Testimonials

From the onset Stuart Paine listened and understood my brief. We collaborated fully from feasibility design, through to completion of the house including project management. He incorporated my initial thoughts whilst adding design details I hadn’t even contemplated which enhanced my ideas and made the best possible use of the plot and surrounding area. Throughout this process he listened to any concerns I had and sought to find a solution that satisfied me as a client, the budget and the builder, whilst keeping an integrity of design, not always easy. Throughout this process he navigated problems out of our control, for example covid, calmly and practically. In terms of quality of work, timeliness and cost management I could not recommend him more highly. Unforeseen circumstances have always been mitigated by innovative solutions which have demonstrated his architectural design competence. I am absolutely delighted with the outcome.

Working with Hapa Architects on Old Rectory Cottage was a great experience for us from start to finish. We had a vague brief, which Hapa helped mould into specifics. The collaborative spirit and problem solving skills of the Hapa team made every challenge we came across manageable. They have designed a space that not only feels warm and inviting but also maximises natural light in a way that enhances our everyday living. They have managed to balance innovative design with practical and functional usability which was so important to us. They were the gatekeepers of the brief, the budget, the quality and the creativity. Key highlights for us are the slate roof with the zinc window surrounds which hug the roof and the top floor coming down in a protective layer to meet and contrast with the meticulously placed larch cladding. Inside, the Oriel Window offers the most extraordinary views whatever the weather, the oak staircase which has both warmth and beauty and the necessary height for the taller and the kitchen which gives full views of the south downs and is always a wonderful place to sit, inside or out.

Stuart Paine worked on a much needed renovation and extension of my Grade II listed house in Firle. The village is part of the Firle Estate who own most of the houses in the village (and who have a covenant to approve any planning approvals on the house) and it is in a Conservation area. Getting the planning for a much needed extension was always going to be difficult and Stuart’s modern but complementary design completely satisfied myself, the Estate, Conservation officers and the South Downs National Park Authority. The complete renovation of the house itself proved difficult as there had been a previous renovation done on the house and they had not replaced and installed the battens behind the tiles correctly. This meant they had slipped considerably and needed sorting out, the tiles were very old and many had broken, they were hard to replicate and Stuart and the contractor diligently found similar replacement tiles, which I was delighted with. Stuart navigated the listed building consent and the outcome has enhanced the original integrity of the house which sits in a very visible position in the middle of the village. Stuart’s management of this protracted project has been seamless and his attention to detail has resulted in a really beautiful marriage of old and new.

We used HAPA Architects for a redesign of an existing house for which they showed great input with both practical application and design flair. We have also used them for a technical design and site overseeing on a 3 house scheme. HAPA proved to be adept at liaising with contractors and subcontractors and all other stakeholders. We wouldn’t hesitate in using them again.

I wanted to tell you how very happy I am – Although it is only a few weeks since I moved in I feel very comfortable and the house flows very well. It is extremely easy living and being able to wander outside whenever the weather is suitable is lovely. The light which floods into the back of the house is fabulous and I’m really looking forward to the summer. Thank you for a great design and for helping every step of the way through the process of planning and building. Every visitor has admired the house very much and locals have commented on the transformation of the bungalow.