One of the most misunderstood design opportunities for stained glass lies in the fact that it is only used in bright areas or rooms. Yet the opposite is true. In a dimly lit basement flat where there is little natural light, it enhances and gives the illusion of light whether it’s on a dark and …
If anybody remembers ink on Vellum I’d be gobsmacked. While decluttering and clearing out my office, I just found my old drawings (bathroom details, 1:5) from when I first started my practice. Nostalgia “awwww” moment. Drafting/draughting was a way of understanding an entire building from beginning to end – like writing a book. You can’t …
Completed this family home. A smart, early Victorian, handsome townhouse project in Holland Park, London. It’s simple and effective, a classic Ivy Ngeow design in wit and style. #womeninarchitecture #listedbuilding #architecture #interiordesign #gradeii #london #design #culturesandcommunities #blogger #remodelling #professionalwomen #author #completedproject
I am working on a very interesting live-work unit space with the working areas in the front of the building and the living space at the rear. It has to be a flexible, informal area because there might be guests or collaborative colleagues, and there might be entertaining. At the same time, when there are …
It is not the language but the 5000 year old culture that is challenging because it is the very antithesis of European culture. 1. If someone pays you a compliment you do NOT say thank you. It is deemed immodest, crass and a conversation killer. You return the compliment straightaway by giving a camaraderie act of humility with a …
This is a good list to pin or tape up to the tea making facility area in your site hut (file under Site Notice and Contact Numbers). It will really help your site communication if you can make an effort. You also want to understand what they are saying amongst themselves. It has taken me …
It’s not for everyone, but it helps to know the lingua franca. If you have the local accent, even better (“bet’ah”). Innit. CHIPPY (sl.): Not the Chinese takeaway cum fish and chip shop, but a slang for carpenter. eg “Yeah. We’ll ge’ th’ chippy knock owt tha’ stud wall.” SPARKY (sl.): electrician. COURSE: a horizontal row of bricks. eg …
Extensions An addition or extension to your house is generally considered to be permitted development. Different rules apply to flats and maisonettes, which if you are extending, you will require PP. If your house is in Conservation Area or is a listed building, chances are there may be restrictions specific to your area or property, …
Yesterday attended a very interesting lunch event “RIBA and Hong Kong Business of Design Week 2019”. Speakers included: 1/ Lucy Tilley of Adjaye Associates, who spoke about working internationally and understanding local culture and contexts (only 20% of their work is in the UK and the rest abroad), 2/ Jevan Chowdhury of Wind and Foster …
Recently I tweeted a memory I had of my penpal when I was 12 and I was astonished when today it’s so far had 80 likes. I know it’s not viral, humour me. I had two penpals. The one from the Philippines is in the tweet: To this day I cannot bring myself to open …
