Sophie Nguyen Architects
W2, London
(1)
W2, London
(1)
Sophie Nguyen Architects is a RIBA Chartered practice based in London.
We are dedicated to designing spaces that are beautiful, spacious and noble, no matter how small or complex they are.
Our aim is to create engaging buildings based on your aspirations, your budget and the site constraints.
Show more
1 customer review
Laurent
We have consulted Sophie in the context of the contemporary renovation of a period country house.
Sophie took the time to understand our constraints, our way of life, and our aspirations for this project.
She captured and highlighted to us the main challenges of light, space, volume and circulation, while being a very pragmatic advisor for materials and technology solutions.
A very special treat was a live collaborative design session where we pushed the boundaries of our project. This allowed us to solve a circulation issue that we previously believed insurmountable, and her professionalism and enthusiasm gave us the confidence to go ahead with an ambitious transformation
More...
What do you love most about your job?
It is exciting and rewarding to create and transform places into fabulous homes where it becomes a pleasure to live in.
What inspired you to start your own business?
I am fascinated by how architecture can influence our wellbeing and radically transform places. This led me to explore these ideas through setting-up my studio.
Why should our clients choose you?
I create unique homes through listening to the client and exploring various spatial combinations to reveal new spaces. I also have an extensive knowledge of the construction details and always offer to be on site during the construction stage as it is part of bringing these ideas to life.
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
We can provide our services remotely, with Zoom, FaceTime, or just a phone call.
What changes have you made to keep your customers safe from Covid-19?
We discuss with our clients remotely, with Zoom, FaceTime, or just a phone call. We can share ideas, sketches and drawings by inviting our clients to a Zoom meeting, where we will be able to draw as we discuss.
Concept Design: ‘From your Aspirations to an Architectural Idea’
• I will meet you and through discussion, we will identify more clearly your requirements and aspirations for the space, and the key project outcomes. Is it feasible within your budget? Will the planning policies allow such project? Who else may be needed?
• Following this, I will generate a concept design for the space using the brief and submit plans and typical sections. These drawings will provide the basis for the Quantity Surveyor to prepare a Preliminary Cost Plan.
Developed Design: 'Refining the Architectural Idea’
• I will develop the concept design to include greater detail and to include any structural or building services systems. This will be the opportunity for us to discuss and define the finishes which will be marked up on the plans.
• I will submit plans and sections at 1:50 scale, and details at larger scales as necessary. This will provide the basis for an updated cost plan by the Quantity Surveyor.
• I will also submit a application for Planning Approval, should this be required.
Technical Design: ‘Ideas transformed into a Pre-Construction pack’
• During this stage, we will prepare the technical drawings which will incorporate specification information where necessary – lighting type and layout, electrical fittings, paint colour, etc.
• We will liaise with the Quantity Surveyor who will provide a specification.
• This information or ‘Tender documentation’ will provide sufficient information to approach builders for a competitive tendering.
• We will obtain from the builders, a contractual price for the project.
• Once the contractors have returned their proposals, a comparison can be made.
• This stage will be done in conjunction with the Quantity Surveyor.
Construction & Handover: 'Ideas brought to life’
During this stage, we can act as the contract administrator to manage the building contract on your behalf.
• We will monitor the works for design intent during the
construction
• we will monitor the works against an agreed programme, and will liaise with the Quantity Surveyor
to advise on payments for the work carried-out
• We will make final inspections of the design intent and arrange for correction.
