About Polysmiths
Building a Sense of Belonging
We're a London-based architecture practice guided by a simple mission: creating spaces where people feel they belong. From homes to galleries, aparthotels to public infrastructure, we design architecture that reflects who you are—spaces where you're comfortable being yourself, alone and together. We don't have a house style. What we have is a commitment to listening, to timeless quality, to creating value that endures.
Our Mission: Building a Sense of Belonging
Charles Wu grew up moving between Hong Kong, Sydney, and London, constantly searching for a sense of belonging. That experience shaped Polysmiths' core belief: good architecture creates spaces where people are comfortable being themselves.
This mission guides every project, whether it's a home where a family finds their anchor, a restaurant where customers feel genuinely welcomed, or public infrastructure that serves a community with dignity.
Architecture that builds belonging crosses scales and sectors. It's about understanding the people who will use the space—their stories, their values, their vision—and translating that into something timeless.
Our Approach: Four Principles
Four principles guide every project, from single homes to public infrastructure:
Every client has a story—a personal history, a vision for how they want to live or work, values that matter to them. We begin every project by understanding your narrative. Your story gives us clues to the architecture.
When we met our Gibraltar clients for Arch House, we learned about their Mediterranean upbringing, family gatherings under outdoor arches, the warmth of terracotta and stone. That conversation shaped the entire project: structural brick arches that reference their childhood memories while solving a London terrace's technical challenges.
Storytelling isn't about imposing our aesthetic. It's about listening first, designing second, and creating architecture that reflects who you are.
1. Storytelling
We don't have a house style because every project presents different problems to solve. Our work is about balancing quality, cost, and time within real-world constraints—planning regulations, site limitations, budget realities.
We collaborate with trusted engineers, contractors, and specialists to find creative solutions. The Arch House arches weren't just poetic references—they replaced expensive steel beams with load-bearing brickwork, creating the Mediterranean atmosphere while meeting strict budget targets.
You're not hiring us for a predetermined aesthetic. You're hiring us to solve your specific challenges with intelligence and craft.
2. Problem Solving
Value means different things to different clients. For investors, it's profit and market positioning. For homeowners, it's pride in a space that reflects who they are. For brands, it's authentic expression that strengthens customer loyalty.
We've helped developers create homes that sell for premiums, homeowners realize their dream spaces within realistic budgets, and brands find architectural expression that feels genuine rather than formulaic.
Our success comes from delivering what matters to you—not what we think you should want.
3. Value Creation
Alongside client work, we undertake self-invested projects—Cork House, Pine House—as laboratories. We test materials, spatial ideas, and construction approaches on our own properties before introducing them to client projects.
Cork House explored carbon-negative cork as a structural and insulation material, proving sustainable architecture can be beautiful and affordable. Pine House tests innovative approaches to London's Victorian terrace typology.
These aren't just side projects. They're research and development that benefits every client. You get proven approaches, not experiments.
4. Self-Builds as R&D
What We Do
Homes
We create homes that reflect who you are—from listed building renovations to contemporary new builds. Every project begins with your story: your history, your vision, your daily rituals.
Our residential work ranges from Victorian terrace extensions to mews house conversions, always balancing heritage sensitivity with contemporary living needs. We work with clients on projects typically ranging from £300k to £1M+.
Specialisms include:
- Listed building renovation and heritage conservation
- Victorian and Georgian terrace extensions
- Contemporary new builds
- Sustainable materials and carbon-negative architecture
- Bespoke interiors and furniture design
Example projects: Cork House (RIBA-shortlisted), Arch House, Kensington Apartment, Pine House
Public
We apply our design philosophy to public spaces—places where communities gather, connect, and belong. From galleries to aparthotels, cultural institutions to public realm infrastructure, we create architecture that serves people with dignity and warmth.
Our public realm work includes gallery interiors with flexible exhibition systems, boutique aparthotel conversions, and infrastructure projects that strengthen community identity. We're building this portfolio deliberately, seeking partnerships with independent operators and values-driven organizations.
