6 minute read
Interview with Bristol Architects, Cryer & Coe
Cryer & Coe Architects are an award winning, design centred practice established in Bristol in 2018. Each of our projects is unique and evolves from understanding our clients, their brief, the site and future users.
Interview with Matthew Coe partner with leading Bristol Architects Cryer & Coe.
So as a relatively new architectural practice how are you making your mark on the Bristol design scene?
We like to think we’re offering a really personalised design service, with a focus on quality and sustainability. Instead of having a recognisable style, we take a fresh approach to each project, taking into account the client’s personality and requirements, as well as the property and site. Bristol is made up of several distinct ‘neighbourhoods’ each with its own identity; housing stock is diverse and several different industries are based in the city. This means we have been lucky enough to work on lots of different properties with a real variety of clients. As a result, we already have some great examples showing the range of completed work around the city. Our approach is to listen, understand and respond. The relationship with our clients shapes the project we create together. This process allows us to find effective, integrated and bespoke solutions and make their experience enjoyable and straightforward.We can provide feasibility studies - to give you ideas of what you could do with a site or property, right through to full service design including interiors and styling, and everything in between. We have developed a network of local builders, consultants, craftsmen and suppliers meaning we can build a strong and reliable team to deliver your project, making it enjoyable as well as successful.
How would you describe the market for architectural services in Bristol right now?
Demand is high for property in Bristol so whilst it’s not always possible to find that perfect house, in the right location with the right layout, we can help transform it into a home that really works for you and your family regardless of budget. There is a definite trend and growing appreciation for the design of quality spaces using quality materials, also in using simple materials creatively and perhaps unexpectedly. With social media, we all now have much greater access to design ideas and clients often come to us with a collection of inspiring images they would like to see used in their homes. It’s then our job to translate those ideas into reality - using our insight and experience - in a way that works for them and their property.
What advice would you offer a family who are considering making that first call to an architect but are maybe hesitating?
Get started sooner rather than later. Projects take time even if they don’t need planning permission and you can always work up to a certain stage and wait until finances or circumstances change to build it out, or simply add value to your property through a planning consent. Paying a design professional is always more beneficial rather than going to a builder directly, as you will get more considered ideas which will add value to your home. We appreciate that for many people it may be their first development and quite daunting. We offer a no obligation initial meeting during which we explain in detail the process and how we can help you through it. These conversations can also throw up ideas that you may not have considered.We can also help you assess a property you are considering buying; it may look cramped and dark now, but what is the potential? We can help with initial assessments giving feedback on ways to improve, enlarge and give indicative costs. This early input can often bolster the buyer’s confidence and ultimately their offer. We are passionate about creating spaces that not only look good, but more importantly improve how you live, with an emphasis on sustainability, light and quality of space. Having a conversation with us at any stage of your project can really help realise that potential.
Getting projects approved by planners can challenging in any jurisdiction, how can you help?
We know and understand the area well through many years of living and working here; we have strong relationships with local planning departments here in the South West and lots of experience in gaining planning consents on tricky sites. We consider current policy when discussing initial ideas with the client as these can often steer works, particularly if a Listed structure or within a more confined setting such as a Conservation Area. That’s not to say that we don’t on occasion contest any initial concerns by the Local Authority and have recently gained consent for a number of challenging schemes which initially did not have the support of the Planning Case Officer. Permitted Development Rights have also opened up the potential for residential development and again this is something we cover with clients as a part of any discussion regarding external works to a property.
What type of projects really get your team buzzing and excited?
Those projects where the clients are equally excited and engage with the process, seizing the opportunity to change how they could feel about their new home. Some are enthusiastic from the outset whilst others are a little more reserved but soon realise the impact this new space - whether a new build or rearrangement - will have on their lives. We also relish the opportunity of working with older properties; we look to make the most of innovations in sustainability and technology to provide modern and flexible living spaces, whilst also keeping any existing period features or quirks. We have both worked in big practices in London and internationally before setting up Cryer and Coe but we’re really excited by the flexibility and diversity offered by working in our own small practice in the city that we love and call home. As well as our residential projects, we also work in the commercial sector which gives us a really broad outlook on the latest styles and innovations in architecture and design.
12 Gloucester Rd, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8AE
Tel: 0117 363 4033
