FAQ’s
If you wish to discuss a project please call Hannah to book a design consultation on 020 7998 1525 or email at studio@woldon.com
What services do Woldon provide?
Our services and expertise cover Architecture, Interior Design, Planning, Interior Architecture, Landscape Design, the Principal Designer role, procurement of fittings and furnishings and interior styling.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
Our sources of inspiration are broad, from people and place to fascination with our natural landscape and culture. We look to engage with our clients’ own stories and the history of their site and buildings.
How do Woldon distinguish themselves from other Architects?
We combine design vision and professionalism, reflected in our core values of Creativity, Quality and Integrity. The practice combines a unique offering of architecture, interior design and landscape design services.
We are a rural estate looking to diversify from our core farm business to other streams of revenue. We have sites that might be opportunities for development, where do we start?
Talk to us and we can direct you through the steps needed to evaluate and prioritize site potential and initiate a project program in respect of an agreed Planning strategy.
As commercial landlords, we are looking to upgrade our office space to be best-in-class and attract good tenants. How does Woldon approach this?
We design workspace with wellbeing, sustainability, and best-practice office guidelines in mind. We understand frameworks such as the WELL Building Standard and BREEAM, and also consider guidance from the British Council for Offices when planning layouts, daylight access, environmental quality, and user wellbeing.
How does Woldon manage the different roles between Architect and interior designer?
Woldon maintains a clear roles and responsibilities matrix which is discussed at the beginning of the project. This minimizes overlap of roles and provides focus for consultant fees.
I am considering purchasing a site. At what point should I bring an Architect on board?
Early in the appraisal process we can provide high level vision for the site and highlight key Planning opportunities and constraints. With our partners we can also provide direction on cost and heritage.
How are Woldon Fees structured?
Fees are clear and transparent, agreed with the client in advance. The practice can offer fixed fees to provide project cost certainty. An invoice schedule is maintained for the duration of the project. During an initial consultation we can discuss your aspirations and provide a clear fee estimate that suits your specific project.
Can I afford an Architect?
The involvement of a suitable Architect can prove invaluable, and may ultimately save more than they cost by: providing spatial solutions that increase floor area, minimizing design errors, managing contractors effectively, providing value-engineering solutions and increasing the value of a property.
Who will actually work on my project?
The project will be overseen by the director with day-to-day involvement of either a dedicated Associate or an experienced Architect with support from assistant designers. We are a people-centred practice and look for good chemistry between you and our proposed team.
How involved do I need to be in my project?
As your Architect and interior designer we guide you through the project process, seeking your input on key decisions and appointments. Typically, we would communicate this through a programme of client decision points.
What information do you need from me as a client?
Typical early input that helps establish the brief can include your own project goals and priorities, available site information, your project timeline, precedent design or art that you are inspired by, and direction on budget. We can provide direction on all of these areas.
Do we need a project manager?
On larger projects, some clients like to involve a project manager in the design team. They can assist with consultant appointments, reporting, cost control and programming of works. Woldon can recommend suitable project managers for your project.
Can Woldon provide a full turnkey design package including architecture, interior design and landscape?
Yes we offer a comprehensive design and consultancy service.
What is Interior Architecture and why is it important?
This is the interface between Architecture and Interior Design, where the building and interiors meet.
It is often overlooked, but is essential in the delivery of a well-coordinated scheme. Interior Architecture often involves the co-ordination of mechanical and electrical services so they are discreet but easy to service, for example designing how air conditioning pipework and grilles can be concealed neatly within joinery.
My interior designer is based in the USA. Can they be involved in my UK project?
Yes. Woldon are experienced in coordinating the input of guest designers who may be located outside the UK.
We are thinking of buying a new site or house. At what point should I involve the Architect?
Woldon can advise pre-purchase on the scope to develop or extend and provide some initial design vision.
We have seen a house on Instagram that we love. Can you design something similar?
Your own sources of inspiration are a valuable part of starting the design process, which we welcome. Through discussing an image together, we can understand your priorities and clarify a brief.
