THE STUDIO

Studio 163 is an Architecture RIBA Chartered Practice. Based in London and Norfolk, we are particularly interested in the fields of housing, urban design, community projects, research and illustration. We are committed to producing meaningful places with a strong community focus.

Our residential projects include new build homes, extensions, retrofits as well as conservation-focused projects. We offer a full service from initial client conversations and briefing to guiding you through the planning process, preparing a detailed construction set of information for pricing and site monitoring.

Prior to founding Studio 163, we developed experience through established practices in France, Italy, Spain and the UK delivering a wide range of schemes from new-build housing to international schools, offices, hospitality spaces, cultural buildings and are using this expertise to foster a diversity of projects within our own studio.

We enjoy the challenges of awkward, previously unconsidered sites and see ourselves as straddling the line between planning, development and design.

We are always open to engage with initial ideas from individuals or groups of people as we believe setting the right brief is fundamental to a successful outcome and do not restrict ourselves by requiring a minimum construction budget for a project.

The attitude of the office is to allow room for appropriation and customisation of spaces by the people who use them.

In addition to Urban, Architectural and Interior Design work, we offer in-house 3D visuals and Architectural photography services.

THE TEAM

THOMAS FEARY

Director

Tom was trained in Architecture as a graduate of the University of Bath and the Royal College of Art.

He has worked in offices in Milan, Barcelona, Paris and most recently London. Prior to joining Studio 163 in 2021, he worked at Karakucevic Carson Architects and Hawkins brown on large residential masterplans for a variety of clients including local authorities, TFL and housing associations.

He is also a published writer with written work in The Guardian, Blueprint magazine as well as co-editing a recent book on Social Housing with the RIBA.

LEA GRANGE

Director

Born in France, Lea completed her studies at the ENSA of Lyon, University of Bath and University of Westminster.

She has previously worked both in France and in London and, Prior to founding Studio 163 in 2019, she worked as Project Architect at Jestico&Whiles Architects on housing, education, cultural and historical refurbishment schemes, including Pitzhanger Manor cafe in Ealing and the more recent office building for Imperial War Museums in London.

In 2013 she was shortlisted for the prize of the Young Architecture of Lyon.

Behind the scenes, we are both actively engaged in all projects. We take a collaborative approach throughout the design process so that each project benefits from multiple perspectives and frequent design reviews.

OUR PROCESS

You may choose to employ us for only of of the following stages or all of them but this is typically how we work:
CONCEPT DESIGN / RIBA STAGE 0-2

Following a site visit and in-depth discussions with you to understand how you want to live and use the space as well as your ambitions for the project, we explore multiple ideas through layout options and sketches. In addition to 2D drawings we like to develop the concept design with a 3D model. This is helpful to test how early ideas will look like once built and to convey how light and materiality will be read.
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For larger or more contextually sensitive projects, pre-application advice may be sought at this stage whilst the design is still in early development. 

 
DESIGN AND PLANNING / RIBA STAGE 3

Following the feasibility study and your feedback, a single design will be developed to provide a detailed set of 2D drawings and required reports ( Design&Access statement, Heritage statement). These will form the basis of any required permissions (full planning, permitted development etc).

At this stage we also like to involve trusted builders to get a rough understanding of cost and ensure the proposals work within your budget, informing the next stage of work. 
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We will submit the planning application on your behalf at the end of this stage. The determination period for most domestic-scale applications is eight weeks following a validation period of up to 10 days, though this varies between councils.

We will be in direct contact with the case officer during this time to make sure they have all the information they require.

DETAILED DESIGN AND TENDER / RIBA STAGE 4

At this stage, we develop the design through further 3D modelling to reach a high level of resolution and sufficient detail where a co-ordinated pack of information can be sent to building contractors for pricing.

The detailed design stage resolves materials, specifications and detailing for the whole project. The decisions made here will make a big impact on the quality and feel of the final building, so we will have increased contact with you and the design team during this period. It is at this stage that we co-ordinate the project with other third parties ( Stuctural Engineer, Building Control officer, Party Wall Surveyor, etc.) At the end of this stage, our pack is usually ready for construction. However in some occasion, we can provide a “building control package only” which is less resolved but is sufficient for building regulations approval.
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Most of our projects are procured through a negotiated tender process whereby we utilise our trusted network of contractors, fabricators and makers to provide the best quality and value for money. We are happy to enter a competitive tender process should this be requested.

