Testimonials:
When you start a project the cost is more often what comes in the way.Right from the beginning of the project CBA came up with different options which enabled us to clearly decide what was important and what was secondary. CBA took care of everything from end to end, this includes producing a very detailed request for proposal which was sent to builders they advised as well as some that we sourced.They directed the project and provided us with valuable inputs. This includes the master piece in our kitchen: an in-wall mounted case bench We had regular updates on the ongoing work to unable required adjustment. In the end we managed to have a stunning finished product whilst staying within our budget.This in itself is a major achievement.This is just for the technical part of it. On top of that CBA’ s architects are very friendly people to interact with.
_ Estelle Lambert
We had been renting a house designed by CBA for 4 years. When we decided to buy our own house, we approached CBA for designing what would become a heavy refurbishment project. It has been a pleasure and a very fruitful collaboration. We have very much appreciated the way they managed to translate our expectations and their understanding of the quality we were looking for. The follow-up of the activities on site has also been an excellent journey.
_ Arnaud Bekaert
‘Charles Barclay’s vision for our project transformed our house. His attention to detail, rigour and elegant, modernist aesthetic resulted in a living space which is a pleasure to inhabit. In addition, he and his team were easy and fun to work with; he really listens to his clients.’
_ Sue Hall
I commissioned Charles Barclay Architects to build me a new house, which was completed in the year 2012. They had previously totally refurbished a 1960s terraced house for me in Marylebone, London W1 in 2000-2001.
Both of these projects were imaginatively conceived as architecture and wonderfully usable as homes; they have given me enormous pleasure and satisfaction.
The fact that I returned to Charles Barclay Architects to design and oversee the construction of the new house is testimony to their approach as architects and that I find them very easy to work with. I would recommend them without hesitation.
The new build was a challenging site near the coast in Suffolk: a 19 acre field that had been a pig farm on which remained a broken-down 60s/70s house alongside approximately 2 acres of concrete, which had housed pig sties & silos, all leading out into a large area of uncultivated field.
The house was limited in size by costs, but had to be able to accommodate varyingly a couple, or expand to house a large family.
Charles Barclay imaginatively decided to treat this enormous field as a ‘prairie’ and celebrate its expansive nature with a house that truly embraces the site. It is single storey and has three wings extending out in to the field, each framing a different view. The plan form of two conjoined ‘L’ shapes allows me to occupy the house as a private apartment, or open it up for a full family gathering.
The house is an absolute triumph and has won many accolades. More importantly, it was an exciting project to undertake and continues to be a delight to live in.
I have found Charles Barclay Architects a pleasure to work with and adept at interpreting and bringing to fruition my requirements in an imaginative and sympathetic way. We remain good friends!
_ Felicity Guinness
We talked with a number of architects before embarking on our Project but it was only when we met with CBA that we felt we got the creative input and innovative thinking that we were looking for. The curved glass design presented by CBA really appealed to us as it offered something different to most other extension projects we had come across and we felt it struck the right balance between cutting-edge design and functionality.
CBA also added a lot of value at the execution phrase of the project. Whilst we had a hands-on approach, there were certain issues that only came to light due to CBA’s attentive monitoring of the build process, which averted any notable disruptions.
Overall we were very happy with the service from CBA- and needless to say, with the end result- and would recommend them highly for this type of project.
_ Lisa Yau-Alfredson
Throughout the whole process of working with Vittoria Primary School, Charles Barclay Architects were sensitive and responsive to the needs, aspirations and continued smooth running of the school. At the planning stage they worked closely with us, the contractors and the commissioning local authority, to ensure that they understood our ethos and our vision for the future. In doing so they were able to translate those values into the beautiful, light and much modernised building that we have today.
When design changes had to be made due to budget restrictions they were able to come up with viable alternatives without compromising their design values. There was excellent communication between ourselves and CBA. Our governors, premises manager and myself were closely involved in decision making.
Improving our facilities was a major priority for this school – enabling us to interact more effectively with our community and support and develop our children. CBA made manifest our ideal of ‘turning the school inside out’. We now have a large, dedicated art room, a very spacious library, classrooms which suit today’s learning activities, a community building for parent and after school classes in a school which is, quite simply, a lovely place to be in.
_ Sue Hamer _ Headteacher _Vittoria Primary School