Interview:Malone Architecture

Interview with Architect Keith Malone

Keith, can you tell us a little bit about Malone Architecture? I established Malone Architecture, an award–winning RIBA Chartered Practice, located in West Wimbledon, in 2009 when people started approaching me directly to design their homes. We have over a decade of experience specialising in high quality residential architecture and now offer a full architectural service. Our projects range from large new-build houses to smaller domestic projects involving extensions, remodelling, renovations and sustainable upgrades of existing buildings. We have a passion for problem solving, unlocking design opportunities and delivering projects on time and on budget. As a highly creative and approachable team, we love to turn our client’s architectural dreams into reality by helping them to create and build the perfect environment for now and the future.

What influences your passion or architectural design? I have been passionate about drawing for as long as I can remember and have a diverse range of architectural influences, from Le Corbusier and Bauhaus to Art Nouveau and more traditional Arts and Crafts architecture. When I started at the Mackintosh School of Architecture, a particular influence was our visiting professor Eric Miralles. I love the rigour and analytical processes that he brought to his wonderfully inventive architecture - the spaces in and around his buildings and journeys through them are wonderful. Germany’s Bauhaus School of Art had a concept of a ‘total’ work of art which has influenced the diverse sources which shape our work and even inspired our ‘MA’ logo and website design: www.malonearchitecture.com

What are the most popular requests from family clients nowadays? We have noticed a marked change in the list of priorities that have been requested over the past 12 months. Top of most clients’ wish list is a multi-functional kitchen space to accommodate open plan dining/living/home working/schooling. Another popular request is a desire to incorporate sustainabililty considerations. Many people have researched alternative heating systems and methods by which they can reduce their carbon footprint and impact upon the environment. In response, we recently published A Guide to Creating Sustainable, Eco-Friendly, Energy Saving Projects and created a sustainability checklist on our website for potential clients to download. www.malonearchitecture.com/news_updates/sustainable-building/

What would you say makes you stand out as an Architect? There are many facets to architecture and architects, from the initial briefing process, identifying opportunities and problem solving. We always include our clients in the design process and offer a personal service, guiding our clients every step of the way. Every house we have designed has been bespoke, because every client, site and project is different. From making complex planning applications, detailing buildings for tender and construction purposes through to administering a contract on site with a builder - we do it all! Quality, creativity, and effective project management are the three key elements we provide to ensure the best service for our clients. We are passionate about connecting with our clients to help them reimagine their space. We also lead the design team, engaging the right expert at the right time for the project. We take pride in our hands-on approach, seeing most projects through from start to finish to ensure that when the keys are handed over, our clients are 100% happy with the quality.

Is there a recent project that Malone Architecture is particularly proud of? What we are most proud of is our growing list of happy clients. Not every project can be architecturally photogenic but we believe every project we work on should transform the lives of it’s occupants. For example, when we work on projects to upgrade old properties to modern standards, the changes on the surface may well be minimal, intentionally so, especially if we are working in a conservation area or on a listed building.

Tel: 020 8793 5135/ www.malonearchitecture.com/contact/