interview: Studio 29

EXPERT INTERVIEW

Interview with architect & Interior designers Studio 29

Margherita Thumiger and Louise Glynn, the partners of Studio 29 Architects are passionate about refurbishing and reinventing homes, from the big picture to the smallest detail.

Tell us a little of the background of your Architects practice? Unlike some architectural practices Studio 29 Architects believe that architecture and interior design are intrinsically linked. It was important to us to implement both to achieve a ‘home’ for our clients, it comes from our background of studying in Italy and Barcelona where design is seen as an integral part of life. We have been working in this field for a combined 25 years, working on refurbishments of large apartments and town houses in London, Sussex, Norfolk, and Europe. Our aim for any project is to inject life and vitality back into a building, while respecting and in many cases restoring the original character.

What would you say are the key strengths of your practice? A personalised service is key at Studio 29 Architects, listening and understanding the clients’ initial ideas to distil a strong brief, visiting showrooms with clients to choose finishes and materials in person or supplying samples and atmospheric mood-boards. This collaboration is what brings the clients’ ideas to life for houses that are truly personal and elegant without losing comfort and practicality. We develop a unique design for every house to suit the client lifestyle; there is no formula applied.

What are the most popular requests from residential clients? Projects can be as varied as extending the space to suit a growing family or vice versa re-organising it for a couple whose children have flown the nest to make full use of their space. The possibility of opening-up the space, adding storage (a must in any city home), simplifying awkward layouts, and allowing more natural light into the property are our most popular requests.

Is there a project you are most proud of? Projects we are especially proud of have been the result of a great relationship with clients, who have welcomed our ideas and have enjoyed trying unconventional ways and materials to meet their brief. Once they move into their home they understand that design process has not just changed their surroundings but also the way of life. One project, a large townhouse we completely renovated in West London was a proud moment. We encouraged the clients to utilise all the space they had and not leave rooms for ‘rare occasions’. The owners, whose children had left home, had an interest in all things art and books and the sitting rooms were designed to incorporate these interests, one leading to a library and office and another to a lush verdant garden. At the lower level there is an open plan entertaining space designed to be subtly divided with a floating kitchen unit and the dining area with a circular fabric screen. In the roof space a citrus yellow floored studio was created with matching bespoke joinery to give a glow on grey days and which also benefits from panoramic views over West London. The completed project became itself a piece of art and was featured on the front cover of House and Garden, in an article titled ‘Five Exceptional Houses’. And covered in an article in The Telegraph interiors section. We also subsequently won the Gardenista award for Best UK Landscape for the property’s rear garden layout and planting.

What words of encouragement would you give to a potential client who is considering appointing an architect for the first time? We understand the complexities of spatial design and interiors, navigating a project from early design through to the construction stages, choosing from an abundance of products and materials and obtaining all the correct permissions – it can be a daunting process for a client to deal with themselves. We adopt a rational approach to your property, maximising the spaces, natural light and views, integrating a palette of materials and a selection of furnishings to achieve an elegant yet relaxed style, which our client can enjoy every day.

For us designing homes is not just a job, it’s a joy.

www.studio29architects.co.uk