AR Architecture is an international architecture practice based in London, specialising in high-end residential and heritage projects
Founded in 2010, the company focuses on refurbishments of historic buildings in conservation areas, as well as private residences and multi-unit developments in London and beyond
We provide a full architectural service across all RIBA work stages, from feasibility studies and concept design to statutory approvals and project management during construction
In 2019, we expanded with a branch in Portugal, offering local design and consultancy services to international clients
Our awards so far:
Building & Construction Review Magazine - Architectural Services Company of the Year (2021)
UK Property Awards - Best Architecture Single Residence London (2019)
Design & Build Awards by Build Magazine – Most Innovative Residential Concept (2019)
London Construction Awards – Finalist (2015)
UK Property Awards - Best Architecture Single Residence London (2014)
European Property Awards - Best Hotel Architecture Russia (2014)
Green Planet Architects Award (2013)
Our affiliations:
We are an architecture practice that transforms clients and partners into co - authors, delivering timeless, meaningful and sustainable designs in an era of complex challenges
WHAT WE DO
AR Architecture works on a broad range of projects in the residential, commercial and hospitality sectors
The practice has strong expertise in heritage buildings and offers full architectural service throughout all RIBA work stages, from feasibility studies and initial concept to statutory approvals, construction drawings and project management during construction On many projects we provide Principal Designer (Building Regulations) and Interior Design services as well
Our Portuguese branch, together with our local partners, offers turn-key solutions to international clients
Architectural Design:
On most of our projects, we provide full Architectural service throughout all RIBA work stages, from inception to completion
Statutory Consents:
We deal with all statutory approvals and have extensive expertise in listed buildings and projects in conservation areas
Principal Designer Role:
At all stages of the project, we act as the Principal Designer, coordinating design input of the other members of the design team
Construction Stage Services:
Our work does not stop on design – we go on to oversee the project on site to ensure it is completed as intended and to the highest quality (including CA role if required)
Project Management:
We can help the Client prepare and monitor the project programme, assess the risks, report on the progress and assist in mitigation of problems
Consultancy:
We can help assess condition and potential of a property, advise on limitations and help estimate the project’s parameters and development value.
Interior Design:
Offering Architecture and Interiors as one package makes a lot of sense, particularly where the design is an integral part of a minimalist contemporary space
At AR Architecture, we believe in collaboration above all else. We don’t simply design projects; we co create them with our clients. By listening, understanding, and working closely together, we transform ideas into spaces that solve real world challenges. We embrace complexity, but ensure that every solution remains clear, practical, and impactful.
Our focus isn’t on following trends; it’s about crafting something meaningful that will stand the test of time. If you're seeking more than just a design firm—if you're looking for a true partner to bring your vision to life
we’re ready to make that happen together
HOW WE DO IT
AR Architecture is a RIBA Chartered Practice In our work we adhere to the highest professional standards set both by the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Architects’ Registration Board
Every project is as different as our client’s personality and every challenge requires a unique response
We enjoy working within physical, budgetary and cultural limitations, finding that the most interesting creative solutions originate from the most challenging constraints
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is used on most of our projects since 2013
Building Information Modelling:
With Architects and Engineers working on the same 3D parametric model, BIM enables a level of efficiency and design coordination unachievable with traditional 2D drawings
Crucially, BIM gives us a better understanding of how elements of the project work together With BIM we can walk through the internal and external spaces, see relationships between materials, plant and structure Budgets are much easier to prepare and keep on target BIM allows us to detect potential problem areas so that we can produce a competent schedule and specification for each aspect of the project
Despite the wide-spread misconception, we found that BIM can be as (if not more) efficient on the refurbishments as on the new-builds - provided information is put in accurately. The initial investment of time and money at the start would pay back in reduced time and higher reliability at the later stages of the project
We offer BIM-based design services as standard without any increase to our fee
Please bear in mind that in order to fully benefit from the BIM technology, we would need a 3D laser scanning of the building rather than a traditional 2D measured survey
The 3D parametric model enables us to control how elements of the project work together
