Sowing the seeds for a better built environment. Sow Space is an architects' studio that is passionate about creating beautiful and inspiring spaces, with low energy, environmental and ecological impact.
10 customer reviews
Denzil Underwood
I have waited several months since I moved back into my renovated 2 bedroom semi detached bungalow to write my review. I wanted to see if it really was as successful and lovely as I thought once it was completed. One hundred percent! An unattractive 1970s build has been transformed into a stylish and comfortable home. Simon and his team were supportive throughout helped by brilliant building team from Oxon Builders. Yes it went over time and budget due to unforseen problems ....rather as one expects with any building project. It was simply worth it. I won't be doing anything major again but know if I were, I would not hesitate to have Simon helping me throughout again. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Peter Du Feu
We used Sow Space for a substantial rear and loft extension to our 1930’s terraced house. The design process was a real pleasure. Everything was carefully explained. The plans were superb and passed without a hitch. It was the thoughtful detail and cleverness of design which stood out. Our builder was able to follow the scheme perfectly and we have ended up with a wonderful renovation. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Katie Wheater
Sowspace thoroughly investigated our 100 year old house problems (draughty, ice on internal windows & uninsulated loft & leaky floors) and created an excellent, user friendly report, which we have followed through on. We now have a warm home heated fully by renewable energy and can thoroughly recommend their work. Thank you and best wishes. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Natasha Ginks
Sow Space did an excellent job of getting listed building consent for the conversion of a small outbuilding into an office. They drew up detailed construction specifications using wood fibre insulation for the walls and roof and a limecrete floor with underfloor heating. We couldn't have been more impressed with their work and we now have a warm, energy efficient and healthy room to work in. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Ulrich Dobramysl
Simon and his team at Sow Space were excellent and we could not recommend them more! They worked closely with us to come up with the plans for our semi-detached loft conversion and side extension. Sow Space guided us through the planning phase, choosing a builder, they administered the building contract and made sure everything was done according to our wishes and on time! We could not be any happier about their service! More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Fiona C
Simon Chung and Paola Sassi did everything necessary to write and guide my Planning Applications for an air source heat pump, internal wood fibre insulation, and other ecological changes to my home, to a successful conclusion. We attempted to get solar panels accepted too but knew that that was as yet unlikely to be accepted for the 2022 eco-renovation of my mid-terrace 19th century house in an Oxford City Conservation Area.Both Simon and Paola were dedicated, knowledgeable, reliable and extremely conscientious. They are a joy to work with. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Anvita Matilal
SOW space guided us through the planning stage of a major eco retrofit very professionally and carefully. They arranged all of the required paperwork to meet the building regulations. They also helped to narrow down the choice of buiders as well. I can recommend them wholeheartedly. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Anvita Matilal
Simon and Irina took care of all of the details of our eco retrofit. They were knowledgeable and kept us informed of every stage of the process. They explained each choice and helped us to decide what was important. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Usha Waygood
Simon and his team were extremely reliable architects with a very versatile skills set supporting all aspects of our build project, beyond advising us on our plans, but also generating a environmental surveys, covering all party wall matters and legal aspects and submissions for planning etc. Simon has been meticulous in following up with everything. He is extremely reliable and will go out of his way to explain and advise. He made a daunting building project feel manageable and taken care of. Thank you so much to him and his excellent team. We highly recommend them, especially if you are interested in eco building/retrofitting. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Mrs Linda Foster
Architectural Services
Friendly, professional and knowledgeable service. Actually listened to my requirements, were open to suggestions, and honest in explaining that compromises may have to be made. So far I'm impressed with the service I have received. More...
Reply from Sow Space
Thank you Linda for your kind words! We're so glad to hear you've enjoyed your experience so far, and we look forward to completing the remainder of our services.
What do you love most about your job?
We love to work closely with our clients to create beautiful and inspiring spaces that push beyond the ‘business as usual’ approach, embracing the principles of regenerative design – buildings that restore, renew, and revitalise. We love to help our clients every step of the way from defining their brief, all the way to construction, completion, and handover - sharing the journey with them is the most rewarding part.
What inspired you to start your own business?
We recognised the gap in the industry, where architects are failing to design buildings that respond sensitively to the environment. This especially applies to the low energy retrofit of existing buildings, where 80% of the buildings that will be standing in 2050 have already been built. Meanwhile, sub-standard new builds are adding to our future retrofit problem. Our response to this gap became our niche and unique selling proposition.
Why should our clients choose you?
We are one of few architects' practices in Oxfordshire who have this unique selling proposition - delivering well designed, environmentally sensitive buildings, within a full architectural package. We offer our clients services that exceed traditional architect services, including feasibilities, thermal imaging, and post-occupancy evaluation. We are well connected in the area and work with like-minded consultants and contractors.
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
We are happy to provide a hybrid service of both in-person and remote services. We will always need to carry out an initial visit to understand and assess a site / building. However, some meetings can be done virtually, as we recognise this can be more convenient for our clients. We use state of the art BIM modelling for all of our projects, allowing our clients to fully understand our proposals in both 2D drawings and 3D visuals / walk-throughs.
What changes have you made to keep your customers safe from Covid-19?
We avoid any in-person contact if our team members are showing symptoms of Covid or any other infectious illnesses. We can offer services remotely if necessary.
Architecture
Ecological Design
Low Energy Retrofit
Research
Passivhaus / Passive House
Sustainable Building
Energy Efficiency
Growing food on buildings
Housing Design