Recent projects include:
- South Kensington Gallery (flexible cultural space with movable walls and acoustic design)
- Bloomsbury Aparthotel (Georgian townhouse conversion, in progress)
- Clapham Gateway Bridge (public realm competition shortlist, community co-creation with Studio Voltaire)
Example of our public realm approach: The Clapham Gateway project proposed a landmark that "can only belong in Clapham"—using TfL Windrush Line colors, community-created murals honoring local heritage, and wayfinding that connects neighborhoods. Though the project is on hold, it demonstrates our commitment to culturally-rooted, community-engaged design.
Charles Wu founded Polysmiths in 2019 after 15 years leading high-profile projects at practices including Heatherwick Studio, David Chipperfield Architects, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (London), and Edge Design Institute (Hong Kong).
At Heatherwick Studio, Charles served as Head of Project Enabling for Maggie's Leeds, leading fundraising, visualization direction, cost and risk mitigation, and supporting Thomas Heatherwick in communications and networking. This experience in culturally-significant, community-funded projects shaped Polysmiths' approach to value creation and stakeholder engagement.
At Studio Egret West, Charles was the architect for The Stratford Shoal, a major public realm intervention for the 2012 London Olympics, responsible for statutory and public consultation, planning, and coordinating multiple stakeholders including the Olympic Delivery Authority. This large-scale infrastructure experience informs Polysmiths' public realm work today.
Growing up between Hong Kong, Sydney, and London, Charles experienced constant movement and the search for belonging. That personal journey became Polysmiths' founding mission: creating architecture where people feel they belong.
Charles is also an IDEO alumni, with certified experience in change management leadership and innovation strategies for organizational growth. He is a member of the Architects Registration Board (UK) and a chartered member of RIBA.
Recent recognition includes RIBA London Award Shortlist 2023 (Cork House) and Clapham Gateway Competition Shortlist 2025 (public realm infrastructure).
Charles Wu, Director & Principal Architect
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "building a sense of belonging" mean in practice?
"Building a sense of belonging" means creating spaces where people feel comfortable being themselves. This applies whether we're designing a home, a restaurant, or public infrastructure.
In residential projects, it means understanding your personal story—your history, values, daily rituals—and translating that into architecture that reflects who you are. For our Gibraltar clients at Arch House, belonging meant creating Mediterranean references (structural arches, warm materials) within a London context.
In public projects like the Clapham Gateway bridge, belonging means honoring community heritage (Windrush arrivals, local history) through co-created murals and design that serves neighborhoods with dignity.
We achieve this through deep listening at the project's start, collaborative design, and commitment to timeless quality rather than trending styles.
What is included in architectural services for a new build home in London?
Architectural services for a new build home in London include comprehensive support from initial concept through construction completion, typically following RIBA work stages.
At Polysmiths, our services include:
Stage 0-1: Strategic Definition & Preparation
Understanding your story, vision, and values. We begin every project by listening—what matters to you, how you want to live, what "home" means to your family. This storytelling phase shapes the entire design.
Stage 2: Concept Design
Developing spatial concepts that reflect your narrative. We explore how architecture can create a sense of belonging—spaces where you're comfortable being yourself. This includes initial sketches, spatial studies, and material directions.
Stage 3: Spatial Coordination (Planning)
Detailed design development, planning application preparation and submission, coordination with planning authorities and heritage officers (if applicable), and navigating conservation area requirements.
Stage 4: Technical Design
Construction drawings, specifications, material selection and detailing, coordination with structural engineers and building control, and contractor tender package preparation.
Stage 5-7: Construction
Site inspections, contractor coordination, problem-solving as issues arise, material verification, and quality control through completion.
Our approach balances quality, cost, and time within real-world constraints. We work with trusted collaborators (engineers, contractors, specialists) to solve your specific challenges rather than imposing a house style.
For new builds, we often incorporate lessons from our self-build R&D projects—Cork House and Pine House—where we test materials and approaches before introducing them to client work.
