MEET THE EXPERT - ARCHITECTS
Interview with MICHAEL REES Design Director
020 7871 3101 ALEXANDRA@DISTRICTARCHITECTS.CO.UK DISTRICTARCHITECTS.CO.UK
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT THE BACKGROUND OF DISTRICT ARCHITECTS. Ten years ago, I set up District as a solo venture from a home studio. Today, we are proud to have a talented team of eight and have expanded to include dedicated divisions for interiors and build. We hold extensive experience working across multiple boroughs, conservation areas and with listed buildings, and have been able to create homes for over 200 of our clients. WHO OR WHAT INSPIRED YOUR PASSION FOR HOME DESIGN? Inspiration has come from many different disciplines in Mike’s personal practice, and these have evolved into the design rules for the studio. An anchor has been the House of Finn Juhl, Copenhagen. The beauty in its simplicity is paramount to its success as a piece of design, architecture and art. The holistic design proportions external light and landscape with the application of internal colour and texture to create a coherent overall scheme. Every element feels considered and balanced. WHAT’S A COMMON MISCONCEPTION ABOUT THE ROLE OF THE ARCHITECT? Architecture is an unnecessary luxury applicable only to certain people.
Yes, it is a service to consider when preparing your renovation budget; however, what is often overlooked is the value that expertise brings. Not simply in achieving that aspirational look and the joy that comes from inhabiting the space, but in the practical arrangement— not just for today, but tomorrow and beyond. What is fundamental is the investment that considered design brings. TELL US ABOUT A PROJECT YOU ARE PARTICULARLY PROUD OF. Our project, Canning X, transformed a derelict coach house into a beautiful and functional home for our clients and their children. Rejecting the straightforward route of demolition, District was tasked with preserving the building’s historic character whilst providing a design that would stand up to modern family living. There were challenges, however: a footprint scarcely larger than a small flat, restricted access, a protected tree on site and a historic, protracted planning process. The result was a celebration of design and construction. The centrepiece staircase—a bold, folded-steel structure finished in dusky pink—was inspired by origami, with its angled planes and floating treads evoking a sense of movement and delicacy.
Bespoke joinery runs wall to wall, offering integrated storage at every opportunity. Pocket and sliding doors replace swing doors throughout, preserving flow and avoiding dead space. A compact dining area is tucked under the staircase, while a loft-like primary bedroom and workspace occupy the top floor, catching the sun from high-level glazing. All of this results in a successful scheme, not only in its beauty but also in its functionality. HOW DO YOU WANT A CLIENT TO FEEL WHEN YOU HAVE FINISHED WORK ON THEIR PROJECT? Embarking on a renovation can feel overwhelming. Our role is to provide expert guidance through every phase of the journey. The fact that the vast majority of our work stems from personal referrals is a testament to our commitment to supporting each client with genuine care. Success is found not in the price of materials, but in creating a scheme where value is integral and the architecture becomes greater than the sum of its parts. Every project is a unique collaboration. Our goal is to create a space where you feel you truly belong—a home you can be deeply proud of, just as we are proud to have created it alongside you.
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