ABOUT THE COMPANY
SNELL DAVID ARE AN ESTABLISHED ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE
SPECIALISING IN ALL TYPES OF RESIDENTIAL WORK.
We pride ourselves on our dedicated personal and flexible approach in all aspects of domestic architecture. Projects range from grand new-build houses and Listed building refurbishments to modest re-modelling and extension to existing homes with typical project values from £150k up to £5M. Regardless of project value we aim to deliver a personal and design-led approach to each and every project.
We operate two offices, one in London overlooking the river Thames in Wandsworth and our Cambridge office in nearby Whittlesford. This allows us to serve client’s projects across London, the South, South West, South East England and East Anglia.
PROCESS
THE WAY WE WORK
We follow a project delivery process which aligns with the RIBA Plan of Work. The 5 step process outlined below is a simple guide to our services and the steps needed to complete any project.
We can tailor these basic steps to suit your project needs and provide partial services where required, please do contact us to discuss how we can help with your project.
STAGE 1 - SURVEY
We start the process by undertaking a full measured survey of the property or site as it is important to have a base set of accurate CAD drawings to work from. These survey drawings form the basis for the following work stages.
In instances where properties have already been adequately digitally surveyed, we can commence Stage 2 Options Appraisal.
STAGE 2 - OPTIONS APPRAISAL
We work closely with our clients to accurately identify their brief, timescales and key accommodation requirements; from the must haves to desirable extras. We are also keen to understand the aspects of the property which are most and least pleasing to ensure we make the most of the opportunities.
We then produce sketch options for discussion, adopting a flexible and creative approach to produce something special which fits the client's requirements. Key considerations are layout, flow of spaces, openness or enclosure, light and choice of materials.
Careful consideration of likely statutory requirements is required at an early stage in the design process. Our experience allows us to advise on the likely acceptability of design proposals, but ultimately this is determined by the relevant authority.
Depending on project requirements, additional services may be necessary from other parties to consider impact on historic properties, daylight, trees and traffic. In addition, a quantity surveyor may be appointed to consider project costs from an early stage.
STAGE 3 - PLANNING
Once the design aspects are fully considered, we prepare drawings and documentation to liaise with the relevant local authority and any other statutory consultees to obtain the necessary consents for the proposals.
Depending on the requirements of the authority, additional services may be necessary from other parties to consider impact on historic properties, ecology, daylight, trees and traffic. We will liaise with any necessary parties to provide a co-ordinated submission for any approvals.
STAGE 4 - DETAIL DESIGN
A vital part of the process is to ensure that the full detail of the project is adequately described in drawings, schedules, other construction and health & safety information. This information is the key to delivering the carefully considered design and communicating this to building contractors to allow this to be adequately priced.
We liaise closely and coordinate with other consultants and specialists such as quantity surveyors, structural engineers, garden and interior designers as required. We undertake a series of client review meetings during the preparation of this information to discuss the design, materials and fittings which make up the detail of the project.
STAGE 5 - SITE OPERATIONS
When site works commence we are able to offer a number of services to ensure that our carefully developed designs are delivered to meet client expectations.
These services may include administering the terms of the building contract, respond to contractor queries, visiting site as required to monitor progress, programme, quality and financial issues.
PEOPLE
THE SNELL DAVID TEAM PROVIDES THE RIGHT BALANCE OF EXPERIENCE, CREATIVITY AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT
The Directors, Richard David and James Snell, take an active role in all aspects of the business, running their own projects directly as well as closely overseeing the office management of the practice. They are supported by a group of project architects, who run a broad portfolio of projects.
Snell David have a strong technical department lead by our experienced technologists. This provides invaluable support with working drawings and knowledge of the Building Regulations, other statutory regulations and sustainable design.
Project Architects along with Part 2 students provide a broad base of graphic and architectural skills which enable Snell David to produce high quality visuals. The whole team is capably supported by our Part 1 students who join the practice on their year out as part of their architectural education.
James Snell
Director Of Snell David Cambridge
BA(Hons) DipArch RIBA
James studied architecture at Oxford Polytechnic and joined HTA Architects Ltd in 1987, working on a wide variety of new build and refurbishment projects as well as master planning large scale regeneration housing schemes. He became Design Associate in 1995 and Design Director in 1998 before joining Richard David in 2000 to establish Snell David Architects.
