Formed in 2002 by co-directors Edward Lipton and Jonathan Plant, LP Architects excels in teamwork, demands the production of high quality design and ensures the smooth running of the building process.
Edward Lipton BA (Hons) DipArch RIBA studied at Manchester University and later University College London and brings his attention to detail and love of the building process to the LPA team. He also brings with him substantial building experience from his previous practice where he was involved in large scale housing schemes and the running of several developments in the East End of London. Edward has been short listed in several competitions including the development of the BBC’s recording studios at Broadcasting House and has also been published.
Jonathan Plant BA (Hons) DipArch RIBA also studied at Manchester University going on to complete his Diploma at Westminster University. Jonathan has developed a strong interest in modular construction along with the use of sustainable materials and low energy design. As an Associate at his previous practice Jonathan developed his skills as a team leader and was involved in several high profile housing and community schemes including the development of the lottery funded Attlee Foundation. He has also been short listed for several architectural competitions and has exhibited his work at the RIBA.
Rebecca Pike Bsc (Hons) BArch DipArch RIBA a key member of the LPA team studied at Cardiff University where after completing her Part II spent a further year as a researcher and tutor on the degree course. She qualified as an Architect in June 2005 and continues her professional development in the undertaking of an MA investigating the use of Modern Methods of Construction in British house building.
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It all begins with the brief. Irrespective of scale and budget LP Architects place a large amount of emphasis on the process of defining the brief through discussion and exploration of ideas. With a clear understanding of the user’s requirements and a clear objective LPA develops the process aiming to exceed client’s expectations throughout the design and building process right through to the finished scheme.
Every project is approached with a fresh eyes pair of eyes, whilst drawing upon past experiences and projects. LPA are always searching for new ideas and technologies whilst ensuring that the main design concept is rigorously upheld. Whether works to new or existing LPA will always strive for a strong design aesthetic whilst respecting existing context, proportion and client requirements.
LP Architects’ Environmental Policy is based on a commitment to sustainable development in design, i.e. to protect the environment, to minimise the waste of renewable and non-renewable resources and to reduce energy consumption. We are committed to making LPA a greener and more environmentally-friendly place to work, and to working towards a more sustainable, ‘greener’ future.
Throughout its activities and services, the company will endeavour to minimise any adverse impact on the environment by means of pollution prevention and energy and water conservation. In this way, cost savings, increased operational efficiency and improved quality of products and services will be achieved as well as maintaining a healthy workplace for the Company's employees.
In pursuit of this policy, LPA believes:
Whilst the end product is key the road to completion is often complicated. With teams of proven suppliers and consultants LPA is able to act as lead consultant to smooth the path to completion and deal with much of the ‘nitty gritty’ along the way. In collaborating with these suppliers and consultants on a regular basis LPA believes that many of the regular pitfalls found during the building process can be avoided leading to a happier construction team and client. A strong relationship with many local authorities means that LPA can also achieve the best results from each application they undertake.
LPA offers a full architectural service from concept through to completion. The comprehensive service includes initial feasibility and concept design, planning advice and submission of planning applications, detailed design, interior design, production of tender information and sourcing of contractors, site works and project handover. LPA respects each client’s individual needs and tailor the service to individual requirements often with particular emphasis based on the involvement of the client in the project.
Project size: up to £500,000
LPA were selected from a number of leading architects to design the entrance, communal spaces and exhibition space for the world-renowned exhibition, Dialogue in the Dark. Dialogue is a sensory experience destination. Visitors go through a series of installations set up to resemble a park, a sitting room, a boat ride on the Thames and a football stadium amongst others. These installations are experienced in absolute darkness and visitors are led by a blind or partially sighted guide.
All the rooms in the exhibition building must be easy to navigate and accessible to blind and partially sighted people but on the entrance level (where the café, education rooms, box office etc are located) the design must also showcase excellence in Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliance whilst incorporating visual and sensory aesthetics for both sighted and non sighted visitors.
In designing the project we have tried to adopt a complete design approach, much of which is informed by starting with the DDA requirements rather than ‘bolting’ them on at the end and hope to break with the misconception that by complying with the DDA requirements creativity will be inhibited. Creating a building where ‘traditional values’ of aesthetics matter less has led to designs which rely heavily on our 4 senses other than sight.
