We Are Recruiting!

Part II Architectural Assistant Job Vacancy

This week, KODA architects Hereford celebrated its two year birthday and with a developing portfolio of work, we now have a Part II Architectural Assistant Job Vacancy. KODA architects was established in February 2019 and since this time, we have seen a wide range of growth in all project sectors. We specialise in heritage works, with a contemporary edge. We currently have a number of interesting and exciting projects in the pipeline which are set to come online over the summer months. We are a dynamic, design-led architects practice based in Hereford and due to significant practice growth we are recruiting for a Part II Architectural Assistant. The ideal candidate will have experience in the residential, commercial and developer led sectors. Some experience in the heritage sector would be beneficial but not essential.

This is an excellent opportunity for a determined and ambitious individual to learn and gain responsibility within a dynamic practice. 

Excellent communication and presentation skills are required together with a positive can do attitude. You should have strong technical knowledge together with good creative flair as you will be working on both the design and delivery stages of projects. This is an opportunity for an individual, who has attention to detail, is able to take initiative and work comfortably within the existing team.   

If you would like a fantastic opportunity to join a fast paced, growing practice with exceptional team members then please send your CV and covering letter to  info@kodaarchitects.com together with a sample portfolio. We will offer the right candidate the chance to work on high quality, design led projects together with work in other sectors the opportunity to develop their skill set over time and a remuneration package will be reflective of experience and skill set.

Closing date for applications is 15th March 2021.

Check out our INSTAGRAM page to see what we’ve been up to in out first two years. 

Cheltenham
New houses in Herefordshire

Working with English Heritage & Amazon at Stokesay Castle

KODA architects in Hereford are working closely with English Heritage and Amazon Prime at Stokesay Castle in Shropshire

This week, KODA architects Hereford has carried out a schedule of condition at the grade I listed and scheduled ancient monument of Stokesay Castle in South Shropshire ahead of the site being closed to the public until May for the filing of a period drama by Amazon Prime.

The production which is set in the medieval period is set to be aired later this year. Before the production team could move in and dress the set, a full schedule of condition was required to safeguard the historic fabric against damage. 

Stokesay Castle was constructed at the end of the 13th century by Laurence of Ludlow, who at the time was one of the richest men in England. It remains a treasure by-passed by time, one of the best places to visit in England to experience what medieval life was like. The great hall has remained  unchanged for over 700 years and is a fine example of construction with spectacular medieval roof timbers. Perhaps the most characterful addition to the complex is the 17th-century gatehouse with fine decorative timber carving. The castle is set within breathtaking views of the Shropshire Hills

The gate house, although characterful was built much later and would not fit the medieval setting of the drama, neither did the 21st century reception or WCs. Therefore the production team had to this carefully about how to hide this interventions from the finished article. 

We are eagerly waiting for the screening of the new drama. Watch this space!

Stokesay Castle

Appointed as advisor to Gloucester DAC

KODAs Conservation Architect has been appointed as advisor to Gloucester Diocese Advisory Committee.

Formally appointed by the Bishop of Gloucester last summer, KODAs Conservation Architect Fred Hamer joins Gloucester Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) as an advisor.

The Diocesan Advisory Committee is comprised of members and advisors from many sectors and specialisms. The group comprise members of clergy, architects, surveyors, technical members such as structural engineers, M&E consultants and others. Their role is to advise churches through church re-ordering and church repair projects and advise them on the best practice.

Gloucester Diocese has a wide and long reaching area and within such a wide variety of buildings, ranging from brick built Victorian churches with strong axial focuses eastwards and to the high alter to quaint Cotswold Stone chapels with Medieval paintings and less formal liturgical layouts. 

The challenges faced by churches today are more apparent with ever decreasing congregations and ever increasing repair and maintenance costs. KODAs Conservation architects in Gloucester have a wide range of experience working with churches and PCCs across the country to bring about careful and sensitive way. KODA architects are working with a number of churches across the region, check out our church reordering helpful guides. 

This furthers KODA architects commitment to preserving and carefully adapting our built heritage. Working with heritage instead of seeing it as a hinderance, brings about more meaningful architecture, one which is routed in a forgotten age. 

KODA architects celebrates turning 2 years old

KODA architects Hereford celebrates its second year in business 

KODA architects today celebrates their second year in business and is looking forward to another year working closely with existing and new clients across the region.

During our second year, the range of projects we saw in our first year continued with work including many residential, ecclesiastical, conservation and repair projects as well as a number of commercial and developer led proposals. This year, whilst a difficult  year in terms of the wide spreading pandemic, we saw the start and completion of projects onsite with numerous planning and listed building consents awarded.  The team at KODA architects have been working closely with contractors and other specialists to continue as normal process as possible during difficult conditions.  A number of our projects are listed on the portfolio page of our website but we look forward to showcasing some of new projects very soon.

