Our commissions include 16 new churches and chapels and the
re-ordering of some 20 others. The photograph illustrates
a place of worship for 450 in South London incorporating a new
framed structure for the main meeting hall and conversion of and
Edwardian Co-Operative Society building for offices and teaching
areas.
In Church architecture the Architect is bound to be more
concerned with tradition than in other fields. Users of a church
are often more conscious of history. For many years the practice
has successfully achieved the delicate balance required for
Religious Buildings. The balance is to maintain strict cost-control
whilst creating an exceptional standard of interior design to
provide an environment for peace and contemplation. Exact details
of the form of worship and building procedures are discussed
with the local representatives of the Church to ensure that the
architectural implications are understood.
The design process ranges from re-ordering, conservation and
renovation of historic buildings to modern contemporary structures
that maintain the high standard expected of more traditional
structures. The design of such important community buildings
must always take account of their inevitable exposure to such large
swings of emotions, from the sombre services accompanying death to
the joyous celebrations of worship, birth and marriage.
To achieve this balance the practice has successfully bridged
the divide of time and emotions, a fact reflected by our
extensive experience in Church design.