DISCUSSIONS WITH | 3 MINUTE READ
LEES ASSOCIATES: DELIVERING AND DESIGNING THE FINEST PROPERTIES IN LONDON
As an award-winning interior design company, Accouter have handpicked a team of interior designers, architects and fellow artisans who are dedicated to creating unique worlds that are beautifully considered and seamlessly executed. With a flair for style and an eye for detail, their band of creatives help turn unique ideas into unforgettable spaces. In an on-going partnership with Lees Associates, an architectural firm in London, Accouter recently interviewed Andrew Paulson, Partner of the company.
INTRODUCING LEES ASSOCIATES
“Lees Associates is a practice of Architects and Designers specialising in prime residential, hospitality, retail and commercial projects. We are best known for our design and delivery of exclusive projects in prime central London, but our work extends to country estates and internationally.
Our reputation extends beyond designing some of the finest property in London. We are recognised for the skill and precision with which we deliver our designs to: from comprehensive, coordinated construction design information to regular inspections during and at the end of works on-site, ensuring the ultimate quality of the final product.”
THE PHILOSOPHY OF LEES ASSOCIATES
“We place emphasis on establishing strong relationships built on trust with all of our collaborators, from clients to consultants and contractors. We strive to earn the trust of everybody we work with by treating them with respect and honesty. Our guiding value above all else and is an essential ingredient for a successful project. Of course, working with the likes of Accouter, this is not a challenge!
We value design and delivery in equal measure. It is no good producing a stunning design if the quality of its delivery is lacking. Similarly, the highest standards of construction cannot make up for a weak design. Our philosophy is to never give less than 100% on a project, from conception to completion.”
SUSTAINABILITY WITHIN CONSTRUCTION
“We have been championing sustainable design since 1999. We were early pioneers of implementing sustainable strategies including reed beds, filtering wastewater back into the surrounding environment; biomass boilers, burning wood chips from coppicing parts of the property’s land; and solar panels and photo-voltaic cells. But there is still much more that can still be done to minimise carbon footprints, especially in the historic properties of central London on and we will always seek to incorporate whatever measures we can to facilitate this. It has been great to see sustainability steadily rise up our clients’ list of priorities over the past few years. It is no longer merely a status symbol to be seen to achieve high levels of sustainability; it is a matter of environmental responsibility, which we all have a duty to uphold.”
PROJECT FAVOURITES
“It is impossible to single out any one project from 40 years’ work, but recent favourites include our fit-out of the premium penthouse at One Hyde Park, our many and varied projects at Harrods, and The Star & Garter in Richmond. Our award-winning Camp End Manor project in Surrey has also been a highlight, especially the spectacular floating stone stairs we designed for it.”
“We always look to build on our reputation for designing and delivering the finest properties in London and beyond.”
– ANDREW PAULSON, LEES ASSOCIATES.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS WHEN DESIGNING AND PLANNING A NEW PROJECT
“For our residential projects, it is vital to invest the time to understand what the client’s objectives for the project are, along with the opportunities that the site presents. Often these are more complex and challenging than first appearances suggest. Our clients lead exceptionally busy lives, and it can be the tiny details that make the most difference. Our role starts as a sponge, absorbing everything we can to build a full picture of how our clients live and what their priorities are. Meanwhile, we look in detail at the site, including any planning restrictions and opportunities. Having teased this out, the fun really begins as we explore design solutions to give them the optimum home.”
NEXT STEPS FOR LEES ASSOCIATES
“We are very excited to be working on a new project with Accouter. We will shortly be applying for planning permission on a beautiful refurbishment and extension project with a luxurious new swimming pool and games suite.
We always look to build on our reputation for designing and delivering the finest properties in London and beyond. We are acutely aware that you are only as good as your last project, and it is our responsibility to live up to our reputation and exceed expectations consistently. After the blip that we have all experienced in 2020, we are looking forward to steady growth and an expanded client base as we push into 2021 with renewed optimism and drive. As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we will be looking forward to seeing what the next 40 years bring!”