KODA architect conservation architect Fred Hamer said: 

“Our second year has been a great success and we have been lucky to have such a wide range of projects.We have developed and made new relationships throughout the year and are looking forward to developing on these in the forthcoming new year”

This year there has been a hive of activity on a number of sites throughout the region as KODA architects are acting as contract administrators. We have more exciting projects in the pipeline, which will share with you when we’re onsite.  Stay tuned to our Instagram page as we follow the progress of these projects until completion. 

 

Conservation repair works start onsite

KODA Architects Hereford appointed to oversee repair works  to a Grade I listed church

KODA architects are pleased to announce that conservation repairs have started onsite at a Grade I listed church in Herefordshire. KODAs Conservation Architects in Hereford are acting as contract administrators overseeing the repairs to the Smalman monument at St. James’ Church in northern Herefordshire.

It was found that the Smalman monument, which is located within the chancel of the grade I listed church, was falling away from the north wall. The fine marble and alabaster monument is held in to position with iron fixings but over a period of 150 years, these fixing had rusted and fractured the masonry behind. A faculty was petitioned to Hereford Diocese to strap the monument to the chancel wall as a temporary measure before funding could be sought to make repairs. 

Cliveden Conservation Workshop in bath, who specialise in fine and detail conservation repairs were appointed and works started onsite earlier this month.  The works have started with carefully dismantling the marble to unveil the iron fixings into the rubble wall behind. Once these fixings have been replaced with stainless steel, providing a mounting system which cannot rust, the fine marble carvings will be reinstated back in position with lime.

We will be making regular visits to site to monitor the progress of the repairs. Stay tuned our Instagram page for regular updates. 

Construction Starts in Worcestershire

KODA architects are excited that construction has started in Worcestershire after detailed design

Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent was obtaining last year for the renovation of this fine 16th Century timber framed cottage in Worcestershire. The grade II listed cottage occupies a prominent location in a village near Pershore and once housed staff who assisted with running the nearby country estate. The cottage is one of the original buildings in the village, only outdated by the neighbouring church. 

Following a building regulations and detailed design stage by KODA architects, the main contractor took possession of the site in late November last year. The work is proceeding well onsite with a new Party Wall being constructed, replacing a substandard separation and the wider cottage renovations are well under way. KODA architects are working closely with the main contractor and wider design team to deliver the high quality renovation and extension on the edge of the Cotswolds.

Repairs to the 16th Century timber frame cottage are a significant part of the project as well as upgrading the terms, efficiency and services within the building. A large, open plan extension to the rear will house a new open plan kitchen and living area with large bi-folding doors overlooking the south facing garden. KODA architects are appointed to oversee the construction works together with the project manager and will be regularly visiting site over the course of 2021. We regularly update our social media feeds, so stay tuned for progress onsite and the big unveiling of the extension. We will be regularly keeping you up to date with this project through out Extension in Worcestershire portfolio page. 

We cant wait! 

Architects Worcester

Happy New Year

KODA Architects Hereford Wishes All Its Clients, Suppliers and Colleagues a Happy New Year

What a year 2020 has been for us all! There has been many ups and downs with the Pandemic, lockdowns, the tier system but we have had the clap for carers and not forgetting Captain Tom. The beginning of 2020 seems a long time ago and reflecting on the year just gone, we achieved so much.

Looking back this year, our success in our first year continued as we turned a milestone one year old. We have been lucky to have a wide range of clients with a wide range of projects and buildings to work on. We have been successful in numerous planning applications, listed building consents and faculty consents as well as the start and completion of projects onsite.

This year we have completed repairs and extensive refurbishment of a Grade II* listed building in the centre of Cheltenham as well as the completion of a suite of holiday cabins in rural Herefordshire, with fantastic views over Hay Bluff. This trend set to continue throughout this year with some very exciting projects in the pipeline with the start of several projects onsite, the first of which is beginning at the end of January. 

This year we have worked together with a wide range of new and existing suppliers and colleagues and are thankful for their help in our design process. We look forward to seeing a new mixed use scheme in centre of Hereford, the start of repairs to a country estate house and numerous residential building projects as well as repairs to a grade I listed church in Herefordshire.

2020 has been an exciting and busy year for us at KODA architects and we look forward to an even busier year, next year. We wish our clients, suppliers and colleagues a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.

architects-cheltenham

Construction Starts in Cheltenham

KODA architects are excited that construction work has started in Cheltenham after long discussions with Cheltenham Borough Council.

Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent was obtaining earlier this year for the complete renovation and a first floor extension to this a fine early Victorian property in Regency style. The property is located within Cheltenham’s Central Conservation area and is grade II listed. Extensive research was carried out as part of the design phase which informed our proposals, ensuring the proposals did not damage its significance but added to the history of the building.  This rigorous methodology underpins KODA architects approach to adapting historic buildings. In this instance it greatly assisted during our discussions with the Planning Department and provided a sound justification for the proposals. 

Works have started in earnest with site clearance and strip out. Already the first floor structure has been installed, ready for the removal of the roof and commencement of work on the first floor extension. To give our extension a subservient aesthetic, the new external walls of the first floor extension are inset away from the existing walls. This allows the leanto roof still be read and the contrasting nickel cladding adds a carefully considered addition. Following a detailed design stage, KODA architects Cheltenham, held discussions with contractors throughout and contractors took possession of the site in late September. KODA architects are working closely with Leckhampton Builders of Cheltenham to deliver the high quality product, fitting for this fine Villa property.

KODA are appointed as Contract Administrators to oversee the construction work and will be regularly visiting site over the next couple of months. We regularly update our social media feeds, so stay tuned for progress onsite and the big unveiling of the extension. We will be regularly keeping you up to date with this project through out Regency Extension in Cheltenham portfolio page. 

We cant wait! 

Specialist-Conservation-architects-hereford

Specialist Conservation Architect title awarded.

KODA architects Hereford are proud to announce that the Royal Institute of British Architects have awarded Fred Hamer title of Specialist Conservation Architect.

Fred Hamer now joins the RIBA’s register of skilled professionals who have “an authoritative knowledge of conservation practice and extensive experience of working with historic buildings”.

Fred said “I have been lucky to have working on a range of historic buildings throughout the country ranging in significance from grade I listed cathedrals and churches, listed public and private buildings to scheduled ancient monuments and other sensitive sites. Being awarded the title Specialist Conservation Architect is the culmination of many years hard work, learning about these structures and considering how to authentically to repair/ preserve and conserve them. There is no one solution to fix all historic buildings and our approach must be carefully nuanced to each project. Before we propose any changes to any historic building, first we must learn about them and understand not only their physical condition but also their place in history and social context.”

This award and new title allows KODA architects in Hereford to continue their commitment to carefully conserve the past and help our clients understand their stewardship as custodians of these fine buildings.

KODA architects was set up in early 2019 and based in Hereford, reaching out into the neighbouring counties and across the UK. Since its inception, the practice has grown from strength to strength. Today Alex and Fred have projects throughout the country including Cheltenham and Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and into Shropshire and Monmouthshire. Using our specialised knowledge and approach to help deliver numerous projects across all project sectors our approach has been welcomed by our clients, earning us many accolations.

For a small collation of our projects and to learn more about KODA architects please see our social media instagram @kodaarchitects and facebook: KODA_architects

www.KODAarchitects.com

 

architects-cheltenham

Planning & Listed Building Consent Granted!

Planning & Listed Building Consent Granted in Cheltenham!

KODA architects Cheltenham have the pleasure to announce that planning permission and listed building consent application in Cheltenham for an extension to a grade II listed property.

The grade II listed, villa style property is located within the Cheltenham Central Conservation Area, close to the town centre. Built in the early 19th Century as part of a new urban extension to the town, the generous housing plots are dominated by grand regency style properties along tree lined rods. The front façade boasts fine Cotswold stone ashlar set over two storeys with cellarage. Commanding the front façade is a decorative porch with classical proportions and Doric columns.

The property had been previously altered and adapted to suit the needs of the previous owner however this did not lend itself to a new family environment in the 21st Century.

KODA architects Cheltenham were approached to carry out a series of sensitive repairs to restore the building back to its prime. In doing so to relocate the existing bathroom which subdivided a principal bedroom.

A small but carefully considered extension was proposed to the first floor to rehouse the main family bathroom aswell as a new ensuite to serve the master bedroom. The extension is proposed to be clad with a contemporary red zinc to show a clear difference between the existing and historic fabric. Both ensuite and bathrooms are to be lit from a perimeter roof light

The permissions were the result of long and detailed discussions with the planning and conservation officers at Cheltenham Borough Council. As part of the discussions, Conservation architect Fred Hamer detailed the development of the building throughout its history mapping the various alterations since the building was first built. It was here we could demonstrate that the building had once been L shaped but later an infill rear extension was added.

The project is set to commence onsite later this year – watch our instagram  for progress throughout the process.

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