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 …
Grade II-listed family home in Holland Park
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
5 Differences between Asian and Western bathroom design concepts
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 …
5 Top Tips in Chinese business etiquette (by a Chinese person)
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 …
30 Builder’s Phrases in POLISH You Might Find Useful
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 …
30 Builder’s Terms or Slang You Might Find Useful
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 …
When You Don’t Need Planning
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, …
REVIEW: RIBA and Hong Kong Business of Design Week 2019
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 …
Are there any Benefits of Having A Penpal in this Digital Age?
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 …
Importance of written agreement and brief: Architect to pay damages over project gone wrong
In a job that has gone out of control over the last few years in a nightmarish scenario, the architect, Daniel Marcal, has to pay £500K worth of damages to the clients for professional negligence said the judge yesterday for home cinema works to £7M mansion in North London. The clients, Mr and Mrs Freeborn, say: …