Houlton Architects are a design led practice delivering new buildings, restoring or adapting existing structures, for both residential and commercial use. We have continued to achieve high quality innovative designs within the education sector. Notably children’s early learning facilities and school buildings for special educational needs. We are interested in various scales of design, able to deliver a diverse range of projects such as, feasibilities in urban planning, the reinvention of townhouses, to the detailed design of customised bespoke built in furniture.
Andrew Houlton first trained and practiced as an interior designer attaining Master of Arts (MA) Royal College of Art. Then subsequently qualified as an Architect. This particular journey has shaped the design process in the studio. Importance is given to observing how people use places, gaining a careful understanding of their needs, which through a process of exploration and imaginative thinking, leads to proposals in spatial structures and room environments that can benefit Client activities.
The practice has developed an approach for simple direct design in both spatial organisation and material expression of form. The built work is distinctive in its aesthetic signature. Yet designs reflect the collaborative personality of individual Clients. It is our job to discover imaginative solutions. Yet unique design can only evolve after, listening, understanding, then offering design thinking that can surprise, liberate expectations, benefit and enhance Clients activities.