Widely used in Ancient Greece the idea of a portico on classical buildings has influenced many design cultures since.

The addition of a portico to this award winning house in Wiltshire adds depth and interest to what could otherwise be a ‘flat’ elevation. The signification of the entrance helps draw the eye visually and practically provides a covered place to stand while the door is opened. Simple, elegant and effective.

The first impression of a home should be one of generosity of space, regardless of the size of the house.

If the entrance hall feels spacious and welcoming, even a small house will feel more comfortable as a result. The entrance space of this country house we restored in Wiltshire feels generous as a result of being able to take statement pieces of furniture and by opening into and adjoining space to make it feel bigger than it is.

We talk about craftsmanship a lot in the studio, but is it really that important?

Yes this doorcase would have looked beautiful a simpler frieze, but the extra visual lift the decorative carving here adds changes this from something beautiful, to something truly special. Entirely carved by hand, this is why we cherish craftsmanship so much.

Every design we produce is tailored to the site it is to be built on. Whilst we often use recognisable forms, the unique layout and detail will be specifically designed to make the most of the opportunities the location gives.

This beautiful country home in the South Downs National Park is designed to take full advantage of its elevated position. The kitchen has been designed with large plate glass windows which allow full enjoyment of the rolling views to the South.

We really appreciate Classical architecture and count ourselves lucky to often work in this style in both our new build and conservation work.

The effortless elegance of this entrance porch could never be mistaken for being of any other style. The cyma recta moulding of the porch canopy is perfectly balanced by the corbel brackets which combine ovolo, cyma recta and cavetto profiles. An understanding of these different components and their language is key to producing architecture worthy of the Classical label.

Elegance doesn’t have to mean grandeur.

We strongly believe that buildings can be elegant without having to be ostentatious. A home which looks relaxed will help the family living in it, feel relaxed. An example of how we employ this idea is this metal lattice porch on the front of a new build Regency style home we designed in Wiltshire. The entrance to this classic three bay form is clear and in keeping, without being overtly grand, making the whole building look more comfortable on the village lane on which it sits.