Le Lay Architects

Art Architecture Heritage
Chelsea based practice providing ideas on architecture, heritage, health and wellbeing. Connecting art and architecture at The Foundry Gallery.

Our approach is very straightforward: architecture, people, place; understanding the building, site and context; understanding the people using the building; creating a meaningful place. We find out as much as we can about the building and bring forward any issues that will influence the design of the space. We believe it is really important to focus on forward moving, positive, clear decisions, be able to lead a strong team of professionals and influence the design from start to finish.

The success of the project is reliant on competent people interested in working together. Architects are trusted by their clients to be at the centre of this process and they must skilfully communicate the design to all members of the team. We employ a hands-on approach to construction, and encourage all members of our team to be on site as much as possible. This is a successful policy we have implemented for many years allowing better communication skills, fostering a sound learning environment for all members of our company.

We have built up a large body of experience working with buildings in historic contexts, and encourage the concept of architectural stewardship. We have deep respect for historic buildings, for the culture and tradition of building and the work that’s gone on before us and we respect the people whose values are embedded in older buildings. This principle allows a clear values system in which contemporary elements resonate with the retained structures and fabric.

Architects are trained to have a very good sense of space in different dimensions and how it interacts with light. We visualise how space functions for people and how they will identify with their surroundings. Architecture and place are tied together by people and finding that connection is a key purpose in an architect’s involvement.

We put our values into practice by making a positive commitment to working with communities. We have national projects with community buildings of all types including schools, churches, and social enterprise community projects and hope to actively engage with more in the future. We are able to help them reconnect with their buildings and how they may be used.

We have always seen ourselves as a practice in the local community and have provided personal services to local private as well as professional clients. Currently we are encouraging creative and arts at our practice and last year created a community art space as part of a refurbishment programme that successfully opened last year and continues with a very interesting programme this year.