We can walk through the internal and external spaces, see relationships between materials, plant and structure
ALEXANDER RAKITA (founder & director)
Award-winning international architect with 30 years of professional experience
Сhartered member of RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects), OA (Ordem dos Arquitectos, Portugal) and RIAI (Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland), registered with ARB (UK Architects’ Registration Board)
Studied architecture in Moscow, Paris and Dublin, worked in Russia, Ireland and the Middle East before starting AR Architecture in London in 2010
Hobbies: sailing, scuba-diving, skiing, hiking
Key projects prior to AR Architecture:
Canary Wharf Crossrail Station (London, UK) –Adamson Associates, 2011
King Abdullah Sport City (Saudi Arabia) – Arup Associates, 2010
City of Navan / Co Meath Civic Offices (Navan, Ireland) – MOLA, 2009
Ceannt Station Urban Quarter (Galway, Ireland) – MOLA, 20072009
Everyone wants a space to relax, where they can feel at home and be in harmony with their surroundings
At AR Architecture we delight in helping to create dream properties for private clients and developers alike, and see the success of our residential projects as central to our business
Our creative ethos, progressive approach and genuine love of our work has resulted in a proven track record of happy clients and significant awards
Working in close collaboration with our clients enables us to realise their vision, devising clever solutions to minimise the limitations of budget or planning restrictions
We can assemble a team of reputable professional consultants and lead it to produce the highest-quality finished product
Our previous schemes include:
Contemporary houses
Residential developments
Extensions
Loft/basement conversions
Period refurbishments
Many of the completed projects are in listed buildings or conservation areas We relish the challenge of obtaining consents for these schemes and pride ourselves on producing designs which are sensitive to their historical environment
RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS
THURLOE SQUARE HOUSE
Hi-end comprehensive refurbishment of a Grade II listed building in a conservation area to create an elegant and relaxed London home for a high-net-worth British family
AR Architecture was acting as the Architect and the Interior Designer
Among other sensible improvements to this well-preserved historic building, we considered re-building the existing awkwardly shaped modern rear extension to create a coherent kitchen/dining space visually connected with the garden
KENSINGTON, LONDON, UK
Dates
Status
Size
Budget
Client
Stages
Collaborators
Design 2022, Construction 2022-23
Completed
524 sq.m
Confidential
Private
Concept to Completion
Structures Lab – structure
Heritage Energy and Building Services
Consultancy – MEP
Loyal Design & Built – main contractor
KENSINGTON SQUARE HOUSE
Full refurbishment of a Grade II listed building in Central London.
On this hi-end project for a demanding international client, we acted as the Architect and the Lead Consultant, collaborating with a renowned Interior Designer and coordinating a high-profile multidisciplinary professional team
The building was laser scanned and modelled in Revit to high level of detail
Several successive planning applications were made, and we worked closely with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea to obtain permissions for all aspects of the project
KENSINGTON, LONDON, UK
Dates
Status
Size
Budget
Client
Stages
Collaborators
Design 2018-2019
Construction 2019-2020
Completed
560 sq.m
£3.9m
Private
Concept to Completion
Dmitry Velikovsky Studio – interior design
Metrix Solutions – MEP
Higginson Grey – main contractor
ST JAMES’S PLACE HOUSE
Hi-end refurbishment of a late 17th century Grade II listed building meters away from St James’s Palace, Pall Mall and the Ritz Hotel
AR Architecture acted as the Architect, Interior Designer, Lead Consultant and Contract Administrator
In the course of the project, we had to deal with multiple issues arising from the frail condition of the building The whole structure needed to be reinforced in a sensible way without compromising the historic fabric Listed building consents had to be obtained from Westminster City Council for all alterations
ST JAMES’S, LONDON, UK
Dates
Status
Size
Budget
Client
Stages
Collaborators
Design 2018-2019
Construction 2019-2020
Completed
300 sq.m
£1.8m
Private
Concept to Completion
Concept Consultancy – structure
Stiles & Co – QS
Imperial Elite – main contractor
Luxury infill development to replace a former pub in Central London
This hi-end single family dwelling just round the corner from Harrods boasts a two-level basement, 5 bedrooms, a lift, a spa and a home cinema The main façade, featuring the retained pub front and a traditionally looking mansard, blends into the conservation area; the rear of the building is more contemporary with large sliding glass panels and roof terraces
KNIGHTSBRIDGE, LONDON, UK
Dates
Status
Size
Budget
Client
Stages
Collaborators
Design 2015-2016
Construction 2016-2017
Completed
460 sq.m
£3m
GrandLane Developments
Concept to Completion (Design & Build)
Lawson Robb – interior design
CTP – structure
Hoare Lee – MEP
Lichfields – planning
Leslie Clark – project management
K&K – main contractor
Awards
UK Property Awards 2019-2020
FAIRHOLT STREET HOUSE
(continued)
EATON SQUARE HOUSE
Ultra hi-end refurbishment of a Grade II* listed building for a Forbes-listed international client
