We specialise in the pursuit of creating timeless environments and experiences
What we do.
We have one purpose: to achieve an equilibrium where competing influences are balanced to create a state of harmony. We believe that with our creations we strike the right balance of meeting your brief without compromising the unique intellectual concept we have crafted especially for you.
It is not easy to convey a dream to someone else. Dreams, by nature, are deeply personal experiences. We help to make dreams as close to reality as possible through our curiosity, passion and know-how. Together we explore the full potential of every opportunity; using the latest digital and physical technology. To guide, rather than dictate, in the pursuit of the perfect home, leisure or workspace. We strive to tell your story in a fresh and engaging way that matures and evolves naturally over time.
We offer a bespoke service of architecture and design where all clients and industry experts are welcome collaborators in pursuit of delivering the correct answer to your unique questions and aspirations. You’ll work
with a truly passionate, down-to-earth team of people united by our one purpose. When we consider your commission, we truly study it; not just the surface idea, but everything about it. We are committed to do the best possible job.
traditional, contemporary ...timeless
Architecture.
With AV Architects A,B,C process we develop conceptual designs through to the final details, before going on site to oversee construction through to practical completion, to protect the continuity of the design concept and build quality.
Interior design.
Inspired interior design enhances people’s experience of a space. We always act as a sounding board for our clients but can also offer a fully integrated service that complements the overarching architectural concept, ensuring each project is finished to a high level of quality and detail.
Virtual reality, 3d printing and 360 video.
For over 5 years we have been at the forefront of using virtual reality as a medium for communicating, refining and perfecting our designs. Once projects are on site Virtual Tours and 360 video allow you to step inside the construction process and explore from the comfort of your own home.
We believe that our designs must respond to your specific needs whilst respecting their local environment
What we think.
As a family run business we passionately believe in sustainability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The designs we create aim to be timeless, using the highest quality materials possible but with minimal impact on the environment.
All projects pass through three stages of development: Architectural Design, Building development and Construction. This is AV Architects’ A ,B,C process.
With all commissions our starting point is always to listen and understand your aspirations for the project. We then collaborate with you, industry professionals and craftspeople to develop solutions that will exceed your expectations.
We are guided by history, not confined by it. The best architectural designs in the world today still find an equilibrium of the three 40BC Vitruvian principles of Firmitas (solidity, materiality), Utilitas (function, commodity, utility) and Venustas (beauty, delight).
Throughout the design and construction process our creation is tested by way of drawings, modelling, Virtual Reality exploration and 3D prototyping. This enables a clear understanding of the proposals at each stage and ensures that appropriate quality runs through all phases of design development and implementation.
Our 3 design pillars.
1
Don’t follow trends or be confined by styles and titles.
Don’t be constrained by architectural styles or generic titles like “traditional” or “contemporary” architecture. We must be authentic in everything we do. We must specialise in the pursuit of creating timeless environments and experiences.
2
We are guided by history, not confined by it. We must consider the legacy of the decisions we make.
Not everything old is worthy of retention and more technology is not necessarily good or beneficial. Technology must liberate and enhance but should be used appropriately. As a family run business we must passionately believe in sustainability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. We should always be aiming for a better tomorrow for everyone.
3
The pursuit of harmony should be behind everything we do.
We must find balance in the Vitruvian design principles for us to have truly succeeded in achieving an equilibrium where competing influences are balanced to create a state of harmony. This is true to architecture and life.
How we do it.
To create something timeless, apart from an amazing design, you need a special client and a great builder. For our clients we create a team where dedication, respect and integrity are fundamental core values that we all share. The design, detailing and realisation of buildings is an extremely complex process and one that could be extremely stressful without these core values being fundamental to everything we do.
Unlike many design studios we don’t outsource any key stage of the process. Trusted specialists are introduced at specific stages, but we will be your constant companion on the journey; from the very beginning when your design is evolving to when you take full
ownership of the completed project. Once we have secured the necessary permits for you we will curate all the detailed documentation, find the right suppliers and builders for you and manage the whole process to completion on site. We call this AV Architects’ A,B,C process.
Creating new realities with us is as easy asA B C
ABC is for Architectural Design.
We listen to you and prepare options until we have something that we all believe in as a concept.
We have always developed designs in 3D either through physical models or (more commonly) via digital modelling.
We were some of the first architects in the UK to embrace Virtual Reality and today most clients select this option to fully explore their projects.
We see regulatory bodies as part of the collaborative process, rather than obstacles. Town Planners help to create balance and are key in ensuring a sustainably built environment.
Once all stakeholders are satisfied their project goals have been met the design is finalised and submitted to achieve the first of the two necessary legal permissions for your project to become a physical reality.
Our Stage A encompasses all the services in RIBA Work-stages 0 to 3
ABC is for Building Development.
At this point more people will join the team as you are introduced to key collaborators, like structural engineers, who will work with us to develop all the technical aspects of your project. Before this we will have decided external materials and had initial discussion about complimentary interior styles, finishes and decoration. At this point we will discuss in greater detail different options in regard to material palettes and suppliers to create the overall project rational.
We will be your advisor and sounding board in regard to the benefits of experts in Cost Management, Lighting, Kitchen and Audiovisual Design and other specialists whose input can help create the final technical and purchasing packages. As we approach the conclusion of Stage B we will submit documentation to meet the final regulatory requirement which is for the technical aspects of the project. Having the right builder on board is fundamental. If you do not have a preferred builder we will arrange for you to meet with a selection of builders who we trust to deliver the necessary final quality.
Once the contract value is established we have a pre-contract meeting to ensure everyone is clear on their roles and responsibilities as the project nears the point were it moves to become a physical reality.