A plot on Essex Road currently containing a two storey 1950s building is to be replaced with a mixed use block containing both residential and office use. The design combines an industrial aesthetic with an appreciation of local context. LPA are working closely alongside the developer client and the Conservation department in formulating a design for a building which pushes the boundaries of the existing varied street context.
Project size: £250,000
This Grade II listed, early Victorian semi-detached house has been extensively remodelled internally to restore and repair many of the original features. A sleek glass box extension at basement level opens the dining area up to the garden and provides a contemporary edge.
Project size: up to £100,000
This extension and refurbishment of a terraced house in Clapham comprises the infilling of the space between an existing closet wing and boundary wall with a glazed structure providing light and ventilation through opening roof lights and large sliding doors. LPA worked closely with the client throughout, ensuring that the desired work was achieved within their budget.
Project size: £100,000 - £250,000
The scheme for Fitzwarren Gdns involves the comprehensive re-modeling of an existing detached 1950’s detached house including the addition of a further storey at roof level. Situated in a conservation officer the remodeling which received planning permission in November 2005 involved working closely with the conservation department to agree a contemporary approach to the design. Using the virtue of its location and the implementation of a contemporary design and materials is hoped that the scheme produces a building which is able to carry itself without falling into the trap of a pastiche of muddled architecture and style.
Planning permission has been granted for a two storey rear extension and basement conversion to this large detached house in the Moor Park conversation area. The new intervention comprises brick flank walls and a predominantly glass rear wall which frames the view to the garden from both the kitchen mezzanine level and the new basement games room.
Project size: less than £50,000
Having worked with the Client on a previous project LPA were appointed to design and commission library shelving for a house in Highbury. The final design incorporated a full height full width shelving constructed from Red Gum timber with a sprayed lilac sliding bookshelf in front to create extra storage. The bookcase was built by Lee Tyler, whose work can also be viewed at www.leetyler.com
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The project brief here was to re-design the basement and garden of a Grade II listed terraced house. A new stair with toughened glass balustrade and folded walnut treads and large glazed sliding patio doors form the basis of the changes. The design of the garden has been undertaken in collaboration with landscape designers The Garden Design Studio.
Walls in this Islington apartment were removed to create one open-plan space focussing on a custom made stair formed from steel and galvanised steel mesh.
Project size: £50,000
Cloudsley Road is a Grade II Listed Georgian terrace property located in the Barnsbury Conservation Area. The property had been divided into two units when in ownership of the local authority with the top portion being sold into private hands on its arrival to LPA. Much of the original internal arrangement was in good condition though many of the original features and fittings had been removed. The property comprised 2 bedrooms and a large bathroom amongst other spaces. The final result was to produce a third bedroom, provide a newly located bathroom and ensuite shower space to the master room along with introducing a contemporary new staircase to the rear to replace what was a dilapidated timber stair.
Project size: up to £250,000
Cloudesley Square is an important landmark in the Barnsbury conservation area and our brief for this project was to refurbish a Grade II listed terraced house in the square. LP Architects worked closely with the conservation department of Islington council to ensure that original features were retained and restored, along with interpreting some in a more contemporary manor.
Project size: £1 million +
29 Astons Road is a new detached seven bedroom house located in the Moor Park conservation area. Internally, the contemporary elliptical stairwell and industrial walnut and stainless steel kitchen contrast with the red brick exterior which is consistent with its more traditional context.
This new build eight bedroom house is located in the Moor Park conservation area. The proposal is currently being considered for planning approval. Once complete the house will provide luxury, state-of-the-art accommodation including a centralised integrated sound and lighting system.
Project size: conceptual system
LPA acted for Freestyle Skateparks to implement the construction of the new concrete skatepark which forms part of a larger sports facility built by Hertsmere Council. LPA aided in the procurement of consultants and the contractor and led the project through to practical completion in time for the opening alongside the rest of the park facilities.
Project size: £50,000 - £500,000
LPA is working closely with Freestyle Skateparks to implement a growing number of concrete skateparks in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Working with Freestyle’s designers LPA aid in the landscaping, specification and contract administration of the parks and are involved from the initial meetings with the local authorities and user groups through to construction and hand over of the finished schemes.
This rugby pavilion was designed to a tight budget and in close consultation with members of the club to produce a building which could be used for events and after matches. The design enabled clear views across the playing fields, along with maximising light into the main spaces of the pavilion.
