New Practices #11: Studio Gil Architects

Studio Gil Architects, Islington, London

Founded: February 2009

Main people: Pedro Gil and Rodrigo Gutierrez

Where have you come from? Pedro worked at ORMS and Aedas Studio. Rodrigo continues to work for SW Architects.

What work do you have? Our work is predominantly residential. Such projects are often the wrong fit for larger firms, but they can provide a stable supply of work for an emerging outfit. The hands-on care that a small practice brings is appreciated by the clients and, if done well, can lead to further work through recommendation.

What are your ambitions? The main ambition behind the practice is to bring a culture of methodology and rigorous process, through drawings and models, to the buildings we produce. We firmly believe that if  you draw it beautifully, you will build it beautifully. We [Studio Gil and SW Architects] have collaborated both professionally, through feasibility projects and competitions, and academically, through the post-graduate diploma studio at London South Bank University.

How optimistic are you? Our experience in this challenging climate has so far been encouraging. We have found that while the commercial and large scale residential markets have dried up, the small independent one-off domestic extension or remodelling is thriving. Twelve months ago domestic clients would have been looking to invest in the buy-to-let market, now they have decided to stay put and extend or develop their existing homes. This small niche market remains buoyant as contractors have had to adjust to conditions and be competitive.

Contact: www.studio-gil.com, mail@studio-gil.com