One of our first major commissions, this project was also the first one we did entirely in BIM
We acted as the Architect and the Lead Consultant, managed the high-profile design team and dealt with the statutory approvals by Westminster City council and Grosvenor Estates
For the courtyard in the middle of the property, we developed a unique sliding all-glass roof
BELGRAVIA, LONDON, UK
Dates
Status
Size
Budget
Client
Stages
Collaborators
Design 2013-2015
Construction 2015-2017
Completed
1,200 sq.m
£14.5m
Private
Concept to Construction
HBA, ArchFlorence, Carlisle Design Studio –interior design
Elliott Wood – structure
Ramboll, Cooper Homewood – MEP
Gardiner & Theobald – project management, QS, CA
Trombe – bespoke glass structures
ISG – main contractor
EATON SQUARE APARTMENT
Refurbishment and amalgamation of two flats into one luxury apartment spread across the first floors of four Grade II listed buildings
On this project, we acted as the Architect, Lead Consultant and Contract Administrator, and collaborated with the interior designers specialised on the most luxurious super-boats
One of the many unusual features of this project was integration of a museum-level humidity control into the air conditioning system to provide specific climate conditions for the Owner’s art collection
BELGRAVIA, LONDON, UK
Dates
Status
Size
Budget
Client
Stages
Collaborators
Design 2014-2016
Construction 2016-2021
Completed
260 sq.m
£3.6m
Private
Concept to Completion
Terence Dinsdale Design – interior design
Elliott Wood – structure
Cooper Homewood, Blair Thompson - MEP
ICM – IT/AV
Bespoke Concepts – main contractor (phase I)
Lansgrove – main contractor (phase II)
CHIDDINGSTONE STREET HOUSE
Hi-end refurbishment and extension of a Victorian terraced property in a conservation area
AR Architecture acted as the Architect, Interior Designer, Lead Consultant and Contract Administrator
The alterations include a new basement under the whole house, an infill side extension and a roof extension All building systems have been upgraded to the highest modern standards
FULHAM, LONDON, UK
Dates
Status
Size
Budget
Client
Stages
Collaborators
Design 2018-2020
Construction 2020-2022
Completed
320 sq.m
£2.5m
Private
Concept to Completion
Peter Dann – structure
Cudd Bentley - MEP
Marshall Kenny – QS
Goldsmith Partnership – party walls
Premier Building Design – main contractor
BROMPTON SQUARE HOUSE
Full refurbishment of a Grade II listed building, including the replacement of rear extensions
We took over the project from another team who had spent two years unsuccessfully trying to get the proposals approved with RBKC Working closely with the officers, we proposed replacement rear extensions that met the client’s aspirations while being more in keeping with the host building and the listed terrace than the existing ones The footprint, height, and internal area of the new extensions will create a more usable internal space for the dwelling and rationalise the rear elevation The form will recreate the rhythm of adjacent properties and take its cues from the massing and forms of other houses in the listed terrace
KENSINGTON, LONDON, UK
Dates
Status
Size
Budget
Client
Stages
Collaborators
Design 2023-2024
380 sq.m
£2m
Private
Concept to Construction
Maliev I Schafer – interior design
Structures Lab – structure
Consolux – MEP
MVHC - Heritage
High-end refurbishment of a three-storey unlisted mid-terrace house, recognised as a "local building of merit," in a conservation area
In this careful intervention for a sophisticated and highly demanding client, we revised the layouts and replaced the rear extension to improve the flow of spaces, while preserving the character and details of the elegant period property
RICHMOND, LONDON, UK
Dates
Status
Size
Budget
Client
Stages
Collaborators
Design 2022-2024
Construction 2024-2025
On site
248 sq.m
£0.8m
Private
Concept to Construction
4YouResidential – Main contractor
CHESHAM GUEST HOUSE & PADEL COURT
Cutting-edge contemporary new dwelling on the grounds of a large country house in London’s Green Belt
The building will be used in conjunction with the adjacent Padel court to entertain and accommodate the Owner’s guests It will comprise two bedrooms sharing a bathroom, a large open-plan living/dining area and a golf simulator
The house has been designed as an RC shell insulated from inside to expose the texture of bare concrete and cantilevered above the sloping terrain to minimise its impact on the roots of the surrounding trees Large areas of slimline glazing provide uninterrupted views over the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
CHESHAM, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, UK
Dates
Status
Size
Budget
Client
Stages
Collaborators
Design 2021-2022
Construction 2024-2025
Construction
180 sq.m
£0.8m
Private Concept to Completion
Concept Consultancy – structure
Arbtech – ecology
Lichfields – planning
Bourne – Main Contractor
SHELDON AVENUE HOUSE
Hi-end residential development next to Highgate Golf Club – large private villa with a double basement and a swimming pool
AR Architecture was invited to complete the project started by another architect We thoroughly reviewed and revised the tender drawings, prepared a comprehensive package of construction information, successfully dealt with retrospective concerns raised by Haringey Council and led the project to completion of the shell & core phase
HAMPSTEAD, LONDON, UK
Dates
Status
Size
Budget
Client
Stages
Collaborators
Design 2018-2021
Construction 2019-2022
