RISE Design Studio

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Reviews

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  Ben Myers

  We thoroughly enjoyed working with Sean, María, Imran and the rest of the RISE team on our recent project. From our first meeting, we were confident that RISE were creative, knowledgeable and organised and were assured that he would support us on a full renovation and extension in our new home. We were proved correct as the whole process from developing multiple layout proposals (we chose Option 15!) to securing planning permission (we had to submit five planning applications!) and managing the tender process went smoothly and we were able to create our dream home that we probably couldn’t even imagine when we first walked in the door! As well as the architectural design, planning permission, building control and project management, RISE went above and beyond when it came to interior design - supporting us with paint colour choices, bathroom tile suggestions, designing our kitchen and even lighting schemes that definitely enhance our home and always gather compliments. They took on board our feedback but made sometimes bold suggestions that we wouldn’t have considered ourselves. The design is so strong and well thought through that we all felt at home within weeks of living there. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with the team and would recommend them without any reservation.

  20-05-2023
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  Tamer Kizilagach

  As a contractor who has had the pleasure of working with many architect practices in London, I must say that my experience with this particular firm has been nothing short of exceptional. From the very beginning of our collaboration, they have displayed an impressive level of professionalism, creativity and attention to detail that has made working with them an absolute joy. What impressed me most about Rise design was their ability to seamlessly integrate both aesthetics and functionality into their designs. Their designs are always well thought out and take into account not just the client's brief, but also the practical realities of construction. They pay meticulous attention to details such as material selection, structural considerations, and energy efficiency, which makes our job as a builder much easier. In addition to their design skills, their project management skills are also excellent. They are always on top of the project schedule, ensuring that all aspects of the build progress smoothly and according to plan. They are also excellent communicators, keeping everyone involved in the project informed and up-to-date on progress. Overall, I would highly recommend Rise design studio to anyone looking for a professional, creative, and well-organised team to design and manage their construction project. Their commitment to quality and excellence is truly inspiring and has made my job as a builder much more enjoyable.

  29-04-2023
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  Ed Templeton

  We commissioned Imran and Sean for a complete fit-out of our new business home on Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia. This was the second time we appointed RISE and they exceeded our expectations again! The process was complex as the design had to comply with the Landlord's detailed guidelines. Our brief was very challenging as we had a tight budget to achieve the maximum wow factor within an existing shell of three Georgian townhouses. What RISE provided for us was guided decision making. All the way through the project, we were given multiple suggestions by RISE, and then through discussion and multiple samples, we'd arrive at a decision. RISE committed a huge amount of effort and time to this, often producing six or more drawings to help us decide upon a particular layout. We made many decisions, but they never felt forced, rushed or tedious. Frequently we'd say to RISE 'What do you think works best?', and while they'd always say it's up to us, they'd give their opinion on what they'd do if it was their house. That saved us a lot of time, got us such an incredible new home for our business and reduced decision-making fatigue! I wouldn't hesitate to use RISE again.

  27-02-2023
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  Beth Silver

  We love our beautiful house. Maria was an excellent project architect. Thank you!

  27-02-2023
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  Rosie Greatorex

  Sean and his team have been a joy to work with throughout all stages of our relationship as a Client. We wished for a second screen extension to our social enterprise cinema in Kensal Rise, London. He listened to our brief and really took the time to ask questions and seek insight on our requirements. We were impressed with RISE’s range of pragmatic design ideas and solutions. In just two weeks we were presented with a striking range of drawings that matched perfectly what we were dreaming of. But the story did not end there. We’ve taken the time to outline some of the story of the Lexi Cinema and Lexi Hub in numbers! In 2016 - RISE first started to help the Lexi team with minor improvements to the cinema. Sally (our founder) had the idea to develop the 99 sqm strip of car park at the rear where Screen 2 now sits. We had 3 Pre Applications with Brent Council during the concept development stage who were very helpful. We had 1211 local signatures supporting the Lexi Hub when we submitted the planning application. The designs include 5 Sustainable Strategies: Super-insulated walls, Airtightness, Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery, Wildflower Green Roof. During the construction phase of The Lexi Hub, an electrical fire caused major smoke damage to the original cinema - you couldn't make it up! This required a complete refit of the existing interiors. We managed to salvage original period details and character including the pine parquet flooring, which was restored and reinstated to the main entrance and Box Office. We saw the accident as an opportunity to create a new cohesive interior language throughout the cinema’s facilities and spaces. Then the Pandemic! The Contractor worked diligently through the new rules imposed by Covid. In May 2021 The Lexi Cinema and The Lexi Hub opened its doors to the public. So far, the Lexi Cinema & Lexi Hub has been shortlisted for 3 Awards: AJ Retrofit Award, RIBA McEwen Award, FX Awards (Finalist) and Winner of 2 awards - the Civic Trust Award + reddot winner 2022 (Zalacain Wayfinding). From start to finish we have been impressed by the teams’ attention to detail, calm approach under pressure, practical hands-on style and going beyond what we could have expected from any other architect.

