Blueprints for better living

Tell us a little about what you do…

I specialise in residential projects, and tackle anything from small kitchens up to one-off new build houses and small developments. I can also provide a turnkey package, helping clients with everything from planning permission and building regulations all the way through to completion. I live in Hertfordshire, but most clients find me by word of mouth, and I’m happy to travel.

Do you like working collaboratively with clients?

Absolutely. I love being face-to-face with clients. It helps if they have an idea of what they want to achieve, and can paint a picture for me; but equally, if they don’t, I can guide them.

What’s your design style?

I love using natural materials and try to make projects as carbon neutral as possible. However, I’m aware these are my clients’ forever homes, so I’m never pushy – I’ll just make recommendations based on my experience and knowledge. Every project is different, because there’s such a huge variety of houses in the UK, from mid-century modern styles to contemporary new builds and traditional Grade II Listed properties, each with constraints and opportunities. I draw inspiration from the building’s architecture, and then try to improve on it.

What’s popular at the moment with local clients?

Homes that make the most of natural light, and open-plan spaces allowing everyone to be together. Larger bedrooms with ensuites – even for children – are becoming more popular, as are high design bathrooms.

Let’s talk budgets – is there a minimum you’ll work with?

There’s no minimum – I enjoy helping anyone who needs my assistance. However, it’s good for clients to have a budget in mind because it helps determine which design direction to take. I have a practical brain and a good handle on current build costs, so I can help clients understand if their budget is healthy enough to achieve what they want. I always have honest conversations right at the beginning so that when build tender quotes come back, there are no huge shocks!

What’s most important when choosing an architect?

Whether you can foresee a relationship with them. You work so closely that you need an architect you can communicate with, who really listens and can actually deliver what you want. It doesn’t matter how beautiful a design is, if you can’t see yourself living there, what’s the point? The same goes with your builder, particularly if you’re living on-site during the work.

What are you proudest of?

My reputation. I love delivering dream homes for clients, particularly in instances where things haven’t worked out with someone else. I enjoy a challenge! For example, a client came to me recently after another architect had designed a project that was far more expensive than necessary, with a £1.5 million estimated build cost. I managed to deliver everything on their brief for a third of that amount, and they were over the moon.

Tell us something surprising about yourself…

I’m a doctor! Not of medicine, but of architecture. I’m American and did a seven-year doctorate there, before meeting my now-husband during an internship in London. I studied for additional UK qualifications while working for a British firm, before finally setting up on my own in 2018. So, you could say I’m more than fully qualified now!

What are the first steps to working with you?

We begin with a meeting, free of charge, to discuss what you want to achieve, your budget, and how much involvement you’d like me to have. I’ll then put together a summary of our discussion, including research into any constraints (for example, if the house is in the Chilterns National Landscape) and a breakdown of stages and fees. Sometimes people are nervous about the process, but if you feel this could improve your life, just go for it and give me a call.

To find out more, visit avtdesignstudio.co.uk