Christian Brailey Architects is an award-winning architecture and design practice specialising in contemporary buildings and interiors within sensitive settings.
Our work is bold, considered and exudes quality and durability. Our approach is closely informed by place and shaped by the people who use it. At the heart of every project is a desire to be as sustainable as possible.
Working from our studio in Crouch Hill, North London, our small, dedicated team delivers high quality projects from start to finish. Every project is overseen by our founding director, Christian.
We enjoy working on tricky and unusual sites across the UK and Europe. Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss your project.
+44 020 8245 7189
studio@christianbrailey.com
Concept Design
Here we dive into the design process, exploring ideas through multiple concept designs and sketch layouts. We develop an understanding of how you want to live in, or use, the property, site or space.
Following a site visit, in-depth discussions and initial drawing work, we like to accelerate thinking by developing a 3D model (digital and/or physical) to go beyond 2D drawings. Unlike other practices, this tests how early ideas will come to life, conveying how light and materiality will be read throughout the day and year.
For larger or more contextually sensitive projects, pre-application advice may be sought at this stage whilst the design is still in early development.
Detailed Design
Following the feasibility study and your feedback, a single design will be developed to provide a detailed set of 2D drawings. These will form the basis of any required permissions (full planning, permitted development, freeholder consent etc).
An outline specification can be produced for initial budget costing at this stage to ensure the proposals work within your budget, informing the next stage of work.
We will submit the planning application on your behalf at the end of the stage. The determination period for most domestic-scale applications is eight weeks, though this varies between councils. We will be in direct contact with the case officer during this time to make sure they have all the information they require.
Techical Design
During this stage, we will develop the design through further 3D modelling to reach a high level of resolution and sufficient detail where a co-ordinated pack of information can be sent to building contractors for pricing.
The technical stage resolves materials, specifications and detailing for the whole project. The decisions made here will make a big impact on the quality and feel of the final building, so we will have increased contact with you and the design team during this period.
Most of our projects are procured through a negotiated tender process whereby we utilise our trusted network of contractors, fabricators and makers to provide the best quality and value for money. We are happy to enter a competitive tender process should this be requested.
Construction
Our level of input can vary considerably whilst on-site, so we will tailor our service to your project requirements. We'll produce dimensioned construction drawings, answer queries and attend regular site visits to check that work is proceeding smoothly.
We enjoy being fully involved at this stage to make the very most out of specialist subcontractors and ensure our vision is delivered successfully.
We will include an allowance of time for checking the finished building for defects (snagging) and attending meetings with other parties. Depending on the scale of the project and its sustainability goals, we can undertake post-occupancy analysis as part of RIBA Stage 7.
Awards & Press
Recruitment
We keep portfolios on file and accept digital applications in PDF format (max. 10mb) sent to studio@christianbrailey.com. We regret that due to the number of portfolios we receive, we cannot respond to everyone.