Mill Hill House, Mill Hill. Nominated for Building of the Year ArchDaily
We worked with Sean and Imran at RISE Design Studio to design and build a new 5-bed detached house on the steeply sloped site of a tired existing house. After an engaging exploratory phone call, they were with us for every step of the journey from sketching ideas and obtaining planning permission to attending the site meetings throughout the build.
Sean and team offered an ingenious design solution to maximise the floor space on the site, devising a contemporary building filled with light, while respecting the context and being sensitive to the neighbouring buildings.
RISE also champion sustainability and innovative building techniques, which are holistically integrated into the design process. Throughout the past 3 years of working with RISE, we have found them to be excellent listeners and creative problem-solvers, always with great attention to detail. We highly recommend Sean and the team at RISE. We absolutely love the house and we are delighted that we put our trust in RISE.
A Lobb, Mill Hill House
The Bunker, Kensal Rise. Longlisted for Dezeen Awards
We met with Sean and his team to work on designing an side extension and a garden office that would feel spacious yet not imposing in our London terrace garden.
We couldn't be happier with the results.
Sean and his team were able to create an incredible brutalist inspired one of a kind that incorporates all our favourite materials and needs.
Sinking the mild steel structure meant we gained a double height ceiling yet in a building that sits no higher than our neighbour's shed. The building is underfloor heated and clad in birch plywood and includes extra insulation. It was cool to sit in during the hot summer months and now feels cosy as the colder nights draw in.
We love the light and airy space and can’t imagine the house any differently now.
S Keelan, The Bunker, Kensal Rise
Queen’s Park Glazed Envelope, Queen’s Park
We decided to work with RISE Design Studio after meeting with a number of architects, and RISE and his team made a very good impression on us from the first meeting.
We had purchased a ground floor apartment that needed complete refurbishment as well as side and rear extensions and we wanted to make a lot of changes to the layout. We were very impressed by the number of options RISE produced at concept stage, and they evolved the design continually through from concept to developed design phase.
Their dedication to our project throughout the process - from the delivery of the complete building project - made us very happy to work with them.
Throughout the project, RISE was dedicated and met with us as frequently as needed to discuss their designs or any other related issues to the process. RISE were highly professional at all times, and they are an incredibly down to earth and kind, which makes interacting with them a real pleasure.
They have always been quick to respond to any queries, and have been very clear and thorough in all correspondence. In addition, their fee was fair in relation to the level of service provided (comprehensive), and in relation to other architects we spoke with. We are really happy with the work they have completed for us, and would very highly and happily recommend them.
C Jolly, Queen’s Park Glazed Envelope, Queen’s Park
Douglas House, Kensal Rise. Shortlisted for NLA Awards 2019
We appointed RISE Design Studio for a complete renovation of our home in Kensal Rise, including extending to the rear and a dormer in the attic. We met several architects but felt that RISE design would be the best at listening to our vision for the space.
We found their service to be excellent. They helped us continually evolve the design to find the right solution for the layout and any problems that arose. Although we had done some renovations before this was our biggest project to date. It was therefore useful so have their experience in negotiating our tenders with the builders and administering the building contract.
They also patiently helped us navigate the planning process, making amendments as required. There are lots of hoops to jump through when undertaking a project of this scale and we felt lucky to have had them as part of our team. We believe that collectively we were able to transform our old house into a home that works for us, has ecological concerns in mind and we love.
Communication was key in transforming our brief into a reality. Sean and team were very capable throughout the various stages, with an open-minded and approachable working style.
We were very happy with how our project turned out and have recommended RISE design to many friends!
B Gernstein, Douglas House, Kensal Rise
Kenton Mews Houses, Kenton
Sean and RISE were absolutely excellent throughout the project.
We appointed RISE to gain planning approval for four new mews houses in Kenton, North London. Throughout the project Sean and the team were extremely attentive, always available to discuss and would always take time with us. The team's eye for detail and fantastic talent were the reasons we chose them and we were so thankful we did.
Throughout the project they were extremely practical and made sure every decision was for our benefit. They were amazing at helping gain planning approval on what was a very tricky site. Covid caused significant delays and in the end we had to go to Planning Committee to get planning permission, which was a hard fought battle. The proposals are for highly sustainable mews houses which will help Brent meet their housing targets.
We cannot recommend RISE Design Studio highly enough. Thank you.
J Linton, Kenton Mews Houses, Kenton
The Lexi Cinema & Hub, Kensal Rise. Winner of Civic Trust Award
Sean and his team have been a joy to work with throughout all stages of our relationship as a Client.
We wished for a second screen extension to our social enterprise cinema in Kensal Rise, London. He listened to our brief and really took the time to ask questions and seek insight on our requirements. We were impressed with RISE’s range of pragmatic design ideas and solutions.
In just two weeks we were presented with a striking range of drawings that matched perfectly what we were dreaming of.
So far, the Lexi Cinema & Lexi Hub has been shortlisted for 6 Awards: New London Awards, RIBA Regional Awards, AJ Retrofit Award, RIBA McEwen Award, FX Awards (Finalist) and Winner of 4 awards - two Brent Design Awards, a Civic Trust Award + a Red Dot Design Award winner 2022 (Zalacain Wayfinding).
From start to finish we have been impressed by the teams’ attention to detail, calm approach under pressure, practical hands-on style and going beyond what we could have expected from any other architect.
Rosie Greatorex, Programme & Strategy, The Lexi Cinema, Kensal Rise
Why choose RISE Design Studio
RISE Design Studio is an award winning, London based practice with over 30 years of combined experience in the design and development of environmentally, financially and socially sustainable buildings.
Our goal is to enhance the quality of people’s life by envisioning better living and working spaces. Our studio comprises architects, furniture designers and interior designers. We work on projects of all scales, ranging from furniture to bespoke residential and commercial properties. We are a Chartered RIBA Practice.
Our interest in contemporary culture and advancements in construction technology ensures that our buildings provide unparralled design solutions that deliver optimal functionality for everyday living and working.
Imran Jahn + Sean Ronnie Hill
Next Steps
Queens Park House, Queens Park, London
