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A Few Early Thoughts from This Year’s Advent Calendar The first few days of my Advent Calendar on Instagram have been a good excuse to look back at some old projects, some of which haven’t been published before and to give them a light Christmas twist using AI. Posting these has highlighted a couple of things I don’t usually stop to think about. The lighting and decor that the AIs throw up reminded me how much the feel of a space can change with a small shift in atmosphe

Mick Haley

Dec 4, 20251 min read

The third 'The Gentleman Architect' advent calendar

I’ve taken a small seasonal detour this year… ' on Instagram is now full of AI-generated Christmas versions of my built projects. Yes, it’s completely unnecessary. Yes, it made me laugh. And yes I hope it raises a couple of questions about how AI tools can change the way clients read atmosphere, detail and design intent. It’s a fun way to explore a technology we’re all going to be using more of, whether we like it or not. If you want a daily dose of snow-covered Dulwich (and

Mick Haley

Dec 1, 20251 min read

Planning The Gentleman Architect’s 2025 Christmas

The John Lewis Christmas advert premiered this week, and like many Gen Xers, I was wowed by the choice of music, Alison Limerick’s “Where Love Lives.” As anyone who knows me will tell you that it was a bit of an anthem for me back in the day. Naturally, the advert has set the emotional tone for the season, just in time for me to start planning The Gentleman Architect’s Annual Christmas Party and Advent Calendar. The Guest List Exclusive, intimate, and fully booked. Attendance

Mick Haley

Nov 5, 20252 min read

The Rarity of a New House in London

The Rarity of a New House in London by The Gentleman Architect – Dulwich Architect (RIBA, ARB) For most London architects, the chance to design a completely new house is rare. The city’s history, conservation areas, and dense urban fabric mean that almost every project starts with an existing building. Most of my work involves adapting and extending homes across South London - Victorian terraces, Edwardian semis, 1930s infills, and postwar houses - each with their own charact

Mick Haley

Oct 21, 20251 min read

From Concrete and Clay to Ferns and Light

Five Years On: The Evolution of a Crystal Palace Garden by The Gentleman Architect – Dulwich Architect (RIBA, ARB) Exactly five years ago, I took a photograph that, at the time, didn’t look like much - a newly poured retaining wall, a sloped site full of clay, and a few concrete manhole rings stacked in the mud, waiting for purpose. That site photo marked the beginning of what would become one of my favourite small-scale design transformations. Those same concrete manhole rin

Mick Haley

Oct 17, 20252 min read

From a Larger Practice to a Local Sole Practitioner

by The Gentleman Architect – Dulwich Architect (RIBA, ARB) For nearly twenty years, I co-ran a small architecture practice with three partners. At its height, we were five or six people - never a large firm, but enough to share the load, juggle projects, and navigate the highs and lows of business together. Eventually, the practice came to its natural end. After two decades, priorities had shifted, ambitions evolved, and the time felt right to move on. Now, as a sole practiti

Mick Haley

Oct 13, 20252 min read

The Benefits of a Silly Name (and Why I Chose The Gentleman Architect – Dulwich Architect (RIBA, ARB))

Architecture is a serious business - but that doesn’t mean an architect’s name has to be. In a profession that can sometimes take itself a little too seriously, there’s real value in having a name that makes people pause and smile. A playful or unusual title isn’t about diminishing professionalism; it’s about being memorable. Clients meet dozens of architects, browse endless websites, and flip through pages of planning applications. A name that sparks curiosity stands out. It

Mick Haley

Oct 8, 20252 min read

Site Progress Update: Carshalton Extension and Refurbishment

by the The Gentleman Architect – Dulwich Architect (RIBA, ARB) Work is well underway on our Carshalton extension and refurbishment project, and it’s always a satisfying moment when the RIBA Chartered Architect signboard goes up on the scaffolding — a small but proud reminder of the standards and professionalism that guide every project I take on. The site has now moved through its initial demolition phase, with a full tin-hat scaffold installed to protect the structure and

Mick Haley

Oct 6, 20251 min read

Should Architects Charge for an On-Site Consultation?

When a homeowner first contacts an architect, the next step is often a visit to the property. But should that visit be free, or should it come with a consultation fee? Architects approach this very differently, and there are good arguments on both sides. The Case for Charging Some architects argue that an initial home visit is professional advice and should be treated as such. It often includes practical design suggestions, comments on planning restrictions, and thoughts on b

Mick Haley

Oct 1, 20252 min read

Why Working with a Local Architect Makes All the Difference

When embarking on a home extension or refurbishment, choosing the right architect is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Beyond design flair and technical knowledge, one factor clients often overlook is location. Working with an architect based close to your home brings unique advantages that can shape the success of your project. At The Gentleman Architect , my practice is rooted in South London. This proximity not only allows me to bring architectural expertise

Mick Haley

Sep 29, 20253 min read