Michael Trentham Architects

Michael and his team at MTA have worked with us on a few projects to date and have become our chosen architect in south London. As an active property company we expect great design delivered successfully in an agreed time frame. MTA have delivered on all these fronts. Our latest project is on the site of the old Dulwich postal delivery office where we will be providing an exciting mix of houses and flats behind a retained heritage Victorian facade and we look forward to working with MTA on this and future projects. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

We used MTA Architecture & Design to design out house in the south of France. They listened carefully to our brief and came up with an amazing design that fitted out budget and aspirations! We would strongly recommend them as a company and were particularly impressed with how this listened to our ideas and incorporated them into a unique contemporary family home.

Thank you! More...

Reviewed on Houzz

I chose MTA Architecture & Design after meeting Michael during his introductory visit to our home. He took detailed notes of everything on my "wish" list. I wanted an architect who was local, approachable, professional, and who could provide excellent architectural insight and instruction within our budget and on time. A tall ask, but Michael and his small team fulfilled the brief soundly. Michael also project managed our renovation. At each stage of the project, his communication was timely, transparent and clear. Weekly meetings on site facilitated open communication between him, myself and our contractor, ensuring that our project was completed on time, to the contracted day, and within our budget. We love our "new home". I have already recommended MTA to our friends, who were impressed with the stylish, yet practical transformation of our home. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

I worked with MTA from 2015 to 2017. Michael and his team are knowledgeable, passionate and dedicated to their craft and always produce work to the highest possible standard.

Michael has built strong relationships with various local councils, and this, along with an extensive knowledge of the planning system and a commitment to design excellence, results in an excellent track record with obtaining planning permission.

The team’s commitment to detail and design is second to none, and Michael will go the extra mile to ensure that each aspect of the project is thoroughly thought out and built accordingly.

Michael and his team are friendly, approachable and reliable, and I would highly recommend them. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

Provided a professional service, giving effective advice throughout the design and planning stages. During the construction works ensured the plans were being adhered to and kept on time - which were essential key factors in my project and very grateful for this.

Areas of Improvement; when providing quotes to clients it would be useful to get a better understanding of the extras (mine came to £1140 in postage, telephone calls and printing costs) - I would suggest including these in the quotes and if extra copies are requested then adding these on as necessary. In addition, the advice provided regarding gaining 'Party Wall Agreements' could have been a bit more timely to avoid causing this to be a last minute rush.

Overall very good and I would recommend to anyone. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

Working with the MTA team meant this project ran very smoothly. They gave us an excellent design, getting planning permission was problem free and their project management was also very good. We had no major problems during the design or build process and details were sorted quickly. Budget control was excellent. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

We briefed MTA to transform our cramped, dark London terraced house into a light, modern space. MTA developed the design, managed planning permissions, managed the tender, helped us choose the contractor, then managed the contractor. They did an excellent job listening carefully to our needs to come up with a layout design that really works, clever features that create a sense of space and a lot of light. They kept us informed every step of the way and recommended a brilliant contractor to handle the entire build. The job came in on time (3 months planning & 5 months actual build) and on budget, and everybody's still friends. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

I hired Michael Trentham Architects about ten years ago because I had seen and admired their work, especially on civic projects.

The brief was to convert a shabby, cluttered first floor flat in Pimlico into a modern looking bright apartment. The succeeded brilliantly in this project, bringing a contemporary but also eclectic dynamic to the spaces, installing a bathroom and conservatory at the rear of the building and creating a succession of airy, luminous living rooms. The attention to detail was exemplary and all the technical accessories have lasted well until this day.

It has proved a sympathetic environment which I enjoy living in and working from. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

Design and getting all permissions for an extension on one bedroom with ensuite bathroom and also refurbishment of the entire flat. Preparing a tender document for the entire job. Identifying contractors, negotiating with them and finalizing the job. There after overseeing and monitoring the project until completion. Providing the required support for all clearances as well as dealing with the bank appointed project monitor.
The schedule was maintained unless for items beyond our control. MTA was always available if required. Regular meetings and planning ensured proper completion. MTA was fully competent to execute this project in all respects. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

Michael Trentham and his team have given me first class service for the design of my plans and there help to get them threw planing and his dealings with the planing officers they were always there to help me with any advice i needed many thanks Ian Babb

Reviewed on Houzz

I hired MTA to provide their services to obtain planning permission for me in a conservation area. They were transparent with their fees and scope of service. I was impressed with their service as they delivered results in the time frame discussed and we obtained planning permission without incurring any additional delays or costs. I found Michael to be professional and friendly. I would definately use their services again and would recommend to others. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

Michael and his team were easy to work with and helpful with planning applications and
similar. We chose them after seeing similar buildings that they had worked on within the area.