  27-01-2023
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  Kitty Kaletsky

  Imran, Sean and their team have designed a beautiful home for us in Queen’s Park that we absolutely love living in. We did a wraparound extension and a full interior renovation and RISE suggested a cost-effective re-design that made excellent use of the space available to us. Their suggestions for new floor layouts were bang on - aesthetically pleasing, bright, airy and very functional. Sean and Imran’s work on the design was brilliant too. They suggested some great additions including the oriel window and the glass timber stud partition that we wouldn’t have been bold enough to choose if left to our own devices and the result is stunning. The whole team was lovely to work with and they helped us source and coordinate with our fantastic builder Iljaz, whom we were also very impressed with and we’re glad we went with them as the first choice from our shortlist. We still have our final snagging meeting to go but we’re confident that RISE will help us fix any issues and address any final tweaks. As Imran always says, you do have to live in the renovated house for a while to fully understand what you need from it. Overall, we’re very happy and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Imran and Sean and their team to anyone looking to renovate their home, we found they are great value in terms of the sheer effort they put into the designs and the advice and coordination all the way through.

  27-01-2023
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  James L

  Sean and RISE were absolutely excellent throughout the project. We appointed RISE to gain planning approval for four new mews houses in Kenton, North London. Throughout the project Sean and the team were extremely attentive, always available to discuss and would always take time with us. The team's eye for detail and fantastic talent were the reasons we chose them and we were so thankful we did. Throughout the project they were extremely practical and made sure every decision was for our benefit. They were amazing at helping gain planning approval on what was a very tricky site. Covid caused significant delays and in the end we had to go to Planning Committee to get planning permission, which was a hard fought battle. The proposals are for highly sustainable mews houses which will help Brent meet their housing targets. We cannot recommend RISE Design Studio highly enough. Thank you.

  27-01-2023
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  CBC Design & Build

  We have been working with RISE Design Studio for the past 6 years. It is always a pleasure working with the RISE team. Recently The Lexi Cinema & Lexi Hub project we worked on with RISE won the Civic Trust Award! This is a huge achievement for all involved. I can highly recommend them for their professional approach and creative designs.

  27-01-2023
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  George Cotter

  We appointed RISE Design Studio for a side return and dormer extension, and a complete renovation of our mid terrace house in Clapham. We wanted something unique and dramatic, with loads of natural light. RISE really went above and beyond our expectations, creating a space that truly is more than we could have imagined. From the initial consultation, where we immediately felt at ease with the team, to the transparency in the build costs of the project, all the way through the design process and project management, RISE was consistently professional, flexible and communicative. It certainly hasn’t been an easy time for anyone in the industry as we started on site at the start of the pandemic, but RISE's proactive attitude and their adaptability made it easy to work with them through the various lockdowns, navigating the supply chain challenges and everything in between. It was a real pleasure to work with the team - they really did their utmost to make the process as simple, straightforward and enjoyable as possible. I’d not hesitate to recommend RISE Design Studio. Their team is the perfect balance of creative and practical, solutions and imagination, to make whatever dream you have come to life.

  27-05-2022
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  Benjamin Gerstein

  In 2017 we appointed RISE Design Studio for a complete renovation of our home in Kensal Rise, including extending to the rear and a dormer in the attic. We met several architects but felt that RISE design would be the best at listening to our vision for the space. We found their service to be excellent. They helped us continually evolve the design to find the right solution for the layout and any problems that arose. Although we had done some renovations before this was our biggest project to date. It was therefore useful so have their experience in negotiating our tenders with the builders and administering the building contract. They also patiently helped us navigate the planning process, making amendments as required. There are lots of hoops to jump through when undertaking a project of this scale and we felt lucky to have had them as part of our team. We believe that collectively we were able to transform our old house into a home that works for us, has ecological concerns in mind and we love. Communication was key in transforming our brief into a reality. Sean and Natsuka were very capable throughout the various stages, with an open-minded and approachable working style. We were very happy with how our project turned out and have recommended RISE design to many friends! Sent from my iPhone

  27-05-2022