Annette Whymark BArch(Hons) Architecture, DipArch, ARB

Why I do what I do

My passion, and the focus of my career, has been in not just producing great design but in delivering built projects that realise a client’s vision on site. I pride myself on being both creative and practical with design.

I also love architecture. I truly believe that the way buildings are designed and built can have a direct impact on our quality of life. Good design can help to simplify our lives and be uplifting in the same way as poorly designed spaces can frustrate and be detrimental to the way we live. Nowhere is this more important than in a home.

Often small design interventions can dramatically improve how a home functions. Reconfiguring the layout of a home to allow you to supervise your children while cooking rather than being tucked away in a separate room, opening up unused space as a family grows or connecting your living space to your garden can all make your home easier and happier to live in. I know this from my family life and how a change to your home can make a huge difference.

I get enjoyment in what I do from listening to clients, understanding their needs and priorities and using my experience and creativity to design something that works for them. It is a collaboration. I want to bring my ideas, experience and knowledge to each project and design something that is individual to the client and their vision. What that looks like for each project can be very different - from clients who have a clear concept or experience of their own to those who want more support and guidance through the design and construction process, I have worked with them all.

My experience

I am a qualified architect with over 15 years of experience in residential and commercial architectural design and delivery. My training was at Nottingham University where I achieved 1st class honors before working at practices in Bristol, London and Surrey.

Before setting up my own practice, I was an Associate architect at Broadway Malyan Architects, leading a team focused on residential and commercial developments working with individual clients through to large-scale developers. Over the years in practice, I have worked on the whole spectrum of residential projects - from high-end residential developments, modest home extensions and new developments around London to building the tallest residential tower in Ireland (the Obel). Having the opportunity to work on a whole cross section of residential and mixed-use projects has given me a great insight into different design needs and allowed me to develop strong expertise in both designing successful homes as well as managing projects through to completion. I have worked closely with councils and planning authorities to deliver a variety of projects for clients including many involving historic or listed buildings or sites located in conservation areas.