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 practitioner working locally, I’ve rediscovered a directness and intimacy with projects and clients. There’s no dilution, no committee, no balancing of competing agendas. Every decision flows through me, and the results are sharper, clearer, and more personal.

Doing Everything Myself

Running a practice alone can sound daunting - every drawing, every email, every fee proposal, every site visit. But there’s a quiet satisfaction in that level of control.

The pace of projects is set by me. The design direction isn’t negotiated in a meeting. When a client calls, they get me - not a junior, not an assistant, not a filtered version of my thoughts.

It isn’t about ego; it’s about clarity. The responsibility is total, but so is the reward: projects that bear a direct imprint of my hand and my mind, unmediated.

That’s what The Gentleman Architect stands for - a practice where the architect you meet is the one who designs, draws, and delivers every stage of your project.

Ready to Start a Conversation?

I offer a free one hour home consultation to discuss your project ideas, explore what’s possible, and see if we’re the right fit.

You’ll also receive my base fee proposal letter, outlining three levels of service across the RIBA stages, so you can understand the process from the outset.

Arrange Your Free Consultation