Business Details
35 Years
experience
Sustainable Architecture & Landscape Design London
We are an architectural practice deeply rooted in landscape integration, prioritising environmental stewardship and natural harmony. Our work seamlessly merges contemporary design with ecological sensitivity, utilising local materials to create timeless structures that evolve with their surroundings. Since 1991, we have delivered bespoke projects across diverse landscapes, from Snowdonia's protected environments to urban developments in London. Our principal, Charles Mador, established The Ark Snowdonia charity to advance ecological restoration, directly informing our practice's ethos.We maintain close client collaboration to ensure each project reflects both human needs and environmental context, exemplified by our award-winning restorations of historic buildings like Arthog Barns and Tremlett Mews. Our team combines decades of experience with a commitment to sustainable innovation, working alongside landscape designers and conservation experts to enhance biodiversity through design.
Services
Sustainable Architecture
Landscape Integration
Historic Restoration
Eco-Friendly Design
Conservation Projects
Client-Centric Architecture
Biodiversity Enhancement
Contemporary Development
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of experience in landscape-integrated architecture
- Our designs prioritise ecological sustainability and local material sourcing
- We provide bespoke client collaboration from concept to completion
- Our practice directly supports ecological restoration through The Ark charity
- We specialise in sensitive historic building renovations with modern functionality
Services
Sustainable Architecture
Creating contemporary buildings that harmonise with natural landscapes. We prioritise local materials and passive energy strategies to minimise environmental impact while ensuring timeless aesthetics. Our approach integrates ecological principles with modern functionality across residential and commercial projects.
Historic Restoration
Specialist renovation of protected buildings with modern adaptations. We preserve architectural integrity while introducing contemporary elements, as demonstrated in Arthog Barns and Tremlett Mews. Our process balances conservation requirements with modern living standards and sustainability.
Landscape Integration
Designing structures that enhance natural surroundings. We collaborate with landscape experts to create seamless transitions between built and natural environments. This includes strategic placement, material selection, and ecological enhancement measures across rural and urban contexts.
People
Charles Mador
Principal & Founder
Architect and founder with 40+ years' experience. Graduated from Carlton University (1979), established practice in 1991. Specialises in landscape architecture and ecological design. Leads The Ark Snowdonia charity for habitat restoration.
Lara Karady
Associate
RIBA Part I architect with 10+ years' experience. Manages project coordination and client relations. Specialises in nature-integrated design. Key projects include La Cazine Resort and Homecroft farmhouse renovation.
Geraldine Holland
Associate
Architect with decade-long expertise in landscape-water relationships. Former public sector project manager. Lectures at leading institutions. Researches water-space dynamics through art and practical projects.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialise in?
We focus on contemporary designs that harmonise with natural landscapes. Our work blends modern aesthetics with ecological sensitivity, avoiding stylistic trends in favour of context-driven solutions.
Do you work on listed building renovations?
Yes, we specialise in sensitive historic restorations. Recent projects include Arthog Barns and Tremlett Mews, where we preserved heritage features while introducing modern, sustainable adaptations.
How do you incorporate sustainability into projects?
We prioritise local materials, passive energy strategies, and ecological enhancement. Our designs work with natural topography and vegetation, while The Ark charity directly informs our conservation-focused approach.
Can you work with international clients?
Yes, we've completed projects in France and the UK. Our team manages cross-border logistics and local regulation compliance while maintaining consistent design principles.
What project sizes do you handle?
We work across scales from private residences to large developments. Recent projects range from single-family homes like Homecroft to resort developments at La Cazine.
