Michael Rees is the founder and co-director of District. Architects, and “always knew” that he “wanted to design homes that made a real difference to people’s lives”
He loves working with customers “with an open approach to design”.
Clients “bring their own ideas, briefs and aspirations, making the process truly collaborative. This is what brings a new project to life,” says Rees, adding that “every project is different, there is no cut and paste solution, so it is important to understand what each scheme needs to achieve”.
Before District, Rees worked on luxury residential projects across the country but wanted to offer architectural solutions to suit all scales and budgets. And the variety that comes from this is one of the best things about District., he adds.
Rees says: “We love the challenge that comes with re-imagining all types of property. Ranging from private houses and country estates to garden buildings and apartments. All with their own limitations and benefits, unlocking the potential of each is a huge joy in the studio.
“One of our most successful projects in achieving this in the last few years was Colour Casing. Winner of a ‘Don’t Move Improve’ award in 2023. This scheme transformed a small, dilapidated apartment into a bright and multifunctional three-bedroom family home with relatively minimal structural interventions and clever design choices.
“We are also fortunate enough to have a fantastic team of architects and architectural assistants in our studio always pushing design ideas, so we are always going one step further.
“Being an RIBA examiner and RIBA peer mentor, I am excited to see first-hand the new talent shaping the future of architecture.”
When faced with a new project, the first step is establishing the key objectives, including immediate wants and needs, but also, importantly, considering futureproofing for lives that change and evolve, says Rees.
But the last step of a project, when all is complete, is “by far in a way the most rewarding part of the process”.
Rees says seeing a project from the initial briefing and concept design come to life “never ceases to excite us, and even more so the joy of seeing a client occupy and enjoy it”.
And if you at home are thinking of renovating, what tips does Rees have for those looking to redesign their space?
“Be open to discussion and the unconventional. For us, it’s not always about being the biggest and brightest but how great architecture can achieve so much.
“Not just aesthetically, but with key interventions and considered arrangements, you can create efficiency, realising the value and beauty of every space.”
