Paper House Project

Characterized by an innovative, functional and modern approach to architecture, The Paper House Project is responsible for some extraordinary detail-oriented works.
The founding Director James Davies talked to the describer, and let us in for a special insight on this “young, vibrant architecture and design studio”.

— Office —

Paper House Project is a young, vibrant architecture and design studio that is passionate about exceptional design. We are founded on the belief that our collaborative nature and the journey we take with our clients is reflected in every project by creating exciting, functional, modern spaces to be experienced.

— Approach —

Influenced by everyday living, we blend clever design with commercial awareness, working closely and openly with clients and contractors towards a common goal; to improve the places we eat, sleep, work and play. We don’t think sustainability should be a special design feature, but rather a fundamental idea that informs every decision we make. Our moods, well-being and happiness are all shaped by what surrounds us. This is why we believe that anything is possible when we design.
We are passionate about devising innovative, functional and modern spaces to ensure our clients feel a sense of place and ownership. Experimental, brave and enthusiastic to the core, we feel it is crucial to delve into the detail from the start in order to deliver in the end. Our hands-on approach to design, working within budgets, pushing boundaries and creating the unexpected - creates remarkable spaces.

— Start —

We spend a huge amount of time with our clients at the start of a project formulating a brief. We feel that it's important to lead the design conversation whilst ensuring the process is a collaborative one. We encourage our clients to be ambitious and to step out of their comfort zone when it comes to design.
This requires trust which needs to be developed, especially if it’s the first time we’ve worked with a client or it’s their first project. For us, it’s all about trust and collaboration.

— Clients —

We find that the most successful projects are the ones with the best working relationships with our clients, knowing that we’re all pulling in the same direction to achieve a shared goal. It’s very rewarding when it all comes together and you have a happy client at the end of a project.

— The Uk —

As a young practice, we find we’re continually unable to pitch for work as we don’t meet the extensive and strict criteria, usually in the form of long time-consuming PQQs, that require certain office infrastructures or minimum turnovers that are unrealistic for smaller companies.
A lot of well-established practices in the UK didn’t have these barriers when they were starting out and I think younger practices should be given more opportunities. There are so many exciting young practices in the UK but they’re not getting the opportunities they deserve.

— Material —

We like to use strong, robust materials with lots of character, detailed in a way that ensures our designs, once built, are durable and lasting. I remember the feeling I had the first time I walked into the Turbine Hall at the Tate Modern, that sense of excitement and scale.
We strive to create moments like that within our designs so I think it’s important that the materials don’t try to grab all the attention. For me, it’s all about space, volume, and light and the special moments they can create.

— Influences —

My two favourite architecture practices are FAT and OMA and I’ve been lucky enough to have worked for them both prior to establishing Paper House Project. I learnt a huge amount from them both and was able to meet and work with some incredibly talented people.