Reflecting on 2023
As we say a fond farewell to a landmark year for gyd architects, now is the perfect time to reflect on our successes in 2023 and our plans and aspirations for 2024.
2023 was an important year for gyd architects as it became registered as a RIBA chartered practice – gyd architects ltd.
Membership of the RIBA is recognised as a symbol of professional excellence and confirms our status as leading architects, providing high standards and best practices.
After 33 years at the helm, practice leader Matthew Kettle marks the occasion by talking about the firm’s current work and exciting plans for the future.
How was gyd architects established?
“I have been practicing architecture since 1989. I first set up as a sole trader under the name of Matthew Kettle in 1991, where I ran the business from a small office in Ashford called Grace Yard.
During 1996-1999 I was awarded a BA Hons in Architecture and a Diploma in Architecture. In 2000 The practice adopted the name graceyard design and maintained a strong core team of three members of staff. In 2019 the company rebranded and we became gyd architecture.
The Covid-19 pandemic presented us with our own difficulties which impacted on the stability of the practice. In some ways, over that period, I had time to reflect on my past and future business aspirations. I felt that it was time to return to university and complete my Part 3 qualifications so that I could become a Chartered Architect.
Qualifying in 2023 and becoming a registered architect meant that we have been able to register the practice with RIBA.”
What services do you offer?
“gyd architects offers the full scope of RIBA works including design, planning, building regulations, structural engineering, project management and construction. We provide architectural services to clients throughout London, Kent and Surrey specialising in both residential and commercial projects.
We have a breadth of experience working on both commercial and domestic projects. Despite recent challenging times, we are proud to maintain a strong portfolio of projects for many diverse clients across residential, cultural, commercial, and education sectors.“
What are you currently working on?
“Currently, gyd architects is working closely with private clients on several residential refurbishment and extensions. These include both contemporary and traditional styles of architecture.
Private housing has formed a good foundation for the practice. These projects have enabled us to gain a wealth of expertise and, importantly, exposure to a variety of types of delivery – whether new build, refurbishment, retrofit, or the challenges of completely modular or off-grid.
Currently we are supervising a number of projects on-site. These include a traditional oak framed one-off house, with a basement, swimming pool and a workshop. Other projects include alterations to an Edwardian semi-detached house, extension and alterations to a family home on the coast and a gym.”
“In recent years our commercial client base has also evolved, including large business units for Ashford based Dunlop Bearings, a new storage facility for Artisan Du Chocolat and a new modular office block for a leading timber frame company.
We were also pleased to be involved in a feasibility study for proposed extension and alterations of a care home in Wye. Although this project did not proceed, we were in the process of preparing a cost plan and concept drawings up to stage 2 of the RIBA plan of works for funding purposes.”
Collaborative working
“gyd architects is currently working in collaboration with several established architects in London. We will be providing them with designs and solutions using our gyd modular system for small bespoke buildings as part of a larger scheme. These include gyms, offices and additional living space.
We are also working closely with Caldecott School on refurbishment and remodelling of existing classrooms, including a new social hub for the students to meet up and have a coffee. The project forms a series of phased developments as the works are supported by fundraising events. Having completed the first phase works in 2018, we are now in the process of finalising our stage 2 works, with third and final phases to follow.
We have also enjoyed working on a project on the Cornish coast, designing eight individual modular built holiday homes. These bespoke lodges form part of a regeneration of a Georgian walled garden, where the lodges will be strategically placed so as not to overlook each other.”
What has been your biggest learning curve?
“gyd architects operates throughout the South East of England and we are working very hard, in particular, to grow the business in London. To this end, we have been exploring how to create new opportunities and business ideas with local developers.
We are big fans of collaborative working, for example with other larger architectural practices, which we find extremely valuable.”
What are your hopes for the future?
“We want to expand our services within the public sector, along with larger housing development opportunities for the first-time buyer.
We plan to grow our team at gyd architects to service our core client base of private customers. This will enable us to further strengthen our architectural practice, skills, and knowledge and maximise the benefits of our RIBA membership.”
Get in touch
The team at gyd architects love to be involved in the creation of new buildings, homes and extensions and to work with clients on places and spaces that enrich their working and domestic environment.
If you’re thinking about embarking on a building or renovation project, please get in touch for an informal chat.