+ Gullaksen Architects

Helene.. designed a new front wall for my property around the corner from me in 2019. She insisted on planning permission forwarded me the approval and architectural drawings. now in 2023 after a dispute with a vicious neighbour evidence of her thoroughness to present to the Hackney council

A truly great experience working with Helena to recreate the entire lower ground floor of our house Inc. kitchen, study/bedroom, bathroom and utility room. Helena was engaged throughout the design, planning, tender process and build/construction phases. We are truly ecstatic with the space created by Helena. Helena brings a wealth of experience, recommended trades/crafts plus those all-important creative ideas to maximise every ounce of space. Discussions around design and choice of materials was always a collaborative engagement we never felt there was an imposing architectural view. Would recommend Helena again and again.

We can thoroughly recommend Helene. She supported us on our substantial extension and complete modernisation of our house in Stoke Newington. From advice prior to purchase through collaboratively working on design concepts, getting planning permission which was less than straightforward, to finding contractors and managing the build through to successful conclusion. We are more than happy to recommend herF

Helene did an amazing job for us. She masterminded our project to rebuild the rear extension on our Victorian house, within conservation area guidelines. The end result far exceeded expectations; our bright and airy kitchen, dining and living area has transformed our home. The project was completed on budget and on time. We lived in the house during the build which could have been problematic, but Helene worked with the contractors to make it as easy as possible for everybody. Her attention to detail is extraordinary, and I came to trust her design instincts 100%. Her ideas for glazing and lighting for example were exhaustively researched and highly successful, and right down to advising on paint colour and drawer handles. Her views on the elements we should not cut corners on were spot on (worktops!) and she was reassuring and constructive when we needed to address unexpected hitches. In short she was always there to support during what is inevitably a demanding process, and I don’t think it could have gone much more smoothly. I wholeheartedly recommend Helene as a brilliant architect with a wonderfully creative, empathetic, intuitive and practical approach, who goes the extra mile to understand and interpret her clients’ needs.

Helene has been fantastic and we continue to work with her during the build. We thought we knew what we wanted, but with Helene's eye for design those original thoughts have changed quite radically. She's both an architect and an interior designer and so the merging of both disciplines is hugely beneficial. Nothing is too much trouble and she works very quickly. Really lovely person to work with!!

Helen renovated our basement and integrated it into our house. The basement had previously been a separate apartment. Helene listens to her clients. She was able to take my vague ideas and turn them into concrete plans. She was practical, had great instincts and was very easy to work with. The end result was wonderful - far better than I had thought was possible.

Helene was fantastic to work with when doing our house extensions. We thought we knew what we wanted but she was great in that she made us take time to really consider how we wanted to use the space before coming up with some proposals. It sounds like an obvious thing but actually her input then was so important in delivering spaces that we now absolutely love! She then project managed the builder (who we chose and turned out to be quite challenging!) and was so professional throughout the process. She had the right balance of being positive with them in order to maximise their output but absolutely put her foot down with them when needed! I would highly recommend Gullaksen Architects for design and project management.

I highly recommend Gullaksen Architects. Helene has designed and project managed various endeavours for me, from the whole of a ground floor to updating bathrooms and basic household infrastructure . Each time she has supervised the whole project meticulously with good communication and outstanding professionalism, liaising with contractors to ensure all work was completed to the highest standards. She is transparent and trustworthy in all her dealings. Her knowledge and experience were invaluable the success of all my projects. She has understanding of practicality but with flare and creativity . I would certainly use her again .