Mark Muir Architect

Beautiful bespoke new homes created alongside the client. Exceptional eco credentials, designed by an award winning architect who listens to the needs and passions of the client from day one. Regardless of size, scale or budget our approach to all residential projects is to primarily understand the client’s vision and then work very hard to explore options to find a living that exceeds expectations yet remain practical. All our projects start with a Needs and Options Review ( Your Blueprint To Success) which objectively challenges all those pre conceptions (design, programme, budget), without the risk of being offensive, with the sole aim of agreeing a way forward and forming a mental route map of how to deliver the overall vision. Sound sustainable practice should not be a bolt on or gimmick. We employ nature based solutions both to inform and provide cost-effective, multi-purpose and flexible alternatives. Working with nature, rather than against it, can further pave the way towards a more resource efficient, competitive and greener solution. Whether this is creating or restoring green spaces within an urban context, reducing waste or efficient use of energy we integrate the most appropriate solution as an intrinsic part of our residential design process. We always endeavour to use, or reuse, natural materials to create a design integrity that is simple, personally relevant, robust and understandable. We understand the complexities of the planning system and have an enviable record of achieving consents within challenging situations. Our experience ranges from contemporary one-off houses, or small developments, in sensitive locations (city centres, para 55, Conservation Areas, AONB’s and Green belt) to urban mixed used or multiple units for developers.

Can buildings make a difference to preschool children’s lives? It seems an obvious question: of course buildings affect the way we all live. Indeed, there’s not just theoretical evidence that pre-school children with access to intriguing, interesting environments do a great deal better than those stuck in ill-adapted old buildings that are cold and unwelcoming and their carers are happier too……..there’s very real environments where it actually happens now!! Since its foundation Mark Muir Architect has had the enviable experience of ‘top table’ involvement in the Building Schools For the Future programme which included both new build and remodelled Special Needs, Early Learning, Primary, Secondary and Post 16 facilities..…as well as considerable involvement in the Independent sector. In such a collaborative environment we have been able to inspire and enthuse by exploring the absolute power of design and how it could make a positive contribution to the everyday lives of both learners and teachers alike. Rich in content, bright, engaging and relevant our work has fully utilised child-centric concepts such as ‘Learning through Play’ or using design as a significant behavioural tool. Children’s needs should always be at the heart of the design so it follows to think long term and sustainably and offer a package of integrated family services under one roof or via one entry point. Indeed our trans disciplinary approach has been recognised when, amongst others, The Nightingale Nursery in Hackney won the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Special Award for Innovation and Excellence and our founder was invited to be an exemplar designer for the government’s Neighbourhood Nurseries Initiative.

As holidays have evolved into self-catered affairs and operators seek to increase occupancy rates, following the global recession, there has been an opposite rising demand among discerning travellers for truly authentic experiences. The right accommodation is now seen as a step on the journey to discovering distinct regional values. It continues to dominate booking concerns and can be divided into four groups – Luxury hotels, resorts, holiday ownership and privately owned villas – all offering exclusive retreats. We have been fortunate to be at the forefront of this move and believe that architecture should lead the CURRENT THINKING for change away from the well oiled black boxes, or themed activity centres, by blending and structuring those human needs together with sensibility and control. The relaxation process for guests, community and visitors alike, not only for accommodation but spas and attractions as well, starts upon arrival and only finishes when the positive memory fades. We also share the belief that all Leisure facilities should be a starting point or a stop, a logistic place for Community, Visitors and Guests to co-exist. The fascination of a LANDSCAPE can’t be summarised in a single component. Instead, it is a mixture of architectural, historical, culinary excellences that reflect its distinct contextual values. The travellers accommodation is a step on the journey to discover the region. A journey which may encompasses castles, cities, folklore, natural reserves and cultural cuisine. All our projects present their own challenges as they often have to be planned around an incredibly rich environment (natural or heritage). Each give out unique clues to how a series of unique ‘discoveries’ can be connected thus providing an inherent WAYFINDING system. All new structures should (re) use local MATERIALS which sit effortlessly within context and combine with tactile surfaces and sensory zones to define visitor routes. Textures (vertical and horizontal) should combine with sensory change (planting the nature trails and wildlife habitats) to further enhance zonal functions Social, economic as well as environmental SUSTAINABILITY play a key part in the consciousness of the traveller too. A resort must therefore be capable of running twelve months a year and be operated by a balance of wider Community need, short term Visitors and Guests all supporting each other and fuelled by clean renewable power. One solution to this 21st century issue is to think smarter regarding areas with majestic or fragile ecosystems – protecting their intrinsic beauty by transforming them into tourism facilities beyond compare and to make their conservation permanent. Consider the added educational value of integrated biodiversity, early years development, employment opportunities……even drawing inspiration by developing new, exciting responses for housing that relate directly to contemporary lifestyle!

Contemporary and sustainable urban mixed use including restaurants, shops, hotels, spas, soft play, office + serviced accommodation

With more and more people wishing to
develop their ideal home outside the
confined of cities or towns we are increasingly
asked what the optimum route to a successful
Barn conversion would be - especially under
the government notion called ‘Permitted
Development’ or Class Q .....as well as bringing life to beautiful heritage assets as well as maximising a much under valued rural structure.