4 minute read
Hamptons interview with SW London architect Oliver Browning.
We spoke to Browning Architects founder about his work and business.
Tell us a little about the background of your architectural practice?
I set up Browning Architects in 2011 after working for many years in the prime residential market in London. I have worked for many high profile clients at some of Londons most prestigious addresses for some of the best names in the industry. I gained a huge amount of experience in detailing and management in particular and realised I loved the management of projects on site, and also getting to know clients well and what they truly wanted out of their properties. To this day many of those previous clients and contacts remain friends of mine. The opportunity came up to start my own business in Wandsworth and I decided to take it, and the rest is very much history. 12 or so years later and the business has survived many turbulent periods and is still going strong.
What is your customer process from receiving that first enquiry?
Every new enquiry is exciting. An opportunity to meet someone new with potential for the next exciting project. Most of our clients are looking to improve their properties, not only through extending or updating but also by wanting quality. Our process begins with getting to know our client. I always like to come and meet them in their homes so I can see how they live and what sort of style they live with. The next stage is to understand more about their true style, its quite rare that our clients live in their true style, we are often asked to help them find it. We then work through a feasibility stage with them and get to grips with what spaces they need and the style of the architecture. We talk costs and advise on how best to allocate the budget they have. To be clear, all our clients budgets vary immensely and we work at all scales from small to large.
Is there a type of commission that gets your office particularly excited?
There is no single commission that gets us excited. All new projects are an opportunity to create something exciting for our clients. The ones that tend to get us most excited are those where the client doesn’t truly know what they want, and they are looking to us to inspire them and show them what is possible. That is really exciting.
What words of encouragement would you give to a potential client who is considering appointing an architect for the first time and hesitating to reach out?
We are here to help. We are experts in many aspects of the construction industry. As Architects we understand design, planning, interior design, structure, party wall processes and the entire building process, including building control, among many other aspects. We are not limited in our knowledge as what we don’t know we can bring in our close contacts and consultants. Having an Architect involved in your project does not need to be expensive. I would advise any client that the investment in an Architect will ultimately save you time and money on your project.
What’s your favourite aspect about working in the Earlsfield / Wimbledon area?
I know South west London very well, having lived in the area for many years. I love the atmosphere and everyones sense of community. We gain a huge amount of work through word of mouth and referrals, which says a lot about the community spirit in the area. We are incredibly lucky to be able to work on properties in this area and put our stamp here for years to come.
T 0207 700 4683
T 0207 700 4683
