Designing beautiful moments with green-enhanced spaces

About

Sarah Mpolo Ekanda (ARB, RIBA, MLA) is a chartered architect based in north London with a wealth of experience from esteemed construction companies across the UK. Sarah honed her craft, finely tuning her attention to detail, innovative design and being empathetic to client engagement. Embracing a philosophy of simple, sustainable architecture, dedicated to the use of reclaimed materials and promoting environmental conservation through conscientious choices in building materials, air quality and energy efficiency.

From the earliest stages of planning to the oversights of construction, our commitment ensures comprehensive support every step of the way. Dedicated to serving the communities of North London and Hertfordshire, ensuring your vision is realised with care throughout each phase of your architectural journey.

Vision

Established in 2018, SMEArchitecture Ltd specialises in the design and execution of residential, commercial, and landscape projects. Our focus revolves around securing planning permissions, building control requirements and overseeing construction processes to harmonise with our clients’ daily lives. Collaborating closely with a network of structural engineers, surveyors, and contractors, we ensure the fulfilment of clients’ expectations.

Central to our ethos we advocate sustainable architecture, through the conscientious use of reclaimed materials to serve new purposes; whilst remaining sensitive to environmental concerns. Our services primarily extend across North London and Hertfordshire, where we proudly deliver our expertise and dedication to client satisfaction.

Approach

We take pride in breathing new life into overlooked structures through interior modifications, expanding the spatial layout and by renovating derelict buildings to provide it with a new purpose.
Central to our approach is the integration of reclaimed materials, adding both sustainability and character in every project.

Our goal is to make the design journey smooth and enjoyable, focusing on one client at a time with utmost care for customer service.

Bentry Road

Location: Dagenham Size: 15sqm Service: Rear Kitchen Extension A lean-to extension, seamlessly integrated with a return kitchen island and elegant

Roll Gardens

LOCATION: Gants Hill SIZE: 22.8m² SERVICES: Rear Kitchen Extension and WC Formation YEAR: In Progress DESCRIPTION: Lean to kitchen extension

The Grove

Location: Harrow Size: 49sqm Service: Spatial Design Renovation The expanded ground floor of this home has been transformed into an

Toplocks Estate

LOCATION: Southall SIZE: 0.88Ha SERVICES: Design and Build Management YEAR: 2019 Project design management under a Design and Build Contract

Turners Hill

LOCATION: Hertfordshire SIZE: 140m² SERVICES: Garden Design YEAR: In Progress Residential low maintenance garden design comprises of evergreens, artificial turf

Villa Acajou

This villa comprises of four bedrooms with three en-suites, one main family bathroom, living room, office, kitchen, dining, a pool

Why should I hire you as my architect?

We understand that embarking on a project can feel daunting. It’s a significant investment that will shape your daily life. With over a decade of experience in construction, design proposals go beyond just plans. We prioritise ensuring that your project is not only feasible but also practical, guiding you towards a successful outcome and making you feel in control.

How long will the design drawings take?

Preparing drawings for planning typically takes 2-4 weeks, with the timeframe varying based on project size. Detail drawings for building control and construction packs also takes 2-4 weeks, depending on complexity and specifications. Once the planning application is submitted, it usually takes 8-13 weeks, again depending on project size. In case of refusal, we aim to reapply following council advice for a successful application. For most projects, with regards to Building Control, we opt for a Building Notice application, enabling construction to start after two days; with periodic inspections by the inspector ensuring compliance with building standards.

Can I make changes during the design process?

Yes, you can make changes during the design process. We understand that requirements may evolve as the project progresses and are committed to make the design align more closely with your preferences, to ensure your satisfaction aligns with the final result. Additionally, we will assess the feasibility of the design based on building standards to ensure it can be successfully executed.

Will the architectural fees include the consultants’?

Architectural fees are separate from those of any consultants. We’ll confirm these fees once each consultant understands the project brief and services needed. You’ll receive a detailed breakdown of fees to help you budget for your project more accurately.

