The architectural practice was established in September 2016 by Paul and Laura Milton. Working as a team, we have a broad depth of experience working on a wide range of projects over the last 18 years.
Primarily, we work for private clients producing new build residential dwellings, internal refurbishment and bespoke extensions, as well as commercial and educational developments.
We have excellent working relationships with local consultants, contractors and Local Authorities.
The conservation specialism within the practice focuses on both the repair and conservation of historic fabric whilst also sensitively adapting and modifying it to meet current day living standards.
Our relationship between conservation and modern architecture works in tandem to allow evolution and innovative high quality design.
Photograph taken at Hot Water Beach in the North Island, New Zealand.
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The practice offers a personalised service to clients, our aim is to understand the ambitions and site specifics of each client, which are fundamental to the success of a project. As a small practice, we are able to tailor our services to suit each individual project and client and at the onset of every project we spend time developing a specific brief.
Every project is unique and thus requires a carefully crafted response. We recognise the need for intensive client involvement in the process, from the early sketches to final built detail.
We pride ourselves in providing a comprehensive and common-sense approach to our design service.
We believe that as architects and designers we should provide our skills to assist clients in creativity, inspiring and helping to create reality.
Photograph taken at Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia.
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Alongside new-build works, the practice also specialises in historic building projects. These projects involve both the repair and conservation of historic fabric, and internal and external alterations to listed and historic properties. Where new additions are incorporated, we carefully plan and design them to have minimal impact and respect the historic fabric/setting of an existing building.
The practice's approach is to attempt to retain and conserve all remaining historic fabric wherever possible using traditional materials and craft techniques. Through research and exploring the evolution of buildings they provide us with a full and layered history. This background can help guide and provide a solid understanding of how a building can be adapted for modern day living.
We our custodians of our historic buildings and they should be safeguarded for future generations to enjoy.
Photograph taken at Lanhydrock in Cornwall, England.
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We are currently undertaking a number of exciting projects. These include obtaining planning consent for a new straw bale house close to the Somerset/Devon border. It is proposed that the straw bales will be constructed within a timber frame with sustainable measures such as a ground source heat pump, solar PV cells and green roof integrated into the design. We are at the early stages of development and will let you know as this project develops.
Another project is a proposal for a new dwelling on an infill site in Curry Rivel, Somerset, which we recently submitted for planning consent and now await determination of the application.
We also currently have on our drawing board proposals for undertaking substantial internal reconfiguration and provision of a new garden room to a property in Langport, as well as looking at the reuse of a shipping container to be used as a weekend retreatin a woodland in Devon.
For other on-going projects please see our blog page & gallery.
Photograph of ceiling taken at the Former Yeovil Cinema, Yeovil, Somerset.
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Thank you for visiting our site. Our practice is based in the rural village of Drayton close to the towns of Taunton, Bridgwater and Yeovil. We provide clients with a full architectural service within the Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Bristol area. We specialise in new build and historic projects, where both can complement each other. Innovative design and detailing are at the forefront of the practice's beliefs, whilst also promoting sensitive conservation and enhancement/re-use of historic buildings.
Tandem Architects provide full architectural services. Our services can follow the RIBA Work Stages 1-7, from initial site appraisals and brief development through to post completion duties. However, we can also provide a bespoke service to suit the needs and brief of each client. We understand that not all projects need a full range of architectural services and we are able to provide any aspect of the work stages:
• Architectural Design
• Planning & Listed Building Applications
• Building Regulation/Technical Design Information
• Tender Negotiations
• Contractor Interface & Project Management
We have built positive relationships with the Local Authorities; which enables us to have a good record of securing planning and listed building consents, as well as being able to negotiate with Building Control.
Photograph taken at The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon.
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We aim to create unique and inspiring buildings and spaces that are tailored to our client’s individual aspirations. From small scale extensions through to larger new build projects, we explore every opportunity to unlock the potential of a building or site and enhance its value.
Our background is primarily within the private domestic sector including extensions and new build properties. We also have experience of the commercial and education sector working on both private and public sector educational projects as well as large scale hotel and leisure facilities.
Every building and site has its own characteristics and it is our challenge to address this to the brief. Our relationship between conservation and modern architecture allows us to understand the challenges of incorporating modern design within the fabric of historic buildings.
Paul and Laura studied at the University of Plymouth, School of Architecture, specialising in Humane Architecture and Historic Building Conservation. They have worked closely together for the last 17 years before founding Tandem Architects.
Paul is a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), Laura is a Conservation Qualified Architect (PGDip in Architectural Conservation) and both are members of the Architects Registration Board (ARB).
Photograph of Stained Glass Window taken at Buckfast Abbey, Buckfastleigh, Devon
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We like to undertake the majority of our projects on fixed fees so that you are aware from the outset of all costs and have no surprises later in the project. However, we are more than happy to calculate our fees as a percentage of the cost of the building work, or we can work on a time charge basis.
Photograph taken at Barrington Court, Somerset, England.
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