Integrity
Architecture should grow out of and enhance its surroundings, so that buildings and landscape are integrated. A building's systems should be integrated with the air, the sun's radiation, the soil, the land's materials, and its water systems. Ecological design focuses on resource conservation, ecological cycles, and the building's impact on the health of its' occupants and the wider environment. We have a responsibility to the global environment and to the people and species outside of our everyday experience.

The current major ecological problems of global warming, deforestation and habitat destruction and large-scale chemical poisoning (amongst others), are all exacerbated by the construction industry. We maintain our access to current environmental research and offer solutions affordable to both the client and the environment.

Design is an imaginative and intuitive art as well as a rational and mechanical process. We aim for three-dimensional spatial quality, maximum natural lighting, and ease of use, with materials that are pleasant to live with, which express their nature, and which encourage an understanding and appreciation of architecture.

Working with Clients
We spend time developing a critical brief. Some clients give factual information about what they want; others are looking for a certain spatial experience - expressing either dreams of a particular living space or the desire to incorporate materials. Many of our clients have developed their design ideas from their lifestyle; others have worked with us to bring their intuitive or subconscious aspirations to fruition. Many need us to 'dovetail' our service to allow them to make maximum use of their own resources of skill and time.

Building Systems
We have experience of various building systems, many innovative and pioneering - we pioneered the 'breathing wall' (now 'EVT') system at the Findhorn Foundation; photovoltaics in North London; straw bale in East London; and, as part of our training work with self-builders and communities, treating the process of building as an essential component of the design.

Refurbishment is an essential part of 'sustainable' property development, and we see the upgrading of the existing building stock to progressive standards of efficiency and comfort as an essential role of the Architect, and something that our generation must strive to achieve.