Typical project duration: 12-18 months (6-9 months design/planning, 6-9 months construction)
Typical project budgets: £500k-£1M+ for new builds in London
What makes Polysmiths different from other London architects?
Four things distinguish our practice:
1. Philosophy-led approach: We're guided by "building a sense of belonging" rather than a house style. Every project reflects the client's story, not our signature aesthetic.
2. Four principles: Storytelling (understanding your narrative), Problem Solving (balancing quality/cost/time), Value Creation (delivering what matters to you), and Self-Builds as R&D (testing ideas before client application).
3. Cross-sector range: We work across homes, hospitality, cultural institutions, and public realm projects. This breadth informs each sector—lessons from public realm wayfinding improve residential circulation, hospitality materials enhance home warmth.
4. Self-invested learning: Cork House and Pine House aren't just portfolio pieces. They're laboratories where we test materials and approaches on our own investment before recommending them to clients.
How to choose a home extension architect in London?
Choosing a home extension architect in London requires considering both technical capability and cultural fit. We recommend evaluating architects across six criteria:
1. Philosophy & Approach
Look beyond portfolio aesthetics. Does the architect have a clear design philosophy? At Polysmiths, we're guided by "building a sense of belonging"—creating spaces that reflect who you are. Ask potential architects: "What principles guide your work?" If they can't articulate a clear philosophy beyond "creating beautiful spaces," that's a red flag.
2. Relevant Experience
For Victorian terrace extensions, listed building work, or heritage conservation, verify specific experience in these areas. Review past projects in similar contexts (building type, planning constraints, budget range). At Polysmiths, our work spans Victorian terraces (Arch House), listed buildings (Kensington Apartment), and contemporary infills (Cork House).
3. Process & Collaboration
Understand how the architect works. Do they collaborate with trusted engineers and contractors? How do they handle budget and time management? We operate on four principles: Storytelling (understanding your narrative), Problem Solving (balancing quality/cost/time), Value Creation (delivering what matters to you), and Self-Builds as R&D (testing approaches before client application).
4. Budget Alignment
Be honest about your budget early. Architects specializing in £200k projects approach design differently than those working at £500k+. We typically work with clients on projects from £500k to £1M+, where material quality and spatial refinement justify the investment.
5. Communication Style
You'll work with your architect for 12-24 months. Do you enjoy talking with them? Do they listen carefully or talk over you? Do they explain technical issues clearly? Architecture is ultimately about people management—clients, engineers, planners, contractors. Choose someone who makes the process engaging rather than stressful.
6. Professional Credentials & Recognition
Verify ARB registration (legal requirement to call yourself an "architect" in the UK) and RIBA membership. Consider awards and recognition—not as proof of aesthetic superiority, but as evidence the practice delivers well-executed projects. We're RIBA London Award shortlisted (Cork House, 2023) and Clapham Gateway Competition shortlisted (2025).
What is your approach to sustainability?
Sustainability at Polysmiths means material innovation, lifecycle thinking, and avoiding greenwashing.
Cork House demonstrated that carbon-negative materials can be beautiful, practical, and affordable. We continue exploring sustainable materials through self-build R&D rather than experimenting on client budgets.
Our approach:
- Material selection: Prioritize carbon-sequestering or low-embodied-carbon materials (cork, timber, reclaimed materials)
- Lifecycle thinking: Design for longevity, adaptability, and eventual reuse rather than demolition
- Heritage sensitivity: Renovating existing buildings is inherently sustainable—we embrace Victorian terrace typologies rather than demolishing them
- Honest assessment: We avoid superficial "green" features with high maintenance costs, preferring durable, passive strategies
We believe timeless design is sustainable design. Architecture that people love doesn't get demolished.
What is the cost of hiring an architect in London?
The cost of hiring an architect in London typically ranges from 8% to 15% of your total construction budget, depending on project complexity and scope of services.