James has over 20 years experience designing and delivering residential projects, large and small.
Steven Carroll
Director Of Snell David London
BA (Hons) BArch RIBA
Steven studied at the University of Liverpool and worked at Buttress Fuller Alsop Williams, Manchester in 2006 gaining full qualification and 5 years’ experience working on commercial and private residential projects on new and listed buildings.
He joined Snell David in November 2010 becoming an Associate Director in January 2014.
James Cattle
Associate Director of Snell David Cambridge
BA (Hons) MArch ARB
James gained his Part I at the University of Brighton and his Part II at the University of East London.
He joined Snell David in September 2013 becoming an Associate Director in December 2017.
Richard David
Consultant
BA(Hons) DipArch RIBA
Richard studied architecture at Oxford Polytechnic and has previous architectural experience on commercial, retail and industrial projects. He established Snell David with James Snell in 2000.
Alan Smith
Senior Architectural Technologist
BA (Hons) MCIAT
Alan obtained his architecture degree at Leicester Polytechnic (now De Montfort University). He joined Snell David in January 2018 having previously worked in several architectural and surveying practices in East Anglia.
Alan has extensive experience working on listed buildings and residential projects. He has also worked on archaeological projects across Europe, Scandinavia the Middle East and India.
Margherita Gallieni
Part II Architectural Assistant
BSc MArch
Margherita studied in Milan for her undergraduate and later moved to Glasgow where she achieved her part II at the University of Strathclyde.
She joined Snell David in July 2016 having worked in practice in Italy before moving to the UK to complete her architectural education.
Rosie Pratt
Project Architect
BA(Hons) MArch ARB
Rosie studied for her Part I at De Montfort University and worked with Snell David for two years as a Part I Architectural Assistant before continuing her studies at Manchester School of Architecture.
After finishing her Part II, Rosie gained experience working on larger residential schemes and completed the final part of her Studies with RIBA North West in 2021. Rosie re-joined Snell David as a Project Architect in June 2022.
Merrick Baltruschat
Project Architect
BA(Hons) MArchD ARB
Merrick joined Snell David Cambridge as a Part 1 Architectural Assistant in 2016 after completing his BA(Hons) at UWE in Bristol, he then earned his MArchD from Oxford Brookes University in 2020. He completed his Part 3 studies at The University of Cambridge in 2023, achieving registration with the ARB and stepping into the role of Project Architect.
Daniel Cornell
Part II Architectural Assistant
BA(Hons) MArch
Daniel completed his Part II at Newcastle University and his Part I at Plymouth University.
Prior to joining Snell David in December 2020, he gained experience working on high-end residential schemes in Devon and Cornwall.
Tamara Sokolik
Architectural Designer
BA(Hons)
Tamara gained her qualification (equivalent to part I and part II) in Technion, Israel, followed by 8 years of experience working on variety of sectors.
She joined Snell David in February 2019 after enriching and adapting her knowledge to UK requirements in Bristol and Cambridge practices.
Paul Turley
Freelance Architect
BSc(Hons) DipArch RIBA
Paul studied at Birmingham University becoming a fully qualified architect in 1976. Since then he has worked in a variety of practices, namely Seymour Harris Partnership, Design House and setting up his own.
He has worked as a freelance architect for the past 20 years and has provided his expertise at Snell David since it’s early days.
Barbara Mindak
Part I Architectural Assistant
BA(Hons)
Barbara completed her Part 1 at the University of Cambridge and joined Snell David in November 2024 to gain hands-on experience in the architectural field.
Outside of work, Barbara volunteers in heritage conservation and enjoys a variety of water sports.
Florence Browse
Part I Architectural Assistant
BA(Hons)
Florence graduated with a BA (Hons) in Architecture from the Manchester School of Architecture. She is eager to expand her practical experience and contribute to a diverse range of projects. With a passion for creative problem-solving, Florence is committed to advancing her architectural career in a collaborative, professional environment.
Outside of architecture, Florence enjoys practicing yoga and crochet.
Winnie
Chief Office Shredder
Winnie brings joy and comfort to our Cambridge office with her playful personality and warm presence. Always ready for a belly rub or a quick walk, she has become an integral part of our team, helping create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Winnie may not design buildings, but she certainly brightens our workspace and offers a cheerful break in the day!
CAREERS
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