Press + Media | GOAStudio London residential architecture

The London magazine 1024x675 Press + Media

Hidden treasures GOAStudio architects for the London Magazine

by | Jan 31, 2025

HIDDEN TREASURES Whether in alcoves or under stairs, secret storage and clever cabinetry help make the most of every inch of valuable space in the London Home, discovers Alexandra Goss. "Most London homes weren't built to accommodate the needs of modern life but architects and interior designers...

GOAStudio architects in Ideal Home Press + Media

Architect advice for Ideal Home Extension vs Conservatory

by | Jan 21, 2025

Extension vs conservatory — which is right for your home?Weigh up whether an extension or a conservatory is the best way to add space with our expert guide. By Sarah Warwick.Comments by George Omalianakis. "When your home is in need of some extra space, an extension or a conservatory could be the...

GOAStudio in Build It magazine Press + Media

Build It magazine | Lighting for kitchen diner extensions

by | Feb 1, 2023

"In general, there are two main impressions you can create with natural light. The theatre stage effect plays with the contrast between the lighter and darker areas, meaning less is more when it comes to rooflights. By reducing the amount of overhead light coming in, youincrease the focus to the...

GOAStudio London residential architecture media opinion publications 2 Press + Media

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

“We loved working with GOAStudio. George was a pleasure to work with – he was hugely professional, and struck absolutely the right balance between taking on board our ideas, and pushing us to think about new options and solutions. He made sure his approach was proportionate to the scale and nature of our project – and most importantly, he was great fun to have around. We were delighted with the service we received – and couldn’t be happier with our finished kitchen extension.”

— Helen and Jo | Nunhead, Lewisham SE15

“We love the contrasting elements George incorporated into the design of our small extension, such as the pitched vs flat roof, the high vs low ceilings, and the dark vs light areas. His design is also extremely practical – from the layout of the kitchen to the utility area – and demonstrates that George has thought about how we might go about living in the space on a day to day basis, and not just how it might look on project completion.

George’s advice has also been helpful throughout our project and we appreciated in particular his breadth of knowledge on all matters related to our extension project. He appreciated constraints in terms of building size, requirements and budget, and suggested various practical options for us to consider. In the end we now have a truly unique design for our project. He was also very approachable and friendly, and incorporated many of the suggestions we made, so we felt as if we were part of the design team.” 

— P.C. and M.T. | Finchley Central, Barnet N3

“We appointed GOAStudio in mid 2015 to design an extension and loft conversion for our detached bungalow, with our objective being to have a light filled open-plan living space that would make the most of our large south-facing garden.

Of the architects we shortlisted, we choose GOAStudio because we felt George understood our requirements best and came up with constructive ideas at our first meeting.

Although we may have been able to do our proposed works under permitted development, George recommended that we seek planning approval because of the contemporary nature of the design. He then managed the planning process with approval granted six weeks after initial submission.

Our works are scheduled to commence in 2017 and we can’t wait to see how the GOAStudio design translates through to a completed build that hopefully exceeds our expectations.”

— Annette H. and Darren S | Stoneleigh KT17

“If you are looking for an architect to manage the conversion of a legacy London house into something habitable/rentable/saleable, George is the architect that you need. He has well developed design skills that he translates into tasks that builders and suppliers understand, he is more than competent at dealing with planning authorities and responds well to client feedback. Hint: if you hire him, make sure that he is responsible for specifying the works to be done, and for ensuring that shortlisted builders/other suppliers meet the agreed criteria, and for making periodic site visits to ensure that everybody is delivering. Your chances of a project that is on time and on budget will be much improved. We did it. It worked. Top qualities: Great Results, High Integrity, Creative”

— Colin Moorcraft | Kings Cross, Camden NW1

“We are really pleased with our end result. Using an architect was definitely worth it for the design ideas and knowledge of the building process. Special mention goes to George, who was great: friendly, reliable and very thorough – I have already recommended him to several friends.”

