them sooner.