Ambo Architects

We have found Paul to be very responsive and professional. We would definitely recommend.

Working with Ambo Architects, Paul Baker (Principal) and George, on our extensive warehouse/loft renovation in central London was in every way worthwhile and a pleasure. While I have renovated several homes over the years, this was the first time I used an architect as I had previously felt that the cost was an extravagance to be avoided. However, I am now convinced that engaging a good architect is excellent value for money. Paul and George helped us maximise all potential on a challenging design, kept the build on-track while ensuring a high quality finish, and expertly resolved all the issues that inevitably arise during a renovation. Without Paul’s extensive knowledge and expertise, we would have been dealing with costly errors, would not of added as much value to our property, and would not have the beautiful comfortable home that we now enjoy. Paul is an extremely professional, honest, and likeable person, and I do not hesitate to highly recommend Ambo Architects.

Paul Baker / Ambo architects, were exceptionally easy to work with, on this project. A lot of complexity was circumnavigated by Paul's knowledge and experience of working with the Dulwich Estate and Southwark council. He provided us with a wealth of enthusiasm, great ideas and positive energy. He created a computer generated 3D model of the build, which was a great help to understand exactly what we were getting, it was very much appreciated by my wife who struggles with plans, elevations etc. Throughout the entire project Paul and his assistants were on hand to help us with all aspects of the process, various hurdles and the many questions we raised during this time. Hence the 5 stars.

We worked with Paul Baker of Ambo Architects on our Victorian house in SW11. Paul is very thorough and worked through different perspectives with us on paper before we committed it to bricks and mortar. He took into consideration the needs of the family and the challenges of a mid-terrace, Victorian home and came up with some great ideas we had never thought about. Our builder described Paul’s plans and drawings as the best he had received from all previous architects, which is of great comfort when your old kitchen is being reduced to rubble. The building of the new kitchen/living area, two bathrooms and patio were beautifully achieved creating remarkable space and light for a Victorian home. For us, it was an enjoyable and inclusive journey, thanks to Paul and his availability and attention whenever it was needed. I wouldn’t hesitate in fully recommending Paul at Ambo Architects.

We invited a few architects to tender for our project. Paul was far and away the most inspiring, easy to get along with, full of great ideas and very practical. Paul helped us with our permitted development application, two planning applications and competitive tender to contractors. We redeveloped a Victorian-era, London semi-detached home. We added an extra floor, rear and side extension. We wanted to retain as many period features as possible while also bringing the house into the 21st Century with new windows, doors, wiring, plumbing, plasterwork, floors, etc. Paul helped us sift through the tender responses, choose a contractor and then we asked him to act as our contract administrator. We had weekly site meetings for nine months, he checked and re-checked the contractor's payment claims, valued the progress of the works and dealt with time and delay claims. As with any project, we had a few hiccups along the way and often we needed to find solutions. Between us, Paul and the builder, we would workshop ideas to find the best solution for our budget. Paul's experience and advice were invaluable. The attention to detail was phenomenal, but not to the detriment of our budget, which was critical. We had progress notes each week, updated drawings and great communication - on an almost daily basis. Paul even worked closely with our kitchen designer to make sure everything fit together in the limited space. The end result is a lovely family home, but the best decision we made was our selection of architect as the architect is so critical on a home renovation project. We didn't realise when we started our project how much could be involved - e.g. getting recommendations and advice from underfloor heating systems, to window details, to wiring points for sockets, but at all times we were able to bounce our ideas off Paul and his team and they were fantastic.

After an unsatisfactorily complicated scheme from another architects’ practice for an extension to my terraced house in Fulham, I was introduced to Paul Baker at Ambo. He came up with very simple but extremely clever plan, introduced a superb builder he had worked with before and all was followed through on time and within budget. And I didn’t even have to be there. The end result is beyond my expectations. I can not recommend him highly enough!

I worked with Paul on a large renovation of my house, including a new mansard roof and large ground extension. A 2-year project from start to finish. We had a long engaging iterative design process, to get what I wanted. The detailed drawings were in themselves beautiful, and critical in allowing the builder to get things right, first time and not improvise and get finished on schedule. Paul came up with some imaginative solutions to difficult problems, with a real focus on light and space, which we have been reaping the benefits of ever since. Excellent aftercare, and was easily contactable at all times, especially at critical junctures. I would fully recommend.

I worked with Paul Baker of Ambo Architects on an interesting project in Swiss cottage. and several other projects. He is extremely easy to work with, very sensitive to his clients needs and helped a great deal liasing between myself and his clients. He seems very diligent, inspired ,amiable and made the whole process enjoyable.

I have used Ambo on at least 3 major projects, all of which were challenging and fairly complex involving innovative and sometimes daring additions to listed buildings. In all cases the outcome has been outstanding, not only in design and use, but also in the handling of planning authorities including in sensitive areas such as National Parks etc. The projects have involved adding new buildings in sympathetic designs, adding to buildings in daring but complimentary designs and adjusting existing buildings in a completely different and ultra modern design that dovetails beautifully with the old stone buildings surrounding it. It obviously helps that Ambo has a deep understanding of historic, including ancient buildings, and can talk to planners in a highly informed and useful way, a true ability to 'speak their language'. As a result we have had an excellent relationship with planning authorities despite the daring of some of the projects we have executed. Very highly recommended.

Paul worked with me on renovating my house in Hampstead. It required a complete refurbishment. The project was ambitious and interesting and was completed efficiently and competently. Since then he has been involved with the upkeep of the project, as it is an old house requiring regular review. He is completely reliable and his communication is responsive and helpful. The house would not be the same without him!

Paul of Ambo Architects was recommended to me by my builder who praised his detailed construction drawings and problem solving skills. He said architects often provided only outline plans with very little thought on how the design should be practically achieved and that Paul was very different. The builder was right. Paul proved to be a delight to deal with, a very good listener with an open collaborative approach to the early stages of design. He has a great understanding of regulations both planning and building and produced a final design to a very high standard that sailed through all regulatory processes. The drawings provided for construction were extensively detailed with nothing left to chance, when any issues did arise Paul was on hand to help resolve the problems. The project was for a ground floor side return extension with a small first floor extension above. The realised design absolutely maximises both the available space and light in what is a small, and previously dark mid-Victorian house. The contemporary design, with modernist influence, is achieved in traditional materials and sits well with the rest of the victorian architecture. I would recommend Ambo to anyone.