— Judy King | East Finchley, Barnet N2

“Since this was a major project, the client’s had wisely decided to employ the services of an Architect. The project was put out to tender to 3 architects and further to discussions with each, a decision was made to appoint GOAStudio | London residential architechture, primarily on the basis of their reputation and also that the design vision they provided closely aligned to the client’s needs.  This eased the process towards finding a solution to ensure the kitchen could be maintained and still provide the required additional living space.”

— “Builders of Integrity” | Brockley, Lewisham SE4

“I worked with George earlier this year to design a loft conversion and ground floor side return extension. The loft was completed a few weeks ago and the side return project is ongoing. 

I would wholeheartedly recommend George. His approach is very collaborative rather than prescriptive, allowing the client to explore their own ideas using his experience and the practical parameters (structural issues, building regulations, etc). I found the process stress free and felt that we worked together on the design to reach a conclusion in an iterative manner rather than being presented with a series of static designs for me to like or not. 

Once the work has started on-site, the builders have needed to make tweaks to the designs to accommodate specific issues that have been discovered after we started to knock down walls, etc. But nothing major and I think this is a normal part of the process. 

Also, I needed planning permission for the side return extension and George fully handled this getting the outcome I wanted in good time.”

— Jon Simons | Arsenal, Islington N4

“Outstanding consultation, outstanding design, incredible attention to detail, proactive, personable and professional. George is an incredible designer. World class in every aspect, from inception to completion.”

— Andi Knowles | Hammersmith, Hammersmith and Fulham W6

AWARDS

2024 | WINNER IN THE INNOVATION & EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2024 | Historic building architecture practice of the year.“GOAStudio London Residential Architecture Limited, led by George Omalianakis, RIBA contemporary London architect and director, is an exceptional historical building architecture practice with a deep commitment to environmental consciousness and heritage preservation. Founded in 2009, the studio has established a reputation for its bespoke approach to each project, blending contemporary design with a keen sensitivity to historical context and sustainability. Central to GOAStudio’s philosophy lies a passion for projects that embrace their surroundings, whether it be through their historical significance or their environmental impact. Omalianakis’s career has been marked by a dedication to projects that resonate with their unique contexts, where no two properties or clients are alike. This bespoke engagement with both the building and the client forms the foundation of the studio’s approach, ensuring that each project is meticulously tailored to its requirements and potential.

One notable project, a residential house extension in South Hampstead, exemplifies GOAStudio’s approach to finding a delicate balance between historical context and contemporary living. This project showcases the studio’s ability to honour the heritage of a property while fulfilling the homeowner’s desire for modern amenities and aesthetics. In another project, a residential extension in High Barnet EN5, GOAStudio demonstrated its expertise in enhancing the accommodation of a locally listed house while respecting its historical significance. Through two-storey side extensions, single-storey rear extensions and internal alterations, the studio integrated contemporary design elements with the existing structure, creating a harmonious blend of old and new.

The judging panel were particularly impressed by the specialisms of GOAStudio, which go further and deeper than most when working on noteworthy buildings. One of the studio’s key strengths lies in its specialisation in dealing with Listed buildings and developments in conservation areas. This expertise allows GOAStudio to seamlessly blend modern design with historical preservation, respecting the integrity of heritage structures while enhancing their functionality for contemporary living. As GOAStudio continues to shape London’s architectural landscape, its commitment to innovation, sustainability and client satisfaction remains unwavering.”

2023 | WINNER IN THE INNOVATION & EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2023 | Residential architecture practice of the year.
“GOAStudio views itself as a creative problem solver that can find a solution to any construction or design problem that its client’s encounter. Alongside its technical and design expertise as an architect, clients can count on the specialist for its experience in obtaining planning permission. In this case, GOAStudio can make confident and intelligent planning arguments on its client’s behalf and liaise with planning case officers to obtain the approvals required. Listed properties and projects in conservation areas across London are amongst the studio’s specialties – obtaining a number of sensitive and challenging approvals for heritage assets. George’s deep knowledge of historic construction methods and meticulous attention to detail ensures careful modernisation of properties whilst retaining their architecturally significant character.

