CATO creative are an ARB registered, full service, architecture and interior design studio based in South West London. We are a multi-discipline team of comprising of architects, architectural designers, interior designers and interior architects from nine different nationalities. We even have a colour consultant and a cat (actually there are three of them - cats that is).

Size matters… We love projects of all shapes and sizes. And budgets too. We believe that working on different types of project makes us better at what we do as we take on a variety of learning and experience. Having a diverse portfolio of projects also means that we stretch our brains in different ways and at different speeds. Our only criteria for a project is that we have a great fit the clients and believe we can help them create something truly special to them. 

Collaboration: Working together collaboratively is a key element of how we design. This means we work with our clients rather than imposing our design on them. In the studio we work projects in teams, combining skills and different disciplines. Together, we develop ideas and designs based who lives in the home and how they need to use it, focusing on our clients needs and personalities rather than our design wants. That’s why our portfolio is diverse and we don’t stick to a house style.

Design: When it comes to design, following the RIBA plan of works model, we take projects from feasibility to construction. Typically this includes concept design, completing all the statutory permissions such as planning, Listed Building Consent and Build Control approval, designing and specifying every detail and producing drawing packs for tender and construction. 

To make sure the design is delivered end-to-end, we are surrounded by a trusted satellite team meaning that everything is covered. Developed over the last 10 years, this part of the team includes our structural engineer, mechanical & electrical engineer, planning consultant, heritage consultant, AV & IT specialist, lighting designer, contract administrator and project manager to name but a few. Working in this way means that we can focus on what we’re best at whilst making sure every design detail is consistent, connected and considered as part of the overall vision. We make sure that everybody works towards the same ambition, which is to create homes that our client’s love. 

Construction: During the construction phase of a project CATO creative are the guardians of the design. For larger projects we work alongside the project manager or contract administrator making sure the contractor has all the design information they need and helping them overcome any design challenges. We set out spaces and review completed work, making such the construction matches the design. We do exactly the same for smaller projects albeit that these often don’t have project managers so we are working directly with the contractor. 

Away from site works, we make sure everything is in place for the ordering of the fixtures, fittings and equipment. For all the large and complex parts of the design we work with the suppliers making sure everything is measured, checked and ready. 

In a nutshell...

As a simple list this is what we do for the vast the majority of projects:

• Project & budget feasibility 

• Concept design 

• Planing permission, Listed Building Consent, License to Alter

• Building Control coordination & application

• Developed design & specification

• Interior design details, drawings & design intent pack for manufacturing 

• Specification for all fixtures, fittings & equipment 

• Coordination & integration of third party specialists to support the design

• Full tender & construction drawings packs 

• Tender completion & contract preparation