Interview: Peter Thomas de Cruz

Tell us a little about the background of your practice? I used to work for design-driven architectural practices in Soho designing business parks (similar to Chiswick Business Park) and cool design restaurants. It was creative but somehow unsatisfying. I had no connection with the end user. Since starting my own practice I have specialised in residential design for private clients. Over the years I began to realise that successful residential design was not just about aesthetics and practical planning but also about emotion, the psychology of space and lifestyle. I get a great deal of satisfaction transforming people’s homes; it can make a real difference to the way people live.

Which are the biggest trends in residential design right now? People are now much more conscious of the environmental performance of their homes – not only the younger generation but also the older generation, who are often downsizing. There is more interest in alternative energy sources and different ways of cooling homes in response to climate change, whether through passive ventilation or energy efficient mechanical cooling. Increasing interest in personal well-being is also driving people’s needs for the home. A generation that has been brought up in the gym is looking to incorporate fitness and relaxation spaces into their homes, such as mini-gyms, pilates spaces or swim spas. For those with more money, basements with lap pools reminiscent of boutique hotels are increasingly on the wish list.

What’s a common misconception you come across with residential clients? That the project will inevitably go over budget. TV shows, such Grand Designs, have done much to fuel this. They have also given people an unrealistic expectation of what you can get for your money. It might make good TV but nobody wants to find themselves running out of money during a project. We use an independent quantity surveyor for cost control on all projects. The QS effectively pays for him/herself by helping to value-engineer the design. If you follow the professional process, and don’t make late changes, every project will come in on budget.

What specific elements do you try to incorporate into your designs? Space and light are the main drivers of our designs. Also timelessness, clean lines and a seamless connection between old and new, inside and out. Light, colour, space, texture and other factors have small but significant impacts on your emotions, whether conscious or subconscious. The goal is to create not just a nice looking extension or remodelling but also a place that is uplifting and inspirational to live in – a feeling of being ‘on holiday at home’.

How do you see your profession evolving in the future? Architecture is getting more environmentally technical and the various permissions required are becoming ever more involved. The architectural profession will increasingly offer clients a safe and controlled way of achieving their goals in a more challenging world. Architects often have to compete with non-architects who offer design services and who undercut architect’s fees. However, you usually get what you pay for. It takes 7 years to qualify as an architect and architects have to adhere to strict professional standards. Few people would go to an unqualified medical practitioner rather than a doctor but people will quite willingly entrust hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of work to unqualified designers. We are an ‘RIBA Chartered Practice’, for which professional indemnity insurance and a high level of professional compliance is mandatory.

What would be your dream commission? A sloping site with a stunning west facing view facing, an open brief and an unlimited budget. Oh, and no planning system to water down the creativity!

Thomas de Cruz Architects & Designers 80-82 Chiswick High Road, London, W4 1SY +44 (0)20 8995 8100 newprojects@thomasdecruz.com