Our Stage B encompasses all the services in RIBA Work-stage 4
ABC is for construction.
Before you sign any contract with the builder or things start on site we ensure you understand how building contracts work, your insurance responsibility and the type of paperwork you will see from us and the builder during the construction phase.
Once your are completely comfortable, the start and end dates are contractually agreed and the building contract is signed. We act as the curator of the whole construction phase ensuring all specialist consultants and supplier liaise closely with us and the builder to ensure everything runs smoothly.
We encourage clients to attend site meetings as often as possible but this isn’t always practical. All meetings are recorded with action lists and programmes created and updated using the latest construction management software.
Weekly or fortnightly updates are shared with you and the whole construction team together with amazing 360 degree Virtual Tours and videos that provide a wonderful historic record of the projects progression that can be viewed on any mobile device, or a VR headset for a full immersive understanding of how your building is progressing.
Towards the conclusion of the construction phase we ensure you understand how everything works, all manuals are in one place and a full document is prepared with contact details and procedures. Our aim is that you will miss all the wonderful people you have met along your journey, but will be so happy to be moving into your dream made real.
Our Stage C encompasses all the services in RIBA Work-stages 5 to 7
A dream, a design ...a legacy
Innovation is essential to our design process. We’re thrilled about the possibilities of virtual reality.
For over 5 years we have been at the forefront of using Virtual Reality as a medium for communicating, refining and perfecting our designs with clients. Our True VR Experience enables you to have total control over the story unfolding before you and to explore all possibilities. It enables us to fully share our vision for your project. Every aspect can be easily understood and discussed to foster complete awareness of where your project is heading.
At AV Architects we have two VR headsets. One is completely wireless with the processor built in. The other is connected to a powerful computer in our studio. This set up enable us to meet our clients as avatars within their virtual designs either within our studio or remotely to talk through and experience the design in an immersive VR Environment. Clients living overseas have (by investing in their own headsets) saved money and time and what is equally important, have reduced their families carbon footprint as we have worked through all aspects together in VR before the need to select finished materials.
Our True VR Experience has many powerful features, like seeing how the sun interacts with the building at different times of day, testing out different materials and furniture and taking photos in the VR environment. Ultimately, architecture exists within the real world and we view VR as an exceptional complementary element to traditional techniques. It can’t replace physical samples and showroom visits to experience texture, colour and functionality within the real world, but it does so much to ensure understanding, excitement and enjoyment of the journey.
Who we are.
AV Architects is a warm, exciting studio that looks for clients that are willing to embark on an architectural journey where they will enjoy the best that technology and tradition has to offer.
AV Architects was founded in 2010 by the husband and wife team of Neil Edwards and Estibaliz Buesa Diaz .Neil and Esti met whilst working in the renowned RIBA Gold Medal winning practice of Scott Tallon Walker in Dublin, Ireland in 2001 and have worked together and collaborated with like minded designers and craftsmen ever since. People come to us because we deliver unique experiences and do our utmost to ensure the process is as enjoyable as the result. We don’t have a ‘house style’ approach. Instead, we’re guided by our 3 design pillars and principles, which express our process and purpose.
Our 3 core principles.
Dedication
We are committed to our clients and loyal to our profession, collaborators and families. We will always want the best for them. Occasionally this means saying unwelcome truths, but we are brave and dare to commit. Where others see insurmountable problems, we see intellectual or physical challenges as opportunities for us to be involved in something greater than we could achieve alone.
Respect
We must take care of and respect ourselves first. Not selfishly, but in order to understand that as individuals we all like to feel valued and treated with kindness, and that this is what we must display to others before we can expect respect in return.
Integrity
The pursuit of success or interesting and challenging opportunities should not mean forgetting our values. Success means very different things in life. We must celebrate our successes and learn and grow from any failures; yet always remain consistent and honest to all who ask for our help or advice.
What our clients say.
We employed AV Architects to not only design our new house but to manage the build and administer the contract. Neil has been exceptional at this element: attending every site meeting, which is rare indeed for an architect; giving time to solve issues as they arose; forthright and fair in managing the contract. It is perhaps in this element we are most impressed with Neil, the creativity and flair is apparent in the portfolio, but we wouldn’t feel safe taking on a project like this again without him. Thanks for creating such a wonderful house!
STEPHEN LITTLE
Highly recommend AV Architects. We worked with them in building an extension to our listed Georgian home and we are delighted with the results!
KATE CARTLEDGE
AV Architects helped us turn a dream home into a reality. I have met many architects and it is rare to find one that not only has the creative vision but also the practical, organisational skills to match it. Great team, great experience, great company.
ISABELLE HAYNES
We employed AV Architects to completely change the layout of the ground floor of our house. This included a small extension. They were very creative with the plans which included showing us this on their virtual reality software, which brought the whole project to life. They assisted in the choice of builders and provided all the assistance we needed during the construction phase. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending them.
JOHN FRANCIS
Choosing AV Architects for our project was easy. Nobody came remotely close in their energy, interest and creativity. We wanted an innovative house and were delighted at not only the initial vision of the house overall, but even more so the elegant refinements and new spaces created through the process that we could never have conceived of ourselves.
MELANIE WINTER
A huge thank you to you all for everything you have done for us over the last couple of years. We have had so many compliments on the new kitchen/house layout and we are absolutely loving living in it!. Thanks for enabling us to transform our home!
SOPHIE AND CHRIS MARSH
AV Architects did a spectacular job for us. Innovative ideas turning our rabbit warren of rooms into an airy and bright open plan family environment whilst retaining the integrity of the beautiful Victorian building in which we live. I couldn’t recommend them highly enough.
MATT FLINT
