Delivering Exceptional Design Across the Globe

Our first overseas project was in Sweden in 2015, when we were invited to participate in a competition. Although we didn’t win, the experience gave us confidence in our ability to work internationally. In 2016, we were commissioned to design a private house in Stockholm. Despite my Swedish background, I had never worked in Sweden before and was unfamiliar with local regulations and construction practices. However, by applying our usual rigorous approach, we were able to provide a full service, making site visits at key stages to oversee progress. Contractors on the project often remarked that our drawings and construction knowledge exceeded their previous experiences with the local level of construction information.

Since then, international projects have become an integral part of our practice. Clients come to us because they love our work, and through referrals, we’ve had the privilege of designing homes across multiple continents. Establishing a global presence not only enhances our ability to take on unique and exciting projects but also elevates our practice to compete with the best architectural firms worldwide.

How We Ensure Design Excellence Overseas

One of our key strengths is the broad expertise that UK architects bring to projects. The UK’s architectural training is among the best in the world, combining design excellence with a deep understanding of construction, detailing, and contracts. UK architects are also often more involved in the site and build process than we see in many other countries, which gives us a strong foundation when working internationally. This experience allows us to adapt to different construction standards while maintaining the highest level of design integrity.

Every country has its own planning laws, building regulations, and construction practices, so we collaborate with Executive Architects or Architects of Record. These local partners help navigate approvals, recommend consultants, address compliance, and logistical challenges, ensuring smooth project execution.

Our involvement in overseas projects typically follows one of these three models:

1. Design Guardian Role – For private clients who prioritise quality, we remain involved throughout the entire process, even when an Executive Architect leads the technical design and construction. This ensures that every detail aligns with the original vision, safeguarding the design from being compromised.
2. Full Technical Design Role – In some cases, clients want even more of our involvement and control over the details. Here, we produce detailed construction drawings ourselves, ensuring that every aspect meets our design standards. The Executive Architect assists with some construction methodology advice and product suggestions, as well as translations if required.
3. Collaborative Approach with Contractors – In some countries, such as the USA, we work closely with contractors who have in-house architects and engineers, ensuring that our designs are fully realised while integrating seamlessly with local construction practices.

Why Our Approach Works

No matter the structure of collaboration, one factor remains constant: our ongoing involvement is essential to maintaining design quality and precision. Whether we are overseeing execution as Design Guardians or leading the technical design process, our priority is to deliver exceptional homes that meet the highest standards, wherever they are in the world.

If you're considering an international project, we’d love to hear from you.