MOST Architecture

Very grateful to MOST for helping us with the design of our Bloomsbury rooftop extension. We met Olga literally on the roof, as she was supervising construction of our neighbour's terrace, and immediately wanted to do hire her studio. Our terrace design was rather unique, we felt that Olga and her team went over and above.

We worked with MOST on several projects and it was really easy working with them, from the early concept stage through technical design and delivery. Olga and her team were always receptive, communicated well and produced work to high standards. We would highly recommend MOST and would happily work with them again.

MOST designed our large loft extension and interior renovation. They were great from start to finish - working with us to agree a concept that fitted with our aspirations, budget and timeline for the works; getting through planning quickly; guiding us through tender stage; and being very proactive during the building stage to solve problems and suggest solutions. MOST were particularly good at suggesting creative uses of space, such as dropping eaves areas into the floor below to create a double-height ceiling. And they were very patient with my anxieties during the building - working really well with the builders to find cost-effective answers, when the budget looked in trouble. I would recommend MOST to anyone considering a similar project.

We employed Olga to design a new rear extension, as part of a full renovation of a Victorian terrace. We wanted an extension that created as much new living space as possible, focused spend in specific areas and was different to the standard 3x3m box extension. We were nervous as we’ve never attempted anything like this before and didn’t know where to start. We chose Olga over other architects as she was a great communicator in her initial responses, she reassured us she would help us through the process as well as designing the extension, she listened to our requirements and showed real creativity when we first met. Having now worked closely with her we can confirm our initial impressions were right. She has been great. The design is beyond our initial expectations and it’s been a collaborative process where she's listened to our feedback and adjusted items accordingly. She has also helped us through each stage of the design, providing guidance on structural engineers, buildings inspectors, contractors, suppliers etc as well as navigating what was a tricky planning process. Everyone we’ve worked with has commented on the detail of her drawings and the quality of the design. The detailed schedule of works produced has made it easier to compare contractor quotes and make choices on the final design/finishes to get us closer to our budget. She has demonstrated real passion for our project and a genuine desire to make an incredible living space for our family. For pictures see Long rear extension in MOST’s projects

Olga has done a tremendous job for me. She has provided a professional approach in everything required and although not the cheapest quote, I felt I was still getting value for money. All plans were very detailed and she provided help in obtaining planning permission, an approved inspector (as opposed to council) which has proved t be a good decision and a structural engineer. Her communication was excellent and always gave a prompt response to any of my questions. My builder remarked how good her plans were to work from. I would thoroughly recommend Olga if your looking for that personal touch and some great design ideas. Thank you Olga.

We employed MOST for a merger of two properties and change of use into a cafe. Olga and her team worked very attentively to understand our business priorities. And carefully thought through how to develop options consistent with our budget. Olga was particularly effective in managing the planning permission process - advising us what would work and what would not; and skilfully managing the relationships with planning officers and other consultants. When the project went on-site, I was particularly impressed by MOST's ability to work smoothly with the construction team, and always with the client's interests in mind.

We commissioned MOST Architecture to provide a design for a traditional Russian spa - or "banya" in West London. Whilst the location on Chiswick High Street was very favourable, the space itself had many constraints - the shape was long and narrow, there was a change in level and quite low ceilings throughout. We needed to fit in a lot of different spaces - reception, changing rooms, the main steam room, or "Parnaya", a wet zone with a plunge pool, a relaxation lounge with booths, toilets and back of house with kitchen, staff room, plant room and office. It was a real challenge to design a space that contained all the desired functional rooms whilst providing for a logical and efficient customer flow. MOST came up with a inventive design of curved walls for the steam room which became the focal point and the main feature of the spa. The shower enclosure and the plunge pool followed the same circular pattern. The challenge of a limited ceiling height was overcome with coffered stretch ceiling enclosures creating light wells in the otherwise constrained space. The use of glass blocks in the wet zone visually expanded the space and enhanced the feeling of a premium spa. We particularly liked the mosaic tiles proposed by MOST for the plunge pool - hexagon silver mosaics with a mother of pearl effect evoke the image of an icy pond offering a welcome cooling off after the heat of the steam room. The colours and other details of the space all combine to create a sense of Nordic nature - serene and soothing. We are very happy with the resulting product and get a lot of compliments from the customers.

We have successfully collaborated with MOST Architecture on several projects and found them to be a talented and creative group of Architects and Assistants. We would certainly recommend the practice to clients and would hope to work with them again in the future.

We feel so lucky to have been introduced to Olga McMurdo. She is a brilliant architect and an intelligent and thoughtful person. We already had a basic idea of what we wanted from our joined-up pair of Victorian terraced houses, but Olga gave us the inspiring ideas which have made an exceptionally beautiful and spacious room. One idea increased the side-return roof angle to give a feeling of height into our former low-ceilinged extension. The extension had also been quite dark and her walk-on skylights have let light in and have created an amazing feeling of space. Although we were relatively experienced at house refurbishment, these were things which we would never have thought of ourselves. We would highly recommend OlgaWe had interviewed several architects before Olga was recommended to us, and all the others had tried to push us towards their ideas and schemes. Olga never made us feel any pressure and always explained her ideas, with drawings, very clearly. Olga took great trouble with all the detailed work involved in producing and writing up all the specifications and in her analysis of the quotes returned. Her help with interviewing our short listed builders was invaluable. Through the project, her site visits and dealings with the structural engineers and the building Inspectors were always thorough. Olga always goes out of her way to be helpful and give advise even ofter the project was signed off.

We requested the services of MOST Architecture after buying a new property which had a cramped, dated layout that was in need of a re-jig. Initially we were considering a loft extension, however the plans and ideas provided by our architect at MOST dissuaded us from this and provided some very good value ideas for opening up and rationalising the existing space. We would not have identified these options without their input. The works are now underway and we are already seeing major improvements towards a much lighter, modern and open layout.

I truly believe Olga is the best thing that happened to us during the renovation of our house. She is very creative, has lots of ideas and solutions, and - most importantly - tries to help you save money. We were on quite a tight budget, so she helped us keep the costs down while at the same time making the place look a million dollars. She is a perfectionist, and her attention to (even the smallest) detail is incredible. The way she deals with contractors... it's phenomenal! She would spend 10 minutes talking to our builders, and - boom! - they've agreed to do things that they previously stated were "impossible", or got them to finally agree to put the price down etc. She will not let go until everything is up to standard. I am absolutely in awe of her. Here is a little story that pretty much sums it all up. Once, during a meeting with Olga, I get a call from a wooden flooring company telling me they cannot send me the thousand or so samples I wanted, because their policy is 3 samples per order only. Olga overhears me talking to them and demands the phone. One minute later, the box of samples is sent to my address. :) This is just one of many examples of the wonders this woman does. Renovation is such a stressful process, so if you want peace of mind - look no further, she's the one for you.