How long will construction take?

The timeframe varies depending on the project’s complexity and whether it includes custom elements, that need extra care. Typically, for extensions and loft conversions falling within permitted development guidelines, the process can take approximately 6 to 12 weeks.

10 QUESTIONS YOU NEED TO ASK BEFORE STARTING A PROJECT

1. WHY DO ARCHITECS’ FEES VARY?

Each architects’ fee varies due to the size of the project, the time your design will take and size of the practice. An architect will outline a scope of services and breakdown fees that are either hourly based, a percentage of the construction cost or a lump sum.

2. WHO CAN COMPLETE A PLANNING APPLICATION?

Anyone can complete a planning application to receive permission from the local authority. A response will usually be received between 8 weeks (for non-complex applications) to 13 weeks (for large complex applications)

3. DOES AN INITIAL FEE ONLY INCLUDE DRAWINGS OR SUBMISSION TO PLANNING AS WELL?

An architect will clearly highlight the services in the fee proposal such as VATs or local authority fees. Any abortive work should also be written by the architect, agreed and signed by both parties as the project progresses.

4. WHAT DOES A BUILDING CONTROL OFFICER / INSPECTOR DO?

A BCO is there to inspect that you have met the building regulations requirements, for the health & safety, quality and longevity of the build. This is done by checking the specification of the materials used throughout and any hazards. You can either appoint a local authority inspector or private BCO.

5. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BUILDING NOTICE AND FULL PLANS FOR BUILDING CONTROL?

A Building Notice helps to carry out work without prior approval – usually used for smaller projects. A Full Plans application includes working drawings that have been checked and approved by the Building Inspector. A full set of drawings can also be useful for the builder to give a fixed quotation.

6. I GAVE MY ARCHITECT PHOTOS AND PREVIOUS PLANS OF THE PROPERTY BUT THEY STILL WANT TO VISIT?

An architect will need to visit your property to understand your requested design and discuss any complexities. A survey will also be required before any works commence, so this visit can be crucial for the overall design development of the project.

7. MY ARCHITECT DIDN’T GIVE ME A CONTRACT TO SIGN. IS THIS LEGAL?

An architect should always provide you with a contract that needs to be signed by yourself, as the client, and by the architect as well. You both need to hold copies of the contract. Should any problems arise in the future, the contract will act as your proof of appointment.

8. CAN I CHOOSE MY OWN BUILDER OR CONTRACTOR?

You can choose your own builder or ask your architect for recommendations. A local builder is likely to provide you with a competitive quote.

9. DO I NEED PLANNING FOR LANDSCAPE DESIGN?

Planning permission for a landscape is required e.g when the design for public realms needs to discharge conditions, if your garden decking is more than 30cm high, if rainwater at the impermeable hard surface has no where to run-off or if the area of the hard surface exceeds 5 sqm.

10. WILL THE SAME UK STANDARDS AND FEES BE APPLIED IF I BUILD ABROAD?

A UK architect would typically design and provide a fee proposal based on the methods taught in the UK. As factors such as climate, materials and site location can affect the design abroad, the architect will take this into account. The design will need to suit and be influenced by the regional building standards.

Affiliations & Community Involvement

2030 Climate Challenge
Architects Declare
Association of Consultant Architects
Crisis
Routes 2 Success: Role Models & Mentoring Programs
Your Bruce Grove: Tottenham Regeneration Plan

Talks & Publications

Recognition from Congolese community, August 2016 – First Class Magazine
Interview with journalist Mr. Kikamba, July 2017 – Congosynthèse
Panelist on ‘The Diversity of Black Identity’, October 2020 – RIBA Black History Book Club – Our Lady & St. George’s Primary School, Walthamstow, August 2021 – Routes 2 Success
(Mentoring/Presentation) – Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls, Ealing, January 2023 – Routes 2 Success
(Mentoring/Presentation) – Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls, Ealing, March 2023 – Routes 2 Success