ABOUT
Simon and Michael met at Oxford Brookes University whilst studying for their Part II in Architecture. Inspired by their shared ideals and ambitions, they quickly forged a firm friendship which endures to this day. With this shared vision for their futures in architecture, the two returned to London and took a short lease on an empty shop in Battersea where in 1983, Simon Smith and Michael Brooke Architects Ltd was born. There followed a rapid succession of houses bought, renovated and sold, all the while building a loyal and growing client base across the UK.
It wasn’t long before Smith & Brooke outgrew its original premises in Northcote Road in 1988 and the practice moved to its current premises in Clapham Old Town, set within a beautiful light and airy former classic car showroom into which a mezzanine was inserted.
Nowadays, the practice has become firmly established as a family practice in the truest sense of the word, with four of Simon and Michael’s respective children working alongside their fathers. Over the years, some 40 years after its establishment, SSMB has worked on over 2,500 projects, both within London and throughout the UK, including many in North Wales as well as a overseas projects.
With the common aim of providing their clients with results that are practical, contemporary and universal in their appeal, the current team of 11 expert, keen and design-led architects at Smith & Brooke have worked on a large variety of projects, from small extensions in private houses to complete house renovations and commercial premises. In addition to offering traditional architectural services, Smith & Brooke also offers assistance with interior design, landscaping, gardens and furniture design, all ensuring that their clients receive a full and complete service. Alongside this, Smith & Brooke have developed a close relationship with Marldon, a privately owned family property partnership which continues to purchase, develop and manage commercial and residential properties in London.
The vision of Smith & Brooke is simple – to provide the client with a reflection of their ideas by producing a beautiful, straightforward and contemporary result that sits comfortably within its surrounding environment.
SIMON SMITH
Founding Partner BA(Hons) DipArch ARB RIBA
As a Londoner through and through, Simon has extensive experience working on properties in the various different London boroughs and communicating with their respective councils. This rich knowledge of London helped form the foundation for Smith & Brooke’s long-lasting relationship with Marldon, a company which has worked at developing a multitude of projects around London. Throughout this partnership, Simon has been involved in bringing many large-scale residential and commercial buildings to life.
In addition to working on large residential projects, Simon regularly uses his creative talent to design inventive solutions to maximise the space of clients’ London homes. His long-standing relationships with clients are testament to his commitment and dedication to the projects.
Over their years at Smith & Brooke, both Simon and Michael have taken a very hands-on approach to providing rich learning environments for students at all stages of their architectural education, with many continuing to work at the practice once they have qualified.
MICHAEL BROOKE
Founding Partner BA(Hons) DipArch ARB
Michael is an extremely experienced architect who has worked on over 2,000 schemes throughout his career. He specialises in listed buildings and relishes the challenge of nursing complex schemes through the planning process.
His experience spans large country homes, residential builds in London and throughout the UK and several notable commercial builds. Due to a long family history in Wales Michael often works on projects here and was pivotal in the design of the recently opened Plas Wyneudd Hotel, part of the Llechwedd slate quarry, of which he is a stakeholder. Whilst the quarry still produces slate, it has focused on tourism to help regenerate much needed jobs in Blaenau Ffestiniog. He has also overseen extensive work on the Luss Estate in Scotland, developing a hotel, retail area, fish smoking plant and community store which, as with his work in North Wales, pivotal in regenerating the area in terms of employment.
In addition to being a trustee at St Georges’ School in Ethiopia, Michael has served as a trustee for the London Historic Buildings Trust (LBHT) for 25 years, working to save historic buildings at risk in the city.
Michael is a very keen artist and prefers to produce drawings at his drawing board rather than on a computer.
Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
We are a RIBA chartered practice and as such we work in accordance with the RIBA’s ‘Plan of Work’ i.e. we work through the sequential work stages as set out by the RIBA’s conditions of engagement
Architects Registration Board (ARB)
All our architects are registered with the ARB and work in accordance with the Code of Conduct set out by the ARB