MiRA

By way of background we interviewed 5 architects for our project which is a fairly substantial ground floor extension for a detached house in a conservation area in North London. We have lived in the house for over 4 years which has given us time to fully develop and test our ideas which included variations of drawings and designs. With the stand out exception of Melanie at MIRA our experiences of other firms seemed to follow similar patterns. Firstly many simply did not listen and one even talked over my wife. We had to endure monologues of their prowess and with one criticisms of our home and plans at the very outset (we are very happy to receive constructive criticism and are fully open to new ideas but this was at a different level); the architect seemed keen to come up with solutions that would look good on their CV in terms of design but offered no practicality and would come at extraordinary and unnecessary cost. This seemed to be a recurring theme where firms are looking to bolster their CV and test out trendy new designs but don’t focus on what the client wants or really needs. Some were poorly prepared for interviews/first meeting and quotes were often ridiculous. Moreover, other firms don’t seem to want to offer flexibility around the building stages of the project. We know a very good building contractor and felt that we would need minimal support from the architect at the build stage of the project. MIRA can either manage the project through to completion or provide support as and when you need it as building commences. In summary Melanie has been different in every way. She is professional, courteous, well prepared, patient, practical and listens to requirements. She understands how you want to use and live in your home. She has added massive value. She has provided new ideas for our project enhancing the design and offering practicality. She has also offered us flexibility in the building stage. Furthermore, she has priced very fairly for all parts of her service. We would thoroughly recommend her for any project.

This is the second time Melanie hired me to photograph of one of her projects. I find extremely smooth working with her under any point of view: from the initial enquiry to the delivering of the pictures her communication couldn't have been any better - she provided plenty of details (which I usually don't receive) that helped me visualising the kind of pictures she was looking for. Proof is she didn't ask for any change on my initial draft which is - again - unusual in the business. On top of that I really love her projects: the barn extension I just took pictures of is an amazing work I enjoyed so much photographing and I can say with complete confidence her client was extremely pleased with her work as well. Can't recommend her enough and I'm looking forward to working with her again.

We have been very impressed with the professionalism, enthusiasm, communication and knowledge of Melanie. We have yet to begin our project but are excited to do so with Melanie guiding us.

MiRA was a great choice for our lake cabin redesign. Melanie really listened to our initial ideas and concepts, she built those into the final design in ways better than we could have imagined. Her ideas were wonderfully creative but still practical giving us the opportunity of a space we didn't think would be possible with the existing structure. Melanie attentively kept us up to date on the progress at each stage and was quick to respond to communications. I would highly recommend hiring MiRA.

MiRA designed a link extension for me in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The design was incredibly beautiful and sympathetic to the environment, allowing us to get planning permission with ease. She also liaised with the council, ensuring that the process ran smoothly. I could not be more grateful for the professional quality of her work.

Working with MiRA was a great experience for us. Melanie designed our new kitchen, transforming it from a dark, depressing bunker to a lovely light-filled room we love hanging out in. She was full of inspiring yet practical ideas (we've found in the past that a lot of architects don't have the latter!) so our kitchen now not only looks beautiful but works brilliantly for our busy family life. She is easy to work with, friendly and very flexible. Highly recommended.

Melanie Relf from MiRA was my first choice as architect for the redesign of my home. She is knowledgeable, completely professional and wonderfully creative. Each step of the process was clearly explained and I was delighted with the concepts she presented. Melanie patiently listened to all the ideas I had and answered/addressed all of my questions and concerns. She has a calm manner and diligently resolves all issues that came to light.

I am a project manager and have worked with Melanie on a number of different sites. I find her helpful, innovative and flexible in terms of the schemes that she designs. Melanie is very good at listening to the clients' brief and design aims and always tries to meet these with a practical and common sense approach. I would have no hesitation working with Melanie on other sites or recommending her.

I first met Melanie of MiRA at an industry event; her talents were immediately obvious. Not only does Melanie have a thoughtful, considered eye for detail, but she is also extremely personable. Working with Melanie is really rewarding. She simultaneously is very professional and can also connect with you as if you're an old friend! Melanie also has a strong intuition about what people want and need for a space - it's a powerful gift for an architect Highly recommended!

Melanie Reif of Mira Architecture took on my residential project following a recommendation made to me. She treated the whole plan as of utmost importance and with straight professionalism. Melanie often advised me in her architectural capacity, and with obvious experience & skills. She attended a house residents' meeting of those affected by my conversion, and without invoicing me. Her input was essential in reaching a consensus in favour of the development. I'm more than confident of Melaine's architectural skill and commitment. I've recommended her for another residential project.