Reviewed on Houzz

The team at Michael Trentham Architects are a pleasure to work with. Their output covers a wide range of commercial and residential projects and they always create engaging, thoughtful design schemes. They are a highly capable team who meet their varied client’s requirements in a considered, responsive manner. It is fantastic that they are always open to the use of new products and surface materials, which they specify and use in an assured way. We would recommend working with MTA for any project requiring an architect. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

As a structural engineer working on architecture led projects there are a number of things that make the project an enjoyable process for all, including the client and the contractor. These are:
An understanding of how buildings are put together and, using that understanding, proposing exciting and elegant solutions that work with the structure.
Clear concise information from the start.
A clear direction from the start with minimal deviation from the design intent post planning.
Listening and being open to other solutions were there could be a cost or programme benefit.
MTA do all of the above and it has been a pleasure to work with them on many projects over the last 15 years More...

Reviewed on Houzz

We worked with MTA on a residential project in Wandsworth. The flooring has been fitted to a high standard and everything ran smoothly. I look forward to working with them again in the future.
Henry Hudson More...

Reviewed on Houzz

MTA are a very detail orientated Architecture practice that specializes in the small to medium residential market, in particular house extensions and alterations. Lead by Michael Trentham, they have a superb knowledge of residential building construction, an high awareness of practicality/buildability of details and costs, whilst creating sleek and modern spaces for people to live and work in. As well as design MTA also project manage many of the projects on behalf of the clients, from first planning application to handover of the keys.
On top of everything, they are very nice people to work with. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

To whom it may concerm

We commissioned "Michael Trentham Architects" to undertake substantial remodelling and extension works to our home at 57 Lanercost Road, London, SW2 3DR . ..an existing Victorian building which was urgently in need of a major works.

Working swiftly and creatively the practice forwarded a number of options which we narrowed down over the course of several meetings to achieve a design which was both ambitious,attractive and practical.

Over the course of the next year the works were undertaken and Michael Trentham monitored their progress closely ensuring a beatifully crafted finished product, with great attention to detail throughout.

Months later we completed a hugely successful remodeling and reconfiguration of the existing building ,also adding the ambitious kitchen dining extension area with its cantelivered engineered elements.

We were extremely pleased with the results and have received numerous compliments from friends and family who have enjoyed the space as much us.

We moved from the property a little while ago and both estate agents and prospective buyers were hugely impressed by the work undertaken resulting in an effortless sale within only one week

The whole process from initial consultation to final completion was both rewarding and enjoyable and I would thoroughly and unreservedly recommend the services of this practice to anyone considering similar works. They delivered a great service ,across the board and at a very reasonable cost.

Kind regards

Simon and Barbara Ann Dunning More...

Reviewed on Houzz

I hired MTA as architect for a substantial family home renovation project requiring a ground floor and first floor extension plus material internal remodelling of the living space in an old property that had been pretty unloved by the previous owners. MTA provided a realistic assessment of the project costs, achieved planning permission on the first application in a conservation area and put together a comprehensive tender package that could be sent to a range of building firms. They also put forward a really nice design for the staircase which should provide some 'wow' factor to the interior. I have asked MTA to project manage the build and am confident they will continue to deliver a good diligent service and I am happy to recommend them. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

As a contractor it has been a great pleasure to work with MTA Architecture and Design team on projects. They are well organised. Documentation, building plans and schedule of work were very accurate and detailed which helped to run project smoothly. Our weekly meetings were very productive. MTA Architecture and Design is very good link between client and contractor. Our project could be more difficult if MTA Architecture and Design wouldn’t give us a professional knowledge. We could not do without them.

JP Project Management Ltd. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

IQ Glass has worked with MTA on numerous projects over the past few years, including The Crown and Grove Park, providing our architectural glazing services to their innovative and modern architectural designs.
We have always found the team at MTA a pleasure to work with throughout the design process and their care and attention to detail helps create some great contemporary architectural designs.
We look forward to continue working with them in the future. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

I have been working along with MTA on various projects for the last 6 years.
Great architects with experience and knowledge of different types of projects and contract types.
Clear specifications and architectural drawings provide exact information to get you thru project stages to final completion.
I would not hesitate to recommend MTA Architecture & Design.

