Tell us more about your project
Why Work With Polysmiths?
We're not style-makers—we're story-tellers. Every project begins with understanding your narrative: your history, values, and vision. We create architecture that reflects who you are, guided by our mission to build a sense of belonging.
This means you won't get a "Polysmiths aesthetic." You'll get architecture that reflects your story.
Awards & Recognition:
- RIBA London Award Shortlist 2023 (Cork House)
- AIA UK Design Awards Winner 2023 (Emerging Practice)
- Clapham Gateway Competition Shortlist 2025
- Surface Design Awards Winner 2024
Press Coverage:
Dezeen, Wallpaper*, Grand Designs Magazine, The Modern House, Livingetc, Evening Standard, Architects Journal, Remodelista, Leibal, and more.
Experience:
Charles Wu brings 15+ years from Heatherwick Studio (Head of Project Enabling, Maggie's Leeds fundraising), David Chipperfield Architects, and Studio Egret West (The Stratford Shoal, 2012 Olympics public realm).
Polysmiths Architecture & Interiors
Charles Wu, Director
EMAIL: hello@polysmiths.com
CONTACT NO.: +44 (0)7786675961
International & Relocating Clients
Approximately 40% of our clients are based internationally, relocating to London from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Tokyo, Berlin, and New York. We're experienced in remote collaboration, with systems for virtual design reviews, international shipping coordination, and flexible site visit schedules.
Charles Wu's own experience moving between Hong Kong, Sydney, and London gives us deep empathy for the expat journey - the excitement of a new city balanced with the need to create a home that reflects who you are.
Watch the short video including some of our past projects, architecture that builds a sense of belonging. (Videos by The Modern House, French+Tye, and Polysmiths)
Project Types & Typical Budgets
Residential
Full house renovations, listed building renovations, Victorian/Georgian terrace extensions, new builds
Budget range: £300k-£1M+ construction cost
Architectural fees: 12-15% of construction cost (£36k-£150k+)
Timeline: 14-22 months (concept to completion)
Hospitality & Cultural
Boutique aparthotels, independent restaurants, gallery interiors, museum spaces
Budget range: Varies significantly by scale
Architectural fees: 12-15% typically, negotiable based on complexity
Examples:
- Bloomsbury Aparthotel (12-room Georgian townhouse conversion)
- South Kensington Gallery (listed building gallery interior)
- Urban Collective Berlin (boutique aparthotel, office-to-hotel conversion)
Public Realm
Community infrastructure, public spaces, cultural projects
Examples:
- Clapham Gateway Bridge (competition shortlist, community co-creation)
Notes: We're deliberately building this portfolio. Interested in culturally-rooted, community-engaged projects.