Build June (2016)

Build Magazine 24 Unit 1 Architects are residential design architects that specialise in niche back-land property development on Brownfield land. Director Christian Pinchin provides us with an overview of the company and how it came to achieve its current level of success. Unit 1 Architects offer development consultancy and can help any client, homeowner or developer achieve their dreams whilst maintaining their financial objectives. Christian outlines how the firm achieves this. “Here at Unit 1 Architects we can assist people with early stage feasibility and profit analysis and can use our expertise to help clients and developers really define the best profit mix or outcome.” “We use architecture as a tool to help people and property developers design the homes and spaces they really want. Whether it is a house renovation, dream house or a property development designed to maximise the best possible financial outcome, we can advise on the best route through the planning and building maze.” Cozen’s Place is the firm’s most successful project to date. Unit 1 Architects had a close relationship with its client and partner Reve Developments for this project and the Interior Design input from Mimi Dietrich (Reve design director) was invaluable. Christian explains how a collaborative approach was key to the success of this project. “Together with the team, we were able to transform this derelict and abandoned site into a high quality residential mews delivering three two bedroom houses on a small, constrained site. We recently won a London Evening Standard Home Award for Best Small Development and the project has also been shortlisted for the New London Architecture (NLA) Awards. It is a project we are all very proud of, it is fantastic that our combined efforts are being recognised.” Collaboration is something Christian takes very seriously, and as such the firm regularly attend networking events, which open up many opportunities to speak with like- minded individuals and share the firm’s own knowledge and experiences, thus enriching the wider industry. Christian talks us through a particularly important upcoming event and why he believes that working with his industry peers is important to the survival and betterment of his own company. “I will be speaking at the Blackfriars ‘Property Investor Network’ (PIN) evening in July, about our relationship with property developers & investors and how they can best work with Architects in order to be able to deliver truly exceptional property developments. “Networking is so important because successful delivery of projects takes a special relationship between the following; clients, Architects, builders, developers and all of the supporting consultants to create well- coordinated and profitable outcomes.” As a final comment, Christian explains how the firm approaches design, and what he believes the future will hold for his firm and the wider industry. “For me, architecture is and has always been in the details; at my practice, every design decision is evaluated and every design detail is intentional. There is great beauty in elegant and simple design. The most fundamental aspect, however, is embracing change and new technologies in order to be on the forefront of architecture. “The world is constantly evolving with the advancement of technology and with the scale at which it is accelerating, if you do not move forward at the same pace, you are sure to stumble and fall so it is essential to keep yourself up to date and well informed in order to survive. I believe in change, because without it there is no progress and pioneering new technologies will help push the boundaries of architecture even further.” Special Feature Ones to Watch for 2016: Architecture 1606WO22