Interview: Dominic McKenzie

Dominic McKenzie Architect Q&A

Tell us a little about the background of your architectural practice. Dominic McKenzie Architects was set up in 2011. I was previously a director of another architectural firm where, amongst others, I was project architect of the Accordia housing project in Cambridge which won the 2008 Stirling Prize - the UK’s highest prize for Architecture. I was keen to set up my own firm so went it alone at that point.

What is your customer process from receiving that first enquiry? People either phone the office or send an email to get in contact. It’s always helpful if people include photos and estate agent plans of the house if they have such things. If we are able to take the project on (sometimes projects can be too small, or not suitable for other reasons), I’ll arrange to meet the customer at the property. After that we send a fee proposal and if that is acceptable we can start the design process.

Is there a type of commission that gets your office particularly excited? A new-build house in London is always exciting. But such commissions are quite unusual as there are so few potential sites around. So typically our work involves extending and refurbishing existing (normally Victorian) properties. Our work is always high-quality, design-led, contemporary and creative, whilst being respectful of the historical architectural setting. What gets us excited is if there’s an opportunity to do something creative and beautiful within those constraints – which there normally is!

What words of encouragement would you give to a potential client who is using an architect for the first time? Definitely do it. The architect will see opportunities for your property and know how to go about realising them – through planning, listed building applications and then construction. Hopefully they will create something way beyond what you had expected. But if you use an architect – use a good one! Not all architects are the same. You need an architect with a track record of working creatively within the constraints of the local area. We know Islington’s houses, streets, Conservation Areas and planning department.

What’s your favourite thing about working in the Islington area? I have lived in Islington for twenty years - I know it very well. My kids also go to school here and the architectural practice is based here. My daily commute is a triangle of 10 minutes walk from home, to school, to the office and back home again. On the way I bump into people I know, see some beautiful buildings and places and some interesting shops. It’s like living in a fantastic urban village – there are very few parts of London that are as nice as Islington. www.dominicmckenzie.co.uk TEL: 020 3327 4780 office@dominicmckenzie.co.uk.

Award-Winning Architecture in Islington