Depending on how you feel, we can do this stage “at risk” in parallel with the planning application submission being reviewed by the council, or we can wait to have secured planning.

CONSTRUCTION / RIBA STAGE 5-6

Our level of input can vary considerably whilst on-site, so we will tailor our service to your project requirements. We’ll produce any additional construction drawings requested by the contractor, answer queries and attend regular site visits to check that the work is progressing smoothly and that the design is followed.

This stage ensure our vision is delivered successfully. 

Testimonial

Client Feedback & Reviews

Thank you so much for creating such a beautiful home for me - I absolutely love it and feel so grateful that I get to live here! I have loved working with you - thank you for all of the care, consideration, time and energy you’ve poured into each stage. You gently helped define my dream, then you made it come true! I couldn’t imagine working with a more positive and supportive team!
Sophie
Having you as our Architects made such a big difference - you have been key to the success of the project all along from the initial design, planning, tendering and the building phase. As this was the first time for us to be part of such a big project we had lots of questions, were unsure or just could not decide about a lot of elements. You have listened to us, provided your inputs, explanations, guidance and always respected our thoughts and feelings so that we could make a more informed decision.
Ben and Andrea
In selecting an architect for our project – a thorough GF renovation and extension of a terraced house – we reached out to several firms.
From the beginning, Studio 163 impressed us with their maturity, easy-going communication style, and an alignment in design inspiration for our home. Plus, and perhaps most importantly, their technical capabilities were highly recommended by our builder whom we had worked with previously and continue to trust.
They worked with us patiently to finalize a design that we are immensely happy with, secure planning, detail the project, and agree to a build contract.
During the actual build period, they were consistently on top of all key details, worked collaboratively and efficiently with our builder and other suppliers/trades, and overall delivered a project that all parties involved in are immensely proud of, most of all us!
Will and Elise
We felt from the first meetings that Tom and Lea were listening to us and understood what we wanted for the house. They have responded sensitively to the building and its surroundings and we are delighted with the home that the project has created. The design feels friendly and welcoming, and brings light and the sweeping views inside. To be able to see the salt marshes from the mezzanine is a true joy every time. Tom and Lea’s attention to detail is amazing and their design sense impeccable. The house is transformed, while still fitting comfortably into its location on the village green.
Adrian and Sarah
I am a structural engineer and have worked with Studio 163 on a number of projects and they have been nothing but attentive, professional and incredibly helpful to everyone involved. Their portfolio of elegant designs speaks for itself. A pleasure to work with!
Ed Watson
Very professional approach and friendly in their communication, Tom and Lea have provided me with detailed planning permission drawings for my attic room conversion. Very positive experience and also fast result. Thank you!
Klara Hawes
Studio 163 are a Norwich based firm of architects, and we have worked closely with them on project in north Norfolk. Tom and his associates have an incredible eye for detailing and we have arrived at an outcome that we are more than happy to have been a part of - thank you 🙏 if you require a firm of Architects in Norwich / Norfolk we would highly recommend getting in touch with studio 163
Will Hall
It has been a real pleasure working with you on this. You have really excellent interpersonal skills – every time we have a conversation I have noticed that you allow me to speak and listen to all of my thoughts, even though I am sure some of it isn’t relevant or helpful. You have a way of giving me your opinion and insight without shutting down the conversation and keeping options open. I know this is a very small project for an architect - and yet you have treated it as though it is important and you understand that it is important for me.
Anna
Forward-thinking architecture practice that has helped us with the design scheme for an extension and remodeling of our home. They helped us to achieve what we wanted and were extremely communicative throughout the process.
Matt and Lauren

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We are always interested in working on all project types, large and small or to collaborate.

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Contact

Office

Studio Inn 11 Netherconesford, 93-95 King St, Norwich NR1 1PW

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