Interview: Robert Nugen

Tell us a little of the background of Robin Nugent Architects? The practice was founded by Robin in 1986 and expanded in 2001 after a successful career as Conservation Architect at Broadway Malyan in London with commissions for the Crown of State, English Heritage, the National Trust and many more clients. The decision was taken to expand the private practice in a C18th reconstructed barn structure to limit the hours spent commuting on the M25. Robin Nugent Architects is an RIBA Chartered Practice operating out of a barn studio in West Sussex, a team of Architects and designers with supporting disciplines to provide a comprehensive service. Our objective is to provide imaginative design solutions to clients’ briefs borne out of many years of experience of their needs, site challenges and team co-ordination of associated professional disciplines.

What type of residential design projects are most popular at the moment? With more people spending time at home and a growing appreciation for the outdoors, we are finding our clients are coming forward with requests for ways of linking the home and garden. An interest for modern forms which remain sympathetic and connect with the existing buildings, with the use of glazing to flood the property with natural light. In order to make homes more efficient we have been looking into ways to upgrade existing dwellings to achieve better thermal efficiency and lower energy fittings and services.

How do you help clients with planning issues? Once the brief is established, we will then talk through the relevant Planning process for your individual projects. Our design would take into consideration current Policies and Legislation. We may advise Pre-Application Advice is sought prior to a Full or Householders Application is submitted to your local Planning Authority in order to gain a further understanding of their requirements and response to the proposal. We monitor the Planning Applications on the client’s behalf, talking directly with the Planning Officer, and are able to update designs as the application progresses. Following a decision notice being obtained we would then seek to discharge any conditions on the application. If your application is deemed complex, we are able to bring in our retained Planning Consultant for advice. We have a wealth of experience working on projects within England North and South, both Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings.

What would you say are the key strengths of your practice? We are a small and close nit team of individuals and we cumulatively have a variety of experience and areas of interest. We work well together with clear lines of communication with all members of the team aware and up to date on all projects so we are all able to support the clients where needed. We offer a traditional professional service with an emphasis on client and consultant relationship, providing a personal service by qualified, experienced staff with whom the client is invited to act directly. We have good working experience with a number of local contractors and sub-consultants who we are able to tap into where required to progress your project successfully.

What words of encouragement would you a Hamptons client, inexperienced in renovating, who is hesitating to make that initial call? We are as enthusiastic about your project as you are, give us a phone call and we would be more than happy to talk through your initial thoughts! We can bring our experience and a fresh pair of eyes/another perspective forward for you. In line with the RIBA code of conduct we provide an initial consultation free of charge to discuss any thoughts you have in relation to alterations to your property. We always say to our clients, start with the proverbial blank sheet of paper; and identify what you like about the property, what you dislike about it, and what you want to gain from the project. A project should be an exciting challenge with good working practice with experience avoiding the difficulties of others.