Fee Structure Breakdown:
For residential projects in London:
- Simple renovations with limited structural work: 8-10% of construction cost
- House extensions with planning applications: 10-12% of construction cost
- Listed building renovations with heritage constraints: 12-15% of construction cost
- New builds or complex projects requiring extensive coordination: 12-15% of construction cost
At Polysmiths, our fees are 12-15% for most projects, reflecting our comprehensive service and collaborative approach. We work on projects typically ranging from £500k to £1M+ construction budgets, meaning architectural fees of £60k-£150k depending on scope.
What This Covers:
Our fees include all design work from initial concept through construction completion (RIBA stages 0-7), planning application preparation and submissions, coordination with structural engineers and consultants, construction drawings and specifications, site inspections throughout construction, problem-solving and design adjustments during build, and final completion and handover.
Crucially, our approach emphasizes value creation—delivering what matters to you within realistic constraints. We're not style-makers; we're problem-solvers. Every project balances quality, cost, and time.
Alternative Fee Structures:
Some architects offer:
- Hourly rates (£100-£200/hour): Suitable for consultations or limited scope work
- Fixed fees: Agreed lump sum (requires well-defined scope)
- Percentage of construction cost: Most common for residential work (what we use)
Hidden Costs to Consider:
Beyond architectural fees, budget for:
- Structural engineer fees: 2-4% of construction cost
- Planning consultant (if needed): £3k-£8k
- Party wall surveyor (if applicable): £2k-£5k
- Building control fees: £1k-£3k depending on project size.
Do you work on projects outside residential architecture?
Yes. While residential projects are currently our largest sector, we're deliberately building our public realm portfolio across hospitality, cultural, and infrastructure projects.
Recent public work includes:
- South Kensington Gallery: Flexible cultural space with movable walls, acoustic design, and museum-quality lighting
- Bloomsbury Aparthotel: Georgian townhouse conversion to boutique aparthotel (in progress)
- Clapham Gateway: Public realm bridge competition shortlist featuring community co-creation and heritage storytelling
We're particularly interested in working with independent hospitality operators (restaurants, boutique hotels), cultural institutions (galleries, museums, community centers), and public realm projects that strengthen neighborhood identity.
What is the cost of a residential extension project?
The cost of a full house renovation in London—the type of project we typically undertake at Polysmiths—ranges from £300,000 to £1,000,000+ for complete refurbishments that transform your home.
We don't work on isolated kitchen extensions or single-room renovations. Our clients come to us for comprehensive projects: full house refurbishments, listed building renovations, or significant reconfigurations that reimagine how a home works.
Cost Per Square Metre Guidelines:
As a planning benchmark, expect:
- £2,500-£3,000/sqm: Good quality renovation with standard specifications
- £3,000-£3,500/sqm: High-quality renovation with thoughtful material choices
- £3,500-£4,500/sqm: Exceptional specification with bespoke elements, premium materials, and craft detailing
These rates exclude VAT, architectural fees (12-15% of construction cost), structural engineering fees (2-4%), and often exclude bespoke joinery, premium finishes like natural stone or solid timber flooring, and client-supplied items like kitchen appliances.
For a typical 150-200 square metre London house requiring full renovation, you should budget:
- Construction cost: £450,000-£900,000 (depending on specification level)
- Total project cost including all fees and finishes: £600,000-£1,200,000
What Affects Cost:
Higher costs result from listed building status requiring heritage materials and specialist contractors, significant structural work like opening up floor plans or underpinning, bespoke joinery designed specifically for your home, premium natural materials, and complex site access in central London.
Our approach at Polysmiths is about value creation, not cost minimization. We work with clients who understand that good architecture is an investment—creating spaces that reflect who you are, that you'll love living in for decades.
We balance quality, cost, and time through careful material selection, collaboration with trusted contractors who deliver consistent quality, value engineering where appropriate (like using structural
Ready to Start Your Project?
Whether you're planning a home renovation, launching a restaurant, or reimagining a cultural space, we'd love to hear your story.
We typically work with clients on projects of £500k+ across London and the UK. Our process begins with a conversation about your vision, budget, and timeline.
Email: hello@polysmiths.com
Phone: +44 7786 675961