The Evolution of Our Architectural Philosophy

Our founding director, Conrad, brings a unique perspective to the world of design. As a 4th Dan Martial Arts Master and national Tae Kwon Do champion, he applies intense discipline to every project. His extensive travels through South America and Asia allowed him to sketch and photograph local vernacular architecture, deeply informing his work as a Conservation Architect to Develop a unique Architectural Philosophy and 10 Design Principles.

Beyond the martial arts, Conrad is a qualified Sivananda Yoga teacher. He completed an intensive training course in India before cycling the Himalayan pilgrim trails from Rishikesh to the mouth of the Ganges.

Today, Conrad uses the lessons of discipline, focus, and philosophy gained from Yoga and Martial Arts to fuel his creative design process. He actively works to reduce his carbon footprint, regularly cycling through Brighton and its surrounding villages to lead a lifestyle that reflects his commitment to conservation.

The 10 Principles of DD Architects

We follow these ten core principles to guide every project we undertake. Our philosophy ensures that we respect the past while building a sustainable future.

1. Appraise Before You Design: We always appraise the character and context of a site before the first sketch.
2. Preserve Character: We avoid replacing or harming any building features that contribute to the site’s historical value.
3. Respect Uniformity: In areas with a uniform look, we lean away from contrasting new buildings that disrupt the flow.
4. Strengthen Distinctiveness: In mixed-character areas, we design buildings that are “of their time” yet strengthen local identity.
5. Respond to the Vernacular: Every new building must respect local scale, form, materials, and detailing.
6. Reflect the Grain: We match the height and bulk of the surroundings, rather than simply building the largest structure possible.
7. Choose Quality Over Compromise: We believe period scholarship or fine modernism always triumphs over weak interpretation.
8. Control the Execution: We know that full details and careful oversight are essential to high-quality architecture.
9. Exercise Caution in Art: we assess artistic quality independently and with great professional caution.
10. Create Delight: Every building we design should be legible, friendly, and technically excellent, offering a delightful mix of form and texture.

To find out how we can assist in your project, please get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you.