Interview with ‘Christiansen Architects’ What are the most popular requests from residential clients? We regularly deal with families moving into homes that haven’t been updated or renovated for several decades, where we can bring modernity and efficiencies without compromising the charm and aesthetic of the original house. Clients tend to have an initial set of requirements, but also want us to take a holistic look at the property, to consider all the opportunities and improvements on offer. Typically, we focus on the heart of the home (kitchen, living, dining) and how this space prioritises views and encourages a seamless transition to a usable outdoor space, often with an outdoor kitchen and some covered space. Haslemere and the surrounding areas sit on the edge of the South Downs National Park, so many Tell us a little of the background of your Architects of our projects seek to maximise interaction with practice? this beautiful environment. I set up Christiansen Architects after many years in London with a large, award-winning firm. The Is there a project you are most proud of? majority of our projects are residential and involve All of our projects are gratifying and unique, but external and/or interior Architecture design the Chislehurst House & Pool in Kent probably services, but we do oversee many of our clients’ shows off most of our key design priorities. internal furnishings as well. We are typically Here, a contemporary black zinc extension sits involved from the initial sketch scheme phase, comfortably against the Tudor oak of the original right through planning applications, detailed house. The project involved an analysis of the design and site management. undeveloped qualities and opportunities of the Every project is unique, and we thrive on designing building, and resulted in the complete re-ordering homes to fit our clients’ specific lifestyles and of the existing ground floor to create a new personalities as well as the site and its environment. That being said, we are always eager to introduce kitchen/living/dining space, study, bootroom and indirect daylight and solid, natural materials that pool, as well as linking previously isolated areas of look beautiful initially, and will weather and age in the property to the main building. a way that only improves with time. We are also Rather than have a complete open plan, crittall committed to conservation and sustainability, glazing was used internally to visually connect and recently achieved accredited Passive House spaces but also have the option of acoustic designer status which involves the design and separation. This works particularly well with a delivery of net-zero-ready new and existing family, where flexibility is a key requirement. buildings. Some words of encouragement to the family Do you offer pre-exchange assessments to who are hesitating to make that first call to an architect. residential clients? Yes, we offer a 1-hour, free, preliminary consultation Renovating or building a new home can feel like a to discuss projects you are considering and we huge endeavour, but we have the understanding can help with everything from a full “knock it down and experience to help you realise your home’s and start again” project, to refurbishments and full potential by guiding you through the design extensions including fixed interior elements such and construction process in a professional and as kitchens and wardrobes. We also have strong friendly manner. The majority of our work to date relationships with local contractors who can help has come via previous clients recommending us prepare an initial cost plan based on current to family and friends which is testament to our commitment to deliver your perfect home. market rates.
www.christiansenarch.co.uk