Can Woldon assemble the design team I need for my project?
Yes, we have a wide industry network to assemble a suitable team for your project: from quantity surveyors and project managers to recommendations for joiners and metalworkers.
I am looking for a designer who understands my priorities of natural materials, natural light and low energy.
These qualities and priorities resonate with Woldon’s own work. We have in-house Passivhaus design expertise to support low energy design. Creating well-being in architecture is a passion for the team.
Do Woldon have experience of Planning in The Cotswolds?
Yes, our Gloucestershire office is located in Chipping Campden, in the heart of the Cotswolds. Many of our projects involve Planning and Listed Building applications in Cotswold District.
My house is Grade I Listed, do Woldon have experience of working with historic buildings?
Yes, many of our projects involve historic houses and gardens, and the team are very experienced in working with them.
Is it possible to carry out a low energy/low carbon refurbishment of an historic house that is listed?
Yes, and it can be very rewarding but needs care. Woldon can guide through this process.
Can Architecture and interior design affect mental wellbeing?
Very much so. Well-being is a key consideration in our work and we employ a well-being toolkit to guide our designs.
We value our privacy and would like to limit publicity of our project.
The practice understands the importance of discretion. For this reason, many of our completed projects do not appear on our website.
Do Woldon design NPPF Paragraph 84 and Paragraph 139 houses?
Paragraph 84 (formerly Paragraph 80, Para 79, para 55 and PPS 7) refers to policy in the National Planning Policy Framework which sets out various circumstances which can enable the erection of new isolated dwellings in the open countryside. Woldon have a number of paragraph 84 designs in our portfolio.
How do you best manage a project within budget and timeline?
The key to delivering on time and within budget is good planning, clear communication, and proactive management throughout the entire project. At the beginning of the project, we work closely with the client and consultants to establish a realistic brief, budget, and programme.
Do you undertake international commissions?
Yes.
What is the RIBA and what are the RIBA Stages?
The RIBA is the UK’s professional body for Architects. The RIBA Stages 0 to 7 provide a structure for breaking the project into key phases with milestones keeping your project organised and on track. Woldon Architects is a Chartered member of the RIBA.
Can you assist with Interior Design?
Woldon Interiors can provide vision and delivery of your interior design brief. Our designers will work with you to create a cohesive design that is tailored to your style, aesthetic and budget. You can view our interiors projects here
How do I choose an Interior Designer?
Choosing the right interior designer is about finding someone who understands your style, your space, and your vision. At Woldon, we work closely with our clients to create spaces that are functional, beautiful and uniquely their own.
We are an organization with different departments, each with their own priorities. Does Woldon have experience of working with larger organizations and can you help us establish a common a brief ?
Yes, we are experienced in working with a range of client structures, where clients may be composed of a group or panel, possibly with their own advisors and help establish a clear brief.
Can Woldon do detailed design and build out a Planning consent I already have in place?
Yes in most cases.
How does Woldon reduce risk and cost in design or construction?
Woldon resolves technical issues early in the design process and producing clear, concise and coordinated information. This allows contractors to build efficiently and accurately avoiding delays and repetition. With our experience in construction Woldon can actively support the contractor, responding to technical queries, and coordinating the project team to ensure the design is delivered smoothly and on programme.
How can Woldon support our ESG strategy?
Through our initial briefing we can ensure that ESG priorities are embedded in the project from the outset. With our consultant team we can incorporate whole-life carbon analysis, passive design strategies, low carbon materials, and work to WELL Building Institute standards and offer responsible procurement.
Can Woldon do Shell and Core?
Yes. We are familiar with the interface between landlord and tenant. We have an experienced technical design team and understand how a shell and core package fits with other consultant information.
Do you offer Principal Designer under CDM and BR?
Yes, the practice offers both roles.
Do Woldon have experience of working with High Risk Buildings over 18m (HRBs)?
The practice has experience in the technical design of replacing unsafe cladding with safe cladding. The practice carries the relevant insurance and can also offer the Competent Professional role.
