Introduction

Wa was founded by Jake Winter in 2019. The practice has gained a reputation for its housing, cultural, educational and mixed-use projects. Working at a range of scales, they commit to each project as an investigator, aiming to uncover and reveal the ideal and unique hidden solution which each individual context hides. They immediately invite the client into the folds of the design team and embark on upskilling and training them to lead and make pragmatic decisions throughout the project's conception. This ensures that every project is not only individual but also the correct beautiful resolution required of the client and the site.

Wa's work is the summation of strong relationships and collaborations with engineers, horticulturalists and artists. Research and teaching tightly frames the work in the studio. Jake Winter is a visiting critic at Oxford Brookes and Birmingham University, where his expertise lie in the spatial politics of informal settlements.

It is a testament to the skill at Wa that many of their clients return and go on to build bigger and larger projects as they develop and grow their skill set and portfolios. Wa's experience allows them to assist clients in avoiding many of the common mistakes during construction and also provides a pragmatism that allows project issues to be solved efficiently, cost effectively and quickly.

The project team have a range of experience, gained at a plethora of RIBA award winning practices working at numerous scales.

Work by the directors has been published in academic journals and been shortlisted for World Architecture awards.

People

Founding Directors

Jake Aiken Winter

Jake Winter BA(hons) DipArch RIBA ARB studied architecture at the University of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne and the Sir John Cass School of Architecture in London. Following his studies he worked in India for NGOs, where his research explored the passive building technologies which allow for efficient and low carbon architecture to thrive. The Indian ideology of Jugaad, or 'creation with meager resources' is a frugal efficiency which underpins much of his work today, ensuring there is a beautiful and simple elegant rationale behind his projects.

Laura Malric-Smith

Laura Malric-Smith BA(hons) Mphil studied at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. Following her extensive research on the architecture of the Mesopotamian World in Turkey, she has worked advising construction projects on complex archaeological contexts and the preservation of monuments. She is intrinsic to the team's collaborative design ethos working with engineers, academics, artists and scientists creating a strong bridge between contemporary and ancient architecture.

COO (Chief Operating Officer)

Eleanor Winter

Eleanor Winter is the Chief Operating Officer at Winter Architects (A job role normally more commonly seen in the Tech Startups at Silicon Roundabout and San Francisco). She brings together her experience from Facebook and the Softbank supported Fintech company Cleo to fundamentally redesign the way an architecture practice works. Currently in early research stages, she is leading the gathering of our operating data to begin to automate common architectural management tasks within the office. Her aim is to 'gamify' the experience of using architects. Do watch us, to see the gradual implementation of this new methology in our standard services.

Services

Wa provide a full range of services tailored to your project's individual needs and budget. These services can be adapted and cherry-picked to ensure you only pay for what you feel you need.

What sets Wa apart is their ability to look at your project and identify unseen opportunities where more value can be added. Using a range of three dimensional technologies and key client checkpoints, Wa go to extreme lengths to ensure the project that is built is the one that meets your needs.

Services provided include:

Stage 1: Feasibility studies/site appraisals

Our initial service and report is completely free. We look at your site, any land registry documents, the local planning context and can advise on whether you should use us for your project. This first step is win-win for both us. You get an architect to glance over your plans, and we get a good feeling for what people want to build in our area (We are building geeks fyi).

Stage 2: Architectural design consultation and pre-planning advice

We look at everything all together and get your needs drawn up in plan and 3D models to take to the Local Planning Authority to get their intitial thoughts on whether to go ahead for a full application. This little step helps make sure we don't waste our fees on a project that the council will not allow. This step is where we start charging fees. But don't worry, you are still in control, we take small steps, and make sure that with each new stage we are adding value to your property and project. Whether this is a small report to pass onto future buyers, or to help you shape your financial end game. Employing an architect is about adding value to your property greater than the upfront money spent. We keep this in mind throughout the entirety of each project.

Stage 3: Planning applications/permitted development Applications

We get a conceptual building designed that both you and the Local Authority are happy with and then submitted for the relevant approvals. The design will be fully explorable in 3D visuals and often on a Virtual Reality headset if it is required. At this stage we will also get all the planning reports together (from tree and building surveys to ecology surveys and planning consultant reports if needed).

Stage 4: Building control application

This is where the building detail and technical aspects of the project really begins to be formed. We appoint the relevant professionals (Structural Engineers, Party Wall Surveyors etc.) and seek their input into your project. We then put all the drawings together to be costed by a builder (We have many we can recommend). This drawing set is then issued to get Building Control Approval to ensure the project meets all the Building Regulations

Stage 4+: Tender documentation and construction drawings

At this stage we send out drawings to multiple recommended contractors and builders who we know and trust (And any others you may have had recommended to you). We then get multiple prices back for the building work. These are then analysed by us for price and value and competence before being selected for the role. We can then advice on a suitable contract and payment method between you and your chosen builder.

Stage 5: On-site monitoring and project management

Once we have a price is agreed with contractor. You can choose whether to keep us involved. We can stay with you throughout the build to make sure what is being built matches drawings, to resolve small issues that emerge during construction and offer general advice with all aspects of the contract. We can have a frank and straightforward conversation about fees and how much you would like us involved at this stage.

Stage 6: Completion

When the building is finished, we can help with all aspects of contract administration. We'll ensure that any defects are recorded and rectified and provide any aftercare required to tweak the finished building to perfection. This service is often billed hourly as needed, and we will never undertake any work without clear initial instruction to ensure you are aware of our costs.

Design team co-ordinate and management

We can also take on a range of project management tasks for you, including Health and Safety, CDM Principal Designer Roles, Contract Administration, Cost Monitoring. Please do ask!

Previous Practices

Adrian James Architects

Ash Sakula Architects

John McAslan + Partners

Skidmore, Owings & Merril