AI Issue 5 2017

34 Acquisition International - May 2017 Most Outstanding for Restoration Architecture 2017 award winner NFA architects is an established and experienced practice formed of a senior director with dedicated architects, designers and technologists based in Kent. We interviewed the firm’s Nick Farnell to write more about his firm’s work and how it feels to win this prestigious award. ithin their team, NFA architects enjoy the creative process and the satisfaction of delivering client focused site sensitive architecture. Nick has been in practice for over 20 years, he has gained vast and varied experience over a long and successful career. “The key to achieving the very best for a client is to understand more than the brief, the client themselves, to combine both needs and desires and ultimately delivering more than the client first imagined possible” Nick begins. Having worked across a variety of sectors in both small and large practices, Nick understands the importance of creating a dedicated team to support and develop each project. NFA is architect lead creating a focused design inspired philosophy that benefits the client. NFA Architects was formed on the success of the highly acclaimed Third Space Health Club, which won ‘The Best Health Club in The World’ - international Design Award presented by British Airways in 2003, and as recently as 2010 & 2011 won the London lifestyle awards. Ever since, the practice has achieved considerable success becoming widely respected for its innovative modern and bespoke approach to architecture and has featured numerous times in the press. Nick then explains more about the firm in his own words. “We work in several sectors, predominantly residential but also commercial and education. Our forte is designing wining schemes in sensitive locations such as working on grade I listed buildings in some of the most prestigious locations across London and further afield. Our work covers all work stages so we can guide our clients seamlessly from concept to completion on site. “We also offer a range of services to aid developers. Often commercially sensitive decisions are time critical and we assist in developing a commercial case for a site or project to establish the feasibility, we can then take on the project should it go forward to completion.” Philosophy & inspiration The firm’s philosophy is to blend the individual needs with site specific responses thereby creating bespoke solutions that are of their ‘place’. They Company: NFA architects Ltd. Name: Nick Farnell Email: [email protected] Web: nickfarnell.co.uk Address: The Brick Barn, Court Road, St Nicholas at Wade, Kent CT7 0PT Phone: + 44 (0)1227 668 125 Building upon Success W 1705AI23 understand their responsibility to clients and the world around us for now and future generations. Nick goes on to detail his thoughts on the firm’s philosophy and inspiration that surrounds the work they do. “For us sustainable solutions are produced when common sense is combined with intelligent design. Advances in technology are useful aids but so is understanding our environment. Understanding the way, we want to use our homes is vital to limiting waste and extending the life span of what we build. “Fundamentally architecture is about making places. It operates on the macro level, shaping cities and responding to external influences, reflecting our interests, attitudes and passions in our homes, places of work, worship and recreation.” “In addition, our inspiration is varied as it begins with the client and their aspirations for their project. We are contemporary designers and look to architects such as Carlo Scarpa and Tom Kundig for their play between new and old but our methods are fluid enough to tailor to the client not impose a style or ideal on a person. We also look to the context for inspiration, sometime this means working sympathetically with the context and sometimes working in contrast, it is this fluidity that produces sometimes unexpected but always beautiful designs appropriate to the individual constraints.” Most Outstanding for Restoration Architecture 2017 On winning the Most Outstanding Renovation Architecture award 2017, Nick says it is great to be honoured in this way. NFA architects strive for success for all their clients he adds. “Our approach is bespoke to each project and keeps the design process fresh. Taking the time to understand our clients and appreciating how they wish to live helps us to achieve the perfect solution. The key to our success in the residential sector is designing the big architectural moves that will create amazing spaces while applying the details that are personal to the client. This award is greatly received especially considering the length of time each project takes from the moment the first discussions ensue to the time when we can hand the keys back to our eager client. Testimonials “Working with NFA architects has been an amazing experience from many points of view. First of all, the team, led by Nick, is very competent, responsive and always looking for something innovative. During the planning phase, they have been able to address all the questions and concerns coming from the authorities making the whole process smooth. During the development phase, they have always been focused on checking the progress of it but most importantly they have been very demanding about the quality. In summary, I had a great experience and I will definitely work with them again in the near future.” Emanuele Angelidis. Private Client (Grade I listed building conversion) “Nick Farnell was the one architect who understood how we wanted our family to live in our new family home. He created a warm and light environment which continues to impress people who enter our house today. The sense of space and enjoyment is what helps create our house a home. Notwithstanding his workmanship. Nick was a pleasure to work with always listening to what was required, adapting and the result was wonderful. We have recommended him many times and look forward to working with him again in the future.” Pia & Keith DeCarlucci, Private client