Interview: Sheldon Peever

Tell us a little about the background of your architectural practice After working on a range of public, school and urban realm projects, the studio collective was established by Christine Peever in 2011. She have been in professional practice for 20 years, now focusing predominantly on bespoke residential projects.

What is your customer process from receiving that first enquiry? We set up an initial consultation with the potential client and discuss the project; what may be achievable, and any planning issues that would need to be overcome. We outline the whole process from the initial designs to handing over a completed building. Once we have had a consultation, we put together a fee proposal which outlines the project brief, the work involved and our fees. We also advise on any other consultants that would be required to deliver the project.

Is there a type of commission that gets you particularly excited? We love different and unusual briefs, which include very bespoke client requirements and properties that have challenges from either a planning or construction perspective. We approach every project from a fresh perspective, providing highly designed solutions to our clients’ aspirations for the project. We enjoy a challenge!

What advice would you give a family appointing an architect for the first time ? You are more than likely to spend a significant amount of money carrying out building works, so it’s important to get the correct team on board from the outset. Being able to maintain a good working dialogue with your Architect is very important for the success of a project. There are many decisions that need to be made when undertaking building work, so having open discussions is one of the key elements to delivering a successful project. Generally speaking, Architects are design led in their approach, and if you are looking for a good innovative design to create something individual then an Architect should be your 1st choice. The key to a successful project is a good professional who will listen to you and support you along the way.

What’s your favourite thing about working in the St Albans area? Working locally to where we are based and live is important to us. We have a very good understanding of the local area not just professionally but personally. We have built up a good relationship with local contractors, consultants and craftspersons that we love working with time and again. It’s great to pass through our wonderful city and see our completed work. Visiting old clients to receive positive feedback and the impact our work has had on their lives gives us a real sense of achievement.