Lukasz Muszynski
Site Manager
MONO LTD More...

Reviewed on Houzz

Having seen the work they had done on another house on our road we were very keen to have MTA work on our extension .They were excellent in turning our ideas into a workable plan which has given us a fabulous new living space.
We would happily use these architects again for future projects. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

MTA came up with a great design for our renovation. Worked well with the local planners to get the project approved. Good supervision of the builders. Costings were pretty accurate. Easy to get on with, good communicator and an efficient office. We have been delighted with the finished project. Would certainly use him again if we were to do another reno. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

I have used MTA for several design and build projects and they were excellent from start to finish. They are not a large practice so it is a very personal service & nothing is too much for Michael, Ahmed and the team.
I would recommend them from a simple loft conversion or kitchen extension to a complete renovation project and they are very competent with liaising with the planners and managing the construction project.
They are also very fair with their fees structure and their work represents great value for money having tried out a few other inferior practices?architects before. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

We selected MTA Architects for our house renovation and extension project after talking to a number of practices that were interested, as Michael Trentham’s energy and ability stood out. He produced three alternative schemes, all of which were imaginative, attractive and feasible, and he was skilful in negotiating with the planners over the scheme we selected. We greatly benefited from his good judgment on matters of design throughout the project. He supervised the execution of the project efficiently, despite some difficulties with the contractors. We are very pleased with the end result, which is stylish and practical. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

I bought a Grade II listed Georgian house in London and was looking for a local architect who could help me to prepare the planning applications for the refurbishment works. I came across Michael Trentham Architects because they had previously designed a spectacular modern basement extension for my house which blends extremely well with the original building. For this project, they also intervened in securing the planning permission and supervising the building works.
Among other refurbishment works, I was looking to install double glazed windows, which was quite an ambitious task in listed building and unprecedented in our borough. With the unremitting aid of Michael Trentham Architects, our planning application for slim double glazing succeeded in appeal.
Their professionalism in gaining this planning permission in challenging circumstances was utterly exemplary. Working with them was easy. They were motivated from the very beginning. The planning applications were submitted swiftly, they responded quickly to emails, paid attention to every remark, provided excellent advice and explained every of their proposals. They were confident, efficient, rigorous, and knowledgeable with local council policies.
I cannot thank Michael and Helen enough for the great work they have done and all the patience they have shown. It was a pleasure of working with them. I would undoubtedly use them again in the future and definitely recommend them to my friends and neighbours.

Gita B. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

I cannot sing the praises of Mtarch enough. We used Mike and the team to design and oversee a major renovation of an early Victorian terrace. In addition, Mike negotiated with our (very difficult and uncooperative) local planning office to obtain the necessary consent for us to proceed with our build.

Mike worked closely with us to understand our requirements. He then took our ideas and transformed them into creating a wonderful family home that completely surpassed anything we could have imagined ourselves.

It sounds a cliche, but our build has dramatically changed the way we live, blurring the distinction between inside and outside space and opening up the interior into a spacious, open-plan area which is perfect for our young family to run around in, entertain friends and grow into. Some very clever ideas, including removing the landing ceiling and installing a huge skylight, have significantly increased the amount of natural light inside the house - always a challenge in a terrace - and further enhances the general sense of space.

Mike managed the entire process including finding an appropriate building firm and negotiating the costs with them. Under Mike's management, the build came in on schedule and on budget. We had no surprises and no stress - it really doesn't have to be like they portray on TV!

Everyone who visits, from friends and neighbours down to the Ocado delivery driver, postman and even an ambulanceman, are always gushing when they see inside our house and demand a full tour! Even now, two years since the build, we still can't believe we are lucky enough to live in such a beautiful and environment.

We feel extremely lucky to have found Mike. Not only does he have an incredible eye for design, but he also has all the management and negotiation skills that are necessary for the entire end to end delivery of a build project. More...

Reviewed on Houzz

Great architect to work with. Michael combines great design with an appreciation of commercial pressures, and is able to work well with the local planning authorities. Has a 100% success rate on achieving planning. More...

Reviewed on Houzz