2014 is set to be a positive first year for new practice James Wells Architects.
James Wells Architects was officially established in Autumn 2013. The team, managed by James, was restructured from the partnership of Wells Mackereth Architects. Five architects continue in the new practice working with the existing clients on ongoing projects as well as a number of new commissions, soon to be announced.
James Wells comments, “making the transition from a partnership to a solo practice and a Limited Company marks a significant point in my 30 year career. It has been a time to review the evolving design processes to date and return to my core architectural values. This practice primarily offers a dedicated design service to clients using a wealth of experience. We guide the design to the best resolution through a considered evolutionary design process.”
The practice is committed to delivering the right solution for each brief. James Wells Architects prides itself on keeping minds and options open to a range of design influences and approaches, always mindful of the lessons of history. Not prescribing one design theme or ideology, the hallmark of a JWA project is how good each space feels. This approach results in design freshness and originality enabling the work to stand out; at the same time each outcome posesses a sense of grace and longevity.
Joanna Black and Andy Korn have been promoted to Associates at JWA and Joanna Scott has been appointed on a part-time basis to handle PR and Marketing for the practice. Jo Scott has started to open up more regular communications with architecture and design journalists. In addition, a campaign for new business development is being implemented to underpin the planned growth of the practice.
Projects of interest due to complete in 2014 include:
Olivers Wharf, Wapping
The complete interior refit of a 2,000 sq ft loft apartment located in this listed Victorian warehouse. The project features: oak parquet flooring, Escher style geometric tiling, custom built joinery, metal framed glazed partitions, a quirky selection of contemporary furniture and innovative dramatic lighting solutions.
House, Wimbledon
This five bedroom detached family house was remodelled from an existing 1960s house which was demolished back to the extent of three walls. The rethought design results in a stylish, efficient use of the plot. The house is bathed in natural light with practical and carefully modeled living areas for each family member as well as thoughtfully framed views to the outside. This project will be photographed when the new landscape is established in Summer 2014.
Hyde Park Square
This two-storey penthouse apartment is being totally refurbished. Planning has been sought to rebuild the rooftop duplex fifth/sixth floor. The scheme creates a three bedroom, generous apartment with ensuites, dressing rooms and media lounges with a top floor open plan kitchen, dining and living area. Rooftop terraces and spiral stair connecting the two levels ensure Hyde Park Square promises to be a striking new urban home.
Air Rights Development, Queens Court, St Johns Wood for Seqoya
Completed in Autumn 2013, this project comprises a pair of new built two storey duplex apartments above
a 1960s modernist five-storey block. As construction started, a planning appeal was won for an eighth floor, contributing a sunroom and terrace sunk into the roof form to benefit the northerly penthouse. Prefabrication techniques were employed to minimize time on site, disruption and noise as the block remained fully occupied throughout the construction period. The exterior is finished in render and copper carefully composed to break up the mass of the extension.
The Stanley Building for The Office Group Kings Cross
This project is a 28,000 square foot office fit-out for a building that forms part of the Argent Kings Cross development. The host building unites a Grade II listed Victorian block with a new shell and core ‘wrap’ building. JWA has embraced the design challenge to create a series of theatrical spaces linking historical forms to new commercial ideologies. The team has an ongoing appointment to monitor the base build until the £3M internal fit out starts in Summer 2014. September will see the completion of this refreshingly modern take on the serviced office sector.
For further information and visuals please call Jo Scott at James Wells Architects, Tel 01243 940020 or Email joscott@jameswellsarchitets.com
