Interview: Unsworth Architects

from Hamptons Relocation & Renovation Guide- Haywards Heath

Council Information

Interview with the experts at Unsworth Architects

Tell us a little of the background of Unsworth Architects? I started Unsworth Architects with the intention of developing a practice that was client focused and collaborative in nature. A practice where the client is central to the design process rather than dictated too. Most of my work prior to Unsworth Architects had been residential in nature, at various scales, from large developments all over the UK, to one off Passiv Haus projects in Norfolk and Cornwall. It was working closely with the clients on the smaller projects, and the joy of doing so, that led me to start Unsworth Architects Ltd.

What types of projects get your team most excited? We find domestic, family homes very rewarding. Our new build projects often incorporate older, historically significant buildings, a particular favourite is Stillwater Farm. Stillwater Farm is a ‘Paragraph 79’ home which incorporates the remains of a 15th Century barn. The couple that own the barn have invested a phenomenal amount of time and effort into an extensive landscape regeneration program. It’s a joy to visit and really fulfilling to see the transformation of the site. We also relish the entirely different challenges of a Listed or period property. One of our current projects is a Georgian mansion for clients who live overseas. Every fortnight we send them video updates of the transformation as the work evolves on site. Whilst helpful for the client to see the progress we are making on site, in the long term they will have a video diary of the restoration to look back on, as will we. Finally, one of the more exciting technical developments of late is the ability to carry out a coloured 3D scan of a property. We have a close partnership with a national surveying company who can 3D, colour scan a property with incredible accuracy. This is particularly helpful for our work with period properties, which are not particularly well known for their straight walls and level floors!!

Which aspect of your job gives you the most satisfaction? For me, it is the early stages of the project where you are getting to know one another (my clients and I), testing ideas and working towards the final detailed package of information. I love that journey of discovery and design development with my clients. A very close second is watching the final stages of a build come together. I’m a very hands-on-Architect and I’d happily be on site everyday with my tools if I could. I love to see the little finer details go from a sketch to the real thing, then returning a few months after the job is done to see the project lived in; it’s great to see.

What words of encouragement would you give a potential client who is hesitating to make that initial phone call? Just call and have a chat, that is what we are here for. I for one am always happy to have a call and help where I can. It doesn’t matter if you have a two bed semi or a eight bedroom Georgian Farmhouse, Architecture is for us all. And while each Architect will have his or her own approach to design, we all want to help our clients get the best out of their projects. That first call may offer a client some comfort that what they want to achieve is possible; and if not, how best to get close to their achieving aspirations.

What’s your favourite thing about living and working in Mid Sussex? Mid Sussex offers so much. The countryside is incredibly beautiful. We are right on the edge of the South Downs and yet, within 30 minutes we can be in central London or on Brighton Beach, what is not to like? From an Architectural point of view there are some incredibly beautiful homes of every style and period you could think of. You only need to walk down Lindfield High Street, or Brighton Seafront to appreciate the breadth of Architecture in the area.