The judging panel was particularly impressed by the architect’s project management services, which support the client from the start of their residential project to completion. GOAStudio brings the client’s ideas to life by creating a project programme that breaks every aspect down into manageable stages. Taking the strain and stress away from its clients is a key element of its service, and GOAStudio will liaise with key figures such as quantity surveyors, structural engineers, and builders on behalf of its client as required.

With a focus on delivering each project on time, within budget, and to an incredibly high standard, GOAStudio’s input doesn’t end once construction begins, and the architect ensures it is on-hand to monitor the project’s progress until completion.”

2022 | WINNER IN THE BUILD CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING AWARDS 2022 | Best kitchen extensions practice – London.

2021 | WINNER IN THE LUXURY LIFESTYLE AWARDS 2021 | Best Luxury Architecture (Residential Renovation Project) for ‘Finchley Road, Camden NW6’ in London, UK

2020 | WINNER IN THE INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2020 | Residential architecture practice of the year.

2019 | WINNER IN THE LONDON PRESTIGE AWARDS | Residential architecture firm of the year.

January 2018 | WINNER IN THE BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS | Most Outstanding Residential Architecture Firm – UK | CORPORATE INSIDER

December 2017 | WINNER IN THE GLOBAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS | Most Outstanding Residential Architects 2017 – Southern England  | AI GLOBAL MEDIA

August 2017 | WINNER IN THE GLOBAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS | Best Residential Architecture 2017 – London | WORLDWIDE BUSINESS REVIEW

June 2017 | WINNER IN THE ARCHITECTURE AWARDS | Best Residential Extension Project: Brockley – Lewisham | BUILD – NEWS

June 2017 | WINNER IN THE ARCHITECTURE AWARDS | Best Residential Architecture Firm – London | BUILD – NEWS

June 2017 | SHORTLISTED IN THE ARCHITECTURE AWARDS | Most Outstanding Contemporary Residential Refurbishments UK | CORPORATE LIVEWIRE

May 2017 | WINNER IN THE UK BUSINESS AWARDS | Most Outstanding Residential Architecture Firm – London | AI GLOBAL MEDIA

May 2017 | WINNER IN UK BUSINESS GROWTH AWARDS | Best for Residential Architecture Firm – London | BUSINESS GROWTH

March 2017 | WINNER IN BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS | Excellence in Residential Architecture UK | CORPORATE INSIDER

January 2017 | WINNER IN INNOVATION & EXCELLENCE AWARDS | Innovation and Excellence in Residential Architecture London | CORPORATE LIVEWIRE

December 2016 | WINNER IN THE AI GLOBAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS | Most Outstanding Residential Architecture Firm – London | AI GLOBAL MEDIA

October 2016 | WINNER IN THE ARCHITECTURE AWARDS | Best Residential Architecture Firm – London | BUILD – NEWS

June 2016 | WINNER IN ARCHITECTURE AWARDS 2016 | Most Outstanding Contemporary Residential Refurbishments UK | CORPORATE LIVEWIRE

February 2016 | WINNER IN INNOVATION & EXCELLENCE AWARDS | Innovation and Excellence in Residential Architecture London | CORPORATE LIVEWIRE

October 2015 | WINNER IN THE 2015 ARCHITECTURE AWARDS | Best for Contemporary Residential Refurbishments | BUILD – NEWS

 

OTHER WORDS

  • October 2015 | Interview to Build Magazine | October 2015
  • September 2015 | Interview for Sally Howard’s article | The Sunday Times | “Life below stairs”
  • June 2012 | Angel, Islington EC1 – Listed House extension featured in Real Homes magazine | “A replacement house extension in a Conservation Area”

We provide architectural services for residential projects in the following London Boroughs:

Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Lewisham, Newham, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Westminster

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    GOAStudio London residential architecture limited.

    86-90 Paul Street, EC2A 4NE, Hackney

    Chestnut Avenue South, E17 9EJ, Waltham Forest

    t: 0203 984 3005

    e: george@goastudio.co.uk

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