From Concept to Keys
- Hannah Tapping
- Jul 3
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 18
Words by Hannah Tapping
By combining the design and build stages, Richards offers a unique approach that brings all aspects of a project under one roof.
Modern, stylish, but in keeping with the landscape and local architecture, Richards has the skills to design and build your perfect home. In conversation with Director and Owner Kurt Richards.
How do you approach the delicate balance between cutting-edge design and timeless architectural integrity in high-end builds?
At Richards, we believe that true innovation is rooted in understanding and respecting the past. Our designs are contemporary yet timeless, achieved by blending modern aesthetics with enduring architectural principles. We aim to simplify the process of building a home whilst still delivering an end result that will take your breath away. This philosophy ensures that our projects are forward-thinking and grounded in lasting design integrity.
What distinguishes your work in the luxury space from others operating in the same arena?
Our integrated design and build approach sets us apart. Combining architectural design, technical detailing, and construction experience under one roof ensures seamless communication and execution throughout the project lifecycle. This holistic method allows us to deliver bespoke solutions tailored to each client’s vision, ensuring quality and consistency at every stage. To ensure clients get the best value from the tangible elements that finish the space to meet their high expectations.
With increasingly ambitious clients, how do you bring bold architectural visions to life while maintaining buildability and long-term value?
We thrive on turning ambitious ideas into reality. Our team meticulously assesses each project’s feasibility, ensuring that practical construction methods and sustainable practices underpin bold designs. This balance guarantees that our clients’ visions are realised without compromising durability or long-term value.
How do you integrate sustainability and performance into your modern architectural designs without compromising aesthetics?
Sustainability is integral to our design philosophy. We incorporate energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, and passive design strategies to enhance building performance. Our commitment is to create homes that are not only beautiful but also environmentally responsible, ensuring comfort and efficiency without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.
Can you describe your typical collaboration process with clients on large-scale bespoke homes?
When a client first gets in touch with us, we start by guiding them through our Discovery Questionnaire and pointing them to our Knowledge Hub on our website, which is a collection of articles we have written, designed to support everyone from first-time self-builders to those embarking on their second, third, or even fourth custom home.
Our process is transparent, collaborative, and entirely client-focused. We take the time to understand each client’s aspirations, lifestyle, and practical needs. Using tools like moodboards and inspiration from social media, we build a clear picture of their vision.
Regular design workshops and in-depth planning sessions help ensure every detail is thoughtfully considered and aligned with what the client wants. This open, engaged approach builds trust and leads to homes that feel deeply personal, a true reflection of the people who live in them.
What are some of the technical or conceptual challenges that often arise in luxury residential architecture, and how does your team solve them?
Luxury residential projects often present unique challenges, from complex site conditions to integrating advanced technologies. Our multidisciplinary team addresses these challenges through carefully considered design solutions, rigorous technical analysis, and close coordination with our experienced construction team and specialists. This proactive approach allows us to navigate complexities and deliver exceptional results.
How do you tailor your designs for clients who seek both architectural innovation and deeply personal spaces?
We prioritise understanding our clients’ personal narratives and preferences. By engaging in thorough discussions and exploring their inspirations, we craft designs that are both architecturally innovative and intimately personal. This ensures that each home we create uniquely blends cutting-edge design with personal significance.
Credit: Richards and CSA Architects
What advice would you give to clients embarking on a build who want to ensure both artistic expression and practical excellence?
Engage with a team that values both creativity and practicality. It’s essential to have open communication and trust in your design and build partners. By collaborating closely and being open to expert guidance, clients can achieve homes that are not only artistically expressive but also functionally exceptional and enduring.
In a traditional project, the design and construction phases are separate, which often leads to disconnects. Time and again, we see architects design something beautiful but beyond a client’s budget. At that point, compromises begin, and redesigns, delays, and unexpected costs can follow.
With a design and build approach, cost is integrated into the conversation from day one. Because design and construction happen under one roof, the budget is not an afterthought but a parameter that guides decision-making. Clients know early on what things will cost. If something needs to flex, it happens intelligently, with full transparency and without compromising the integrity ofthe project.
Put simply: design and build protects the budget and the vision by respecting value. If you have already embarked on your project with your chosen architect, Richards has worked collaboratively with many local and national practices to bring clients’ ambitions to fruition.’
