Norwich-based Howie Architects is a small, friendly practice, headed up by Alastair Howie. Alastair has more than 30 years' experience as an architect and has worked across a range of sectors, including domestic, commercial and retail. His hands-on approach to every single job, no matter what the size or budget, means he can often take on projects where larger practices are unable to. He believes communication is the key to a successful outcome and, as such, listens carefully to his clients so he can respond efficiently to their requirements.
Managing a small practice gives Alastair the flexibility and ability to work on projects of all sizes.
He is happy to collaborate with clients on anything from the remodelling of a single room right up to the design and build of a complete new home.
It also means he is willing to step in mid-way through a design or build, where a project might have stalled or requires additional input.
Alastair prides himself on his relationships with other specialists and professionals. While clients are always welcome to employ their own tradespeople, Howie Architects can also recommend engineers, quantity surveyors, builders and suppliers of building materials if required.
The practice has considerable proficiency in dealing with local authority departments concerning issues of planning, as well as building regulations, and Alastair has an understanding of the sensitivity required where modifications are needed to listed buildings or buildings with heritage value or in a conservation area.
Although Howie Architects works in a number of fields, Alastair's own passion is for domestic work.
From that initial meeting through the design process to completion, the aim is always to ensure the client arrives at a solution that functions to an exceptional level, transforms their property and enhances their lifestyle.
Howie Architects prides itself in trying to do far more than simply creating a practical space – Alastair believes every project is also about crafting interiors and exteriors that are beautiful, comfortable and sensitive to their surroundings.
And that it is important to do so in a way that is sympathetic to the constraints of the available budget.
