27 September 2018

We were lucky enough to get in conversation with Lieke Kester, Studio Manager at Agenda 21 Architects Studio.

Agenda 21 is a practice that provides architectural services with a design ethos that is rooted in the desire to create inspirational contemporary buildings which respect the environment and enhance their surroundings.

They boast offices in London, and a stunning portfolio ranging from community, residential, hotels, houses, and medical and master planning projects. You can explore the work of Agenda 21 here in their portfolio section

 

Over the next 18 months, which sectors do you predict to be most busy and why?

The residential sector is buoyed by both the speculative market for development sites and the “Don’t move, improve” domestic market for ambitious refurbishment and extensions. The number of enquiries for the former shows no sign of abating despite the uncertainty of Brexit. The demand for the latter is underpinned by the high house prices and disproportionate cost of moving. Unless the facts on the ground change dramatically, the shortfall of housing will continue to create work for architects. To complement this picture, the efforts of some London Boroughs to lead their own housing developments are encouraging for the profession.

 

Over the next 18 months, what obstacles do you predict for your market?

The potential disruption arising out of Brexit may well have an effect on the asking price expectations of land owners. This in turn could help in turning current land owners into local investors.  We have a particular interest in observing how the revised London Plan Affordable Housing Policy will influence the development market.

 

What is your studio flagship project?

We have a steady stream of work for the religion-based communities and we are particularly proud of the current project on-site for the Barking Gurdwara for the Sikh community.

On the commercial side, the Seven Kings Hotel is already turning heads and has generated interest in our work.

The next flagship project is a mixed-use scheme combining both major community use and large-scale residential with commercial elements. This is the reason for our recruitment campaign.

 

What is your main USP for attracting new talent?

We are a small practice punching well above our weight with a diversity of projects covering a broad range of building types. We have a keen interest in supporting ambitious architects, wherever they come from, providing them with hands-on exposure at all stages of the design and implementation process. There is room for newcomers to grow and acquire new skill sets whilst working as part of a lively and supportive team. Finally, we have just refurbished our offices and provided ample space for our team.

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In conversation with Agenda21 Architects Studio - FRAME Recruitment

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