Shell & core completed
920 sq.m
£4.5m
Private developer
Detail Design to Construction
Architects of Invention – concept
Concept Consultancy – structure
SVM Building Services Design - MEP
Sterling – QS
Zephyrus Construction – main contractor
SHELDON AVENUE HOUSE
(continued)
Minimalist contemporary refurbishment of a 3-bedroom former council house in NW London with strong emphasis on natural materials
The new Dining room in the North-facing extension was designed as a pavilion rather than an indoor space: its retractable windows can be fully open, and the raised corner of its living green roof lets in the low-angle evening sun
Replacement of the staircase dramatically increased daylight penetration From the south-facing Kitchen/Breakfast area, light enters the Living room through a fish tank The Master suit receives direct sunlight from the roof terrace
PRIMROSE HILL, LONDON, UK
Dates
Status
Size
Budget
Client
Stages
Collaborators
Awards
Collaborators
Design 2012-2013
Construction 2013-2014
Completed
178 sq.m
£390k
Private Concept to Completion
Pascoe Interiors – FF&E
UK Property Award 2014-2015
Pascoe Interiors – FF&E, procurement
QUICKSWOOD HOUSE
(continued)
GLENMORE ROAD HOUSE
Refurbishment and basement extension of a Ground floor flat in a converted Victorian house
The existing small cellar under the flat was excavated and extended into a full basement level, resulting in a three-bedroom maisonette with a wow-factor two-level living/dining space
The feeling of openness was achieved by introduction of a doubleheight space facing the rear garden The latter was excavated to step down to the lower-ground level. The kitchen received a 4m long skylight above its entire length The rear façade, featuring a double-height slim-glazed opening, was designed deliberately subdued to maintain the character of the building when viewed from the neighbouring properties
BELSIZE PARK, LONDON, UK
Dates
Status
Size
Budget
Client
Stages
Collaborators
Design 2016
Construction 2017-2018
Completed
150 sq.m
£600k
Private developer
Concept to Completion
Symmetrys – structure
Goldsmith Partnership – party walls
Imko London – main contractor
(continued)
MANSFIELD ROAD HOUSE
Refurbishment and rear extension of a maisonette in North-West London
The core element of the project is the timber-framed redwoodcladded cubic volume with a sedum green roof - Japanese artist’s studio added at the rear of the house Its transparency and almost frameless panoramic glazing make the landscape and the sky parts of the working environment, providing quiet concentration and comfort of the indoors in the middle of the garden Due to its North aspect, the interior does not suffer from glare or overheating The evening sun is conveyed by the West-facing vertical skylight to the paved patio between the extension and the boundary
GOSPEL OAK, LONDON, UK
Dates
Status
Size
Budget
Client
Stages
Collaborators
Design 2017-18
Construction 2018
Completed
140 sq.m
£200k
Private
Concept to Completion
Aleur Associates – structure
Positive Project 2000 – main contractor
MANSFIELD ROAD HOUSE
(continued)
ACACIA PLACE HOUSE
New-built hi-end private villa to replace a locally listed building of merit in a conservation area
Acting as the Architect and Lead Consultant, and working in collaboration with a strong planning consultants’ team, we secured a permission to demolish the 1930s’ house and build a new one with a spacious basement to match the lifestyle of a high-profile international client
The planners insisted on a neo-Georgian vernacular to better blend the building with the context The structural design involved some innovative solutions overcoming the constraints imposed by the proximity of major protected trees
ST JOHN’S WOOD, LONDON, UK
Dates
Status
Size
Budget
Client Stages
Collaborators
Design 2019-2021
Design completed
580 sq.m
£3.8m
Private
Concept to Technical Design
Dmitry Velikovsky Studio – interior design
Lichfields - planning
Peter Dann - structure
Consolux - MEP
Rigo Spa – swimming pool & spa
TOWER TERRACE HOUSE
This project for a new contemporary private house in North London has a long and eventful history
The Client, a documentary film director, plans to build a detached house for himself in the rear garden of his locally listed converted building in a conservation area The project’s aesthetics reflects his taste and responds to the very tight budget: minimalistic design, bare concrete walls, exposed services At the same time, the new house aims to achieve the highest environmental credentials and comply with life-long homes standards
Several design iterations have been produced The first planning application was rejected by the local council; the new completely re-worked version is under way
WOOD GREEN, LONDON, UK
to Developed Design
2019 Design & Build Award – Most Innovative Residential Concept
FITZJAMES AVENUE APARTMENT
Renovation and refurbishment of a period flat in West London
The client engaged our services to transform the 1900s’ apartment into a contemporary home for his family The objective was to improve the zoning and the flow of space, add a dining room, a guest WC and an ensuite bathroom
The central feature of the project is a massive look-through fish tank which conveys daylight into the windowless Dining room
The refurbishment involved substantial structural alterations
Multiple steel beams up to 6m long were installed; the longest ones had to be delivered through temporary openings in the external wall
Zero-energy private country house on one acre of land.
