Top view of a contemporary apartment layout with outdoor patio. Features a living room with green sofa, kitchen with dining area, and a brick-patterned patio with round table and chairs. Includes greenery and small plants in garden areas.

Our story…

Carinne Lawrence: Director

“From the age of seven, my dream was to become an architect.

My career began in South Africa in 1992, where I worked on high-end residential architecture and five-star hotels. I loved designing homes.

Moving to the UK in 2001, I worked for Ridge and Partners followed by Broadway Malyan a large architectural firm with several offices in the UK and abroad. I was responsible for projects that included student accommodation and academic buildings for schools and universities. These projects had fixed budgets and required a realistic and pragmatic approach to design.

One of my favourite projects at Broadway Malyan, was the design of a new, National Breeding Centre for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. This design was unique. Its success hinged on listening to the clients and understanding their very specific requirements. The goal, which was achieved, was to design a building that would allow the breeding programme to expand, thus enabling Guide Dogs to transform the lives of more blind and visually impaired people. From this project I learnt that architecture that is centred on the needs of the client whether they are humans or puppies, can be transformative. This inspired me.

In 2017 I returned to my first love in architectural terms: bespoke residential work, accepting employment with a firm who specialise in high end residential architecture. I was able to apply all of the experience gained between 2001 and 2017 to create special homes, many of which have won awards.”

Woman smiling outdoors with a blue top and necklace, blurry green foliage background.

Carinne is a registered Architect and is a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects

Lawrence Architects (Ltd)

Carinne set up Lawrence Architects in 2020.

“I wanted to have a business that is totally client focussed, with the freedom to provide a service that is tailored to the needs of individuals.” Carinne

At LA, we will listen to you as you describe your aspirations and needs and understand how you envisage your dream home. For us, success means exceeding your expectations.

Realising your vision for your dream home can often take place over time. At LA we always consider the best long-term vision for your property and then work backwards from there. We use professional cost estimates at an early stage of each project to keep the design within your budget, using the same discipline that Carinne learnt when working on Academic buildings.

Understanding what your home will look like, is crucial. LA have invested in state of the art 3D software that helps you to visualise the design for your home. Our software supports a free 3D app that allows you to virtually explore your home at your leisure, using your phone or tablet.

We pay a lot of attention to detail, looking at how each space will be furnished and thus making sure that the architecture and interiors are integrated.

We have experience in, and know the care needed for any renovation work on listed buildings or in conservation areas. This experience, combined with our sensitive and collaborative approach, will help effectively navigate the planning system. We have a track record for “plain sailing” through the planning system.

For most people, a house is the biggest investment they will ever make. At Lawrence Architects we are passionate about supporting you to turn your dreams into a reality.

A client review…

“Building your dream house or altering the one you have so it fits to your lifestyle better is a choice you’re unlikely going to make very often. So settling on the right architect is key.

From the moment I encountered Lawrence Architects I knew my dream was in good hands. Carinne has great attention to detail and listened really well to understand my needs. She presented me with three design options including a solution I hadn’t even thought of, which is the one I am now going for and very happy with. I even got a virtual tour through my future house bringing the plans to life in 3D and leaving me with something to show friends and family.

Her pricing structure was also very clear from the outset with no hidden surprises and her knowledge of the planning process ment everything went smoothly.

If you’re looking for someone to take good care of your building dream, look no further.” Frauke