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David James Architects

David James
Written by Roma Publications

Architectural Profile – David James Architects & Partners Ltd

David James

Established in 2009, David James Architects & Partners Ltd is a Dorset-based design led architectural practice. Providing bespoke designs solutions for a range of clients, the practice has won numerous awards since its inception.

Under the direction of Managing Director David James and partner Director Laurie Marlow, the firm has completed private houses, commercial developments, large apartment blocks, conversions and refurbishments. The designs created by David and co. range from contemporary to traditional.

Most recently, David James Architects & Partners have been awarded the South West LABC Building Excellence Award 2017 for its work on a development in Canford Cliffs, Poole. Speaking to Premier Construction, David gave an overview of this project, as well as discussing two other significant works.

Canford Cliffs (Completion – May 2016)

“The client whom was a developer, approached us and the brief was very tight because planning permission was already in place, the sites constraints made the development quite tough. We had a layout that didn’t work from a previous architect, that we had to redesign. The freedom provided was to maximise the site and layout whilst redesigning the external envelope of the building.

“Both houses focus on their private areas, without interfering with each other in their usability. The internal/external relationship with the gardens has been maximised, ensuring the internal relationship flowed into the garden.

“Dynamic staircases were designed in the middle of the house, with triple height spaces flooding the building with light. The properties are a mix of timber and stone cladding, with painted render, aluminium and glass.

“The client was really pleased with the design and the houses sold very quickly. To then win the LABC award was a phenomenal accolade for us and showed we achieved a great development design, despite very tight constraints. The project highlighted a creative approach, diligence and careful thinking.”

29 Nairn Road (Completion – December 2016)

David James

“We were provided with a little more freedom on this project. Again the client was a developer, who wanted a ‘wow factor’ house for road presence. The design was to be different to everything else on the street, however we were restrained to an extent by the planning constraints.

“To provide this, I created a free flowing floor plan with interlocking double height spaces and glass walls. That allowed us to maximise the internal ground floor accommodation, linked to the garden and various rooms. There is a feature staircase in the middle of the house, with a large roof light over that floods the space with natural light. Upstairs there are four bedrooms that are more enclosed. The house is very dynamic for its size and has a feeling of space.

“It stands proud on the street and makes a positive contribution to the street scene. It doesn’t look out of place and we’ve had a lot of positive feedback, particularly from local residents.”

La Serena (Scheduled Completion – July 2017)

“The house is currently progressing well on site. The client provided me with full freedom over the design, which means I’ve been able to create to something of a masterpiece. I’ve designed the house so it has a floating box on top, with a very solid base. On the back of the house is a linked, curved double height space for the living area. This has two storeys of glass and large sliding doors opening onto a terrace, overlooking a golf course and wooded landscape.

“The site is very private, with uninterrupted views of the golf course. There are two feature staircases, with large roof lights to flood the internal space. The master suite has an en-suite bathroom, with two large feature walls of stone, freestanding bath, roof lights and a built in television.

“Having the freedom of design, allows me to make bold choices and elevate the design to another level. All elements have been carefully considered to make the most of the landscape surroundings. The biggest challenge was probably the attention to detail, which is incredibly important to our practice. Our interior designers have been fully involved with the project and delivered an outstanding finish.”

As well as the above, David James Architects & Partners are working on a number of other exciting projects across the South and South West of England. Reflecting on what makes the practice successful, David added:

“We are extremely proud of what we do. For the last three years running we have won the International Design & Architecture Awards and having this recognition has assisted with taking us to the next level. Our clients are looking for the latest creative designs, attention to detail and a company that can offer a comprehensive service from start to finish. We have a dedicated and professional team, whom are extremely proud of what they do. That makes us a very strong company and we’re very unified in every aspect.”

David James

For more information please visit David James Architects & Partners  www.davidjamesarchitects.co.uk T: 01202 755633 E: office@davidjamesarchitects.co.uk

 

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