What does your business do?
We are chartered architects. We design and manage the construction of buildings and their interiors. Most of our projects are undertaken for private clients to create their dream homes.
We also work on other buildings such as schools; we recently completed the extension at John Betts Primary School.
We can be involved as much as the client requires. Our service can run right from the appraisal of a property’s potential and developing the brief to returning after the project has been completed after 6 months to make sure everything is still okay.
Our service includes undertaking the design, submitting the planning application, producing construction drawings, writing specifications and pricing documents and undertaking contract administration on site. Alternatively we can only go as far as submitting the planning application if you wish.
What is your Unique Selling Point?
Recently a potential client told us that they came to us because all our projects were different and this showed we listen to our clients. This is very much at the heart of our service. We respond to the individual client’s lifestyle, budget and site context. We don’t have an in-house style that we impose regardless of what the client asks for. We prefer to respond with vibrant genuinely bespoke solutions.
And after 22 years of running our practice at 159 Askew Road, we’ve built up an unrivalled local knowledge.. Ross, Warren and Matt have each been in the office for between 10-15 years, and have a real passion for the local area. Tom Ryland, one of the founding partners, although now retired, is still a director and regular consultant.
What motivated you to do what you do?
We are very lucky that our work is so varied, from producing initial design sketches one day, to standing on a building site in the dirt and mud the next. However, our greatest motivation is that moment when the client sees their home transformed.
Who is your ideal customer/client?
Our ideal client would come to us with a brief that presented us with a set of demanding problems to solve, rather than a solution to draw. We relish the challenge of finding the solution, and our clients make the most of our skills in this way.
You might imagine that our ideal client would have a huge budget to spend, (and of course that’s great!) but some of our most satisfying projects have been all about achieving an elegant solution within a small budget.
What gives your business the edge over your competitors?
Our business is built upon our local knowledge and the time and care we devote to projects. Each project will be undertaken by a director who is a qualified architect with years of experience of practising locally. We are rigorous in our approach and we will never just present the first option that comes to mind; we will seek out the best solution for each client.
This approach is appreciated by our clients. We had thought that most people would only do their dream project once, but we are always pleased by the fact so many clients come back and undertake 2 or even 3 projects with us. Either to make additions to their home as their families grow, or to new houses when they outgrow their property, downsize, or as their circumstances change.
Do you have a particular service or product you’d like to flag up here?
We are one of the founding members of West London Link Design. This is a group of local architects’ practices that are involved in consulting with the local community regarding the future of Hammersmith. So far this has included the ‘Flyunder’ proposal, but we are currently looking at the regeneration of King Street. You can find out further information at www.westlondonlink.com, or follow us on Twitter @westlondonlink for details of community events we are arranging.
How do people get in touch with you?
People can contact us either by telephone, e-mail, or they will find a selection of our projects and some more about us on our website www.cparchitects.com. We also regularly tweet news and projects @architectsW12.
People are always welcome to pop in and we will either sit down with a cup of tea, or arrange a time to visit their property and discuss what they want to achieve. We also attend the ABN evening events and lunches if people want a quick informal chat. Our initial meeting is always free of charge, so there’s nothing to lose.
What is your biggest challenge in the current climate?
Our greatest challenge is communicating the difference between the professional service that we offer and the services being offered by either unqualified architectural consultants or design and build companies that appear to give away the design part. Their services, although cheaper simply do not offer the same protection or level of service that we provide and strongly believe people need.
If you choose an ARB registered architect, you know the person is qualified and carries professional indemnity insurance. If you choose a RIBA Chartered Practice then you also know that they have signed up to implementing QA procedures including guaranteeing any students they employ are paid a fair salary and have proper terms of employment.
Has being a member of ABN helped your business?
The ABN has been the catalyst to extending the sense of community from the Askew Road itself, to the businesses and residents who live and work in the surrounding area. We have met a lot of wonderful new contacts and built friendships and alliances with other local businesses whom we wouldn’t otherwise have been aware of.
What do you like about the Askew Road?
Whatever it is we have been here for 22 years! We’ve seen many changes over our years here and right now we love the fact the road has its own character, with lots of independent businesses run by people whose names you know and who say hello as you pass in the street. We also love the community atmosphere and community spirit generated by events such as Edible Askew and May Madness.
What do you think Askew Road will be like in 5 years time?
We hope the Askew Road will retain its character and it’s characters whilst continuing to flourish.
How easy is it to shop locally in Askew Road?
Really easy! Everything we need is on our doorstep now. There’s also a great range of independent shops developing on the Askew Road - selling everything from food to furniture, and vintage wine to vintage clothing.
What are your favourite shops and businesses in Askew Road?
We love the tremendous range of places to eat lunch on the Askew Road. From a fry-up or Tunisian meal in Adam’s Café, to a giant sandwich and some friendly banter in Bridge that Gap, a Green Curry in Som Tam, or an espresso in Café Louche and everything from sushi to fish and chips in between. Not all on the same day though.
What shops and businesses do you think Askew Road lacks?
We would like to see a bookshop and an independent greengrocer or perhaps a bicycle shop too.
Chartered Practice Architects Ltd
159 Askew Road, W12
Tel: 020 8743 9535
www.cparchitects.com
email: info@cparchitects.com
Twitter: @architectsW12