Carolyn Squire Architect

We selected Carolyn after undertaking a thorough review of local architects who met our specifications, and after interviewing the shortlisted candidates. We immediately warmed to her brisk no-nonsense approach and sense of fun. She helped us all the way through our challenging project to totally refurbish and extend our garden flat in Kentish Town. She drew up plans, negotiated with planners, recommended suitable builders and project managed this complex project in confined space and with difficult access. Carolyn coped with us as demanding and exacting clients, plus many issues as they arose, including severe damp problems and total replacement of all services and most of the walls, with her characteristic creative and innovative approach, all the while retaining her trade mark good humour. We are delighted with the end result and her support throughout and have no hesitation in recommending her.

I can describe Carolyn in 3 words - creative, ergonomic in relation to the working of space in a home (and its family) and efficient. Since 2006, I have engaged Carolyn on 4 projects spanning 10 years that have involved 3 different houses. The first house was for a rear extension and side kitchen return. Her design gave the space the most beautiful light. The second house was a rear extension and then later a loft. With the rear extension she brought the outside in. With the loft, she utilised all the space (without making any dark spaces) and I ended up with a single door into a large loft area that has a generous shower room which is cut off from the sleeping area with freestanding wardrobes that provide privacy. The last project only just done (2016) was a third house that required a full stripping out with walls broken down and kitchens/bathrooms moved and reinstated. The house now has a flow and wonderful energy. And she's great at choosing colours even though she says this is not her strength.

We are just coming to the end of the the third project Carolyn has worked on with me as I have moved around North London over the last few years. I cannot recommend her highly enough: she has been a delight to work with, a constant source of creative, elegant and cost-effective ideas for the best use of space and sensitive to the needs of my growing and changing family. She has a steady, long-standing relationship with a building firm who have worked on all three projects and also been fantastic. She is approachable, accessible and very straightforward to deal with - absolutely first-rate.