3 minute read
Interview: aThink Architects
from Hamptons Area Guide - Esher
by Work-Haus
Expert Interview with Iris Kouneni from aThink Architects.
Tell us a little about your background and how AThink came to be established? I was always interested in residential design. The idea of improving the everyday life of a family through my designs is very intriguing. I have worked for many high end architectural practices in Surrey, and I reached a point were I felt that I could give so much more to my clients. We founded aThink Architects with my husband, who is also a registered architect, because we wanted to create bespoke designs around the clients’ family and not box standard solutions.
How early in the buying process would you advise a client to get in touch? As early as possible. We work with a lot of our clients from the day their offer is accepted, as the concept design stage is very important and it can take weeks or even months to get to the final design. One can also reach out to us if they are not sure if the property they are interested in can accommodate all their needs. We will then do a desktop study on the property and advise on if we think it is the right property for their family.
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What’s the process you take customers through from that first enquiry? The first step is to arrange a Home Design Consultation, which you can book in our website, where we do a desktop study of the property beforehand and come to the meeting prepared to discuss local planning regulations, planning history and design options. Once we are instructed, we do a site meeting to learn a bit more about the clients and refine the brief. We will develop different concept ideas and present them using 2D drawings, precedent images and 3D sketches. We also use Virtual Reality videos, so the clients can see their renovated and extended or new house before they decide on the final design. Finally, we will submit the planning application and liaise with the planners until the decision. We then prepare the Building Regulation drawings, help with the tender and do contract administration. We prefer to take each project from start to finish.
What is the future of architecture? Our team is very passionate about green home architecture. Sustainable design underpins all of our new build and home improvement projects. Designing green homes is not just about reducing carbon emissions and installing clever technologies. Sustainable buildings provide a high level of occupant comfort while using very little energy for heating and cooling. They are built with meticulous attention to detail and rigorous design and construction. It all starts at the very early stages of designing and involves fundamental architectural principles such as orientation, ventilation and deep knowledge of sustainable materials. It is the future of Architecture.
What aspect of your work gives you the greatest satisfaction? I like the idea of improving people’s life, but if I could narrow it down into one moment it is the moment I see the clients faces when they see the final design. When I can see in their eyes and smiles that I have encapsulated in my design what they were dreaming of and hopefully a bit more.