The project was built using Insulating Concrete Formwork (ICF) and clad in brick slips to comply with the consent obtained by the previous owner, and featured the lowest energy consumption along with the highest comfort and quality of the internal space
To reduce the visible bulk, the large basement with a swimming pool, spa and lounge areas, staff apartment and the main plant room are concealed below the garden. The sustainable engineering solutions include zonal heat recovery, geothermal heat pumps, photovoltaic panels, energy storing, rainwater and greywater harvesting All U-values meet or exceed the Passive House requirements
VIRGINIA WATER, SURREY, UK
Dates
Status
Size
Budget
Client
Stages
Collaborators
Design 2014
Construction 2015-2016
Completed
900 sq.m
£4m
Private
Developed Design to Completion
Innen – Interior design
Malachy Walsh – MEP
Coolgardens – landscape design
NETHERHALL GARDEN APARTMENTS
Renovation and extension of a Victorian semi-detached building converted into three large apartments to achieve 7 new units
The proposals included excavation of the basement and rebuilding of the side/rear annex to include a one-bedroom duplex maisonette at ground and lower ground floor levels
The new side unit, clad in Corten steel, will be accessed via the undercroft side passage It will have the main living area at the ground floor level and a private terrace at the rear . The glazed wall and ceiling along the boundary visually keep its massing consistent with the old annex The two new basement flats will be provided with their own stepped sunken gardens in the extended lightwells
HAMPSTEAD, LONDON, UK
Dates
Status
Size Budget
Client
Stages
Collaborators
Design 2017-2019
Planning
800 sq.m 7 apartments
£2.5m
Shevinvest
Concept to Developed Design
CTP - structure Metric Solutions - MEP
Full refurbishment and substantial extension of a 3-bedroom endof-terrace house located within a conservation area
The proposed alterations are designed to meet the needs of the new owners for contemporary city living, while also addressing their critical need to accommodate both spouses' parents who are fleeing the war in Ukraine
The main challenge – and a significant concern for the local authority – has been almost doubling the size of the house without making it overly dominant or negatively affecting the living conditions of the surrounding neighbours The proposed extensions have been carefully designed to address these concerns and blend harmoniously with the local environment
HAMMERSMITH, LONDON, UK
Hi-end residential development of 32 apartments and 6 terraced houses in the Green Belt, located within a Grade II listed historic estate dating back to the 11th century, now used as a Golf club
The project site is in the former walled garden adjacent to the 16th century stately manor house We deliberately chose the minimalist contemporary architectural language which matches the historic buildings in scale, quality and materials while remaining respectful and subdued Green roofs and carefully designed landscape increase sustainability and biodiversity
Careful consideration was given to the specific features of the site: terrain, sun path, views, overlooking, existing trees and services
Markides Associates - transport LizLake – landscape design
HAMPTON PROJECT
New development comprised of six townhouses and an office block subdividable into 2-6 units
The Client bought this former post office delivery depot site with a planning permission for a scheme styled to match the local vernacular AR Architecture was appointed to develop construction drawings and discharge over 30 planning conditions attached to the permission In the course of our work, we reworked the layouts and submitted several applications for the amendments
Behind the traditional façades, the building features novel timber frame technology and complies with the highest environmental standards
RICHMOND, LONDON, UK
Dates
Status
Design 2021
Construction 2022 Completed
1,070 sq.m 6 terraced houses, 2 commercial units
£2.4m
Antvic. Ltd.
Technical Design to Completion (Design & Build)
ALEXANDRA HOUSE
New development comprised of refurbishment and extension of a 19th century high street building to achieve 12 low-budget flats
The Client bought the site with a planning permission AR Architecture was commissioned to improve the scheme, develop construction drawings and discharge the conditions attached to the permission In the course of our work, we re-worked the layouts, value-engineered the materials, amended the façade details to accommodate the increased build-ups within the consented dimensions, and submitted several applications for the changes
