Red Squirrel Architects Limited

We engaged Red Squirrel Architects to remodel and extend our 1930’s semi-detached house in South East London. Carl Johannsen-Ward was our main point of contact. The design/re-modelling has maximised the house to its full potential without an extensive and unaffordable project. We did work closely with Carl on reviewing the brief against the budget as we were working to a budget! Carl always provided professional advice. The drawings and specifications were of a high standard which allowed an effective tendering process and good detailing for the builders to build to. Following the tendering exercise, the contractor that did the work was one recommended from Red Squirrel. Having a builder with a proven track record was an important thing for me. On a personal level Carl was always approachable and managed our expectations well throughout the process. The project ended being quite long in terms of time due to issues such as planning, funding and getting the right scheme. I did confess from the start to Carl that I did this sort of thing for a living, working as Project Manager and having previously worked in Architecture myself. Some might say not an easy client! I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Red Squirrel to future clients.

Miles and the team from Red Squirrel were amazing in bringing our thoughts for our home to life. Coming with a construction background I had lots of ideas but really could not unlock some key decisions. Miles helped though the various stages with initial ideas through to full construction issue drawings with some excellent 3D visuals. During the build the team were on hand to help with any queries and were quick to respond. Would definitely work with them again on the next project.

We highly recommend Red Squirrel Architects as we are so pleased with Carls's fabulous design for our extension. Carl walked us through the whole process from planning through to build. At present, we have completed half of the project as external factors have put a hold on things for us, but we cannot wait to get it all finished.

We hired the Red Squirrel team a few years ago to help us transform a derelict, four storey mid-Victorian terrace into a modern family home for us, whilst being sympathetic to the Victorian heritage in the conservation area. This was our first build project and we looked for an architect who could support us on the journey. The design process was interactive and creative. Miles and Carl were willing to explore our ideas, whilst also challenging them were appropriate (structural reasons, costs etc.) Miles, Carl and Amanda were a pleasure to deal with at all times. Their local experience in South East London was very helpful, not least in selecting other third parties required for the project, from the main contractor through to chimney and fireplace specialist, saving both cost and time. The main contractor did not have any issues in interpreting the drawings and plans, despite fairly complex arrangements in particular with respect of the garden extension (sloped plot), attesting to excellent attention to detail. In a large project such as this, there are inevitably unexpected surprises to deal with, and the Red Squirrel team were always helpful, supportive and fair. Hiring the Red Squirrel team was one of the key decisions we made that helped us transform a building site into a home we love.

Miles and the Red Squirrel team have been brilliant to work with throughout our recent basement renovation. Their design ideas were great and they involved us throughout the process to make sure it not only hit our brief but went above and beyond that! And we’re thrilled with the final design. We kept the team on board throughout the build, which involved recommending contractors (who have been brilliant), managing the progress of the project and keeping track of the finances. And this has been invaluable to us. They know exactly what they’re doing and are first to make sure the contractors are doing things as they should be done. And having them involved for the many technical issues has been a god send. Although we’re still on the final stages of the basement, we’ve already had the team working on other areas in the house and really can’t recommend them highly enough!

The brief to Red Squirrel was to refurbish a 1930s detached house in a contemporary fashion; build an extension that brought the garden into the living spaces and create distinct areas for people to retreat to whilst at the same time being practical for a new family. Red Squirrel more than managed to do this and have truly designed a wonderful home for us, be it from the open space of the kitchen and living room; the large glass patio doors which slide fully open into the garden; the beautiful cantilevered roof with the cedar soffit or the clever zoning of the space from the sliding doors leading into the front sitting room or the lower part of the open plan which leads flush onto the patio. We truly have a beautiful home which is ideal for bringing up our young family. I couldn't recommend the team more.

Carl did a fantastic job and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him. His advice about lighting and particularly about the position of the Veluxes was spot on and his attention to detail during the project was great. Would definitely use them again.

Carl has worked on many projects for me and I recommend him to my friends who have also gone on to engage him so I can only say that from first contact to completion Carl has been exemplary on every footing!

We had a great experience with Red Squirrel. They really designed a fantastic home for us maximising it's potential. Every space is used and works hard for us. Having a local experienced architect also helped with planning process. They helped to shortlist contractors with high quality workmanship.

Miles Griffies from Red Squirrel Architects helped us creating a beautiful home in 2010 and 2011. From the early stage, planning and dreaming phase, right through finding a construction company and seeing the whole project through, Miles has been a great source of inspiration and support. His vision has transformed our house into a great living space for our family and now teenage children.

Red Squirrel Architects designed and project managed a single storey extension to our semi detached two bedroom house in 2014, along with other internal alterations. The quality of the design was fantastic: a clean, contemporary design with natural light and the connection to the garden maximised. RSA also ensured that the design of the house matched our requirements in terms of how we wanted to use the house. The approach taken was to design options which could be adapted / value engineered to meet our budget without compromising the key design elements. Miles and Anya provided professional advice and support at every stage of the process and were extremely helpful and patient in responding to our queries or talking though/resolving issues. The result far exceeded out expectations and more than met our brief. The architect fees we were charged feel modest in comparison to the value that RSA’s professional input added to our project. We’d have no hesitation in recommending RSA.

We have worked on a number of projects for which Red Squirrel are the Architects. The whole team are very responsive, helpful and professional. They have great attention to detail, and are a pleasure to work alongside.