After spending our first year practising in Bristol, we chose to move the studio to Frome, where Oliver has lived for the last decade or so, with the aim of establishing a closer relationship with our context. Our mission is to cultivate close working relationships with various people, companies, and communities in the town and surrounding areas. We believe that collaboration enriches our design process, fostering innovation and creating meaningful, impactful work that resonates within our local environment.
Empowering Communities
Below, we highlight the vibrant communities and networks that empower our studio, each contributing uniquely, directly and indirectly to our creative journey:
Makers’ Yard
Makers’ Yards is the heart of our creative endeavours, serving as the home base for our studio in Frome, Somerset. This artist-run project space, nestled within a reimagined Victorian tannery, offers a multifaceted environment that bridges the gap between creating art, curating exhibitions, and fostering a grassroots community for contemporary culture. Housing diverse artist studios, event spaces, and a community yard, Makers’ Yards is a thriving hub for creatives across disciplines such as visual art, film direction, ceramics, carpentry, jewellery design, and more. By being part of this dynamic community, we are inspired to explore new ideas, engage in meaningful conversations, and build strong connections that enhance our design process and creative output.
M.Y Network
The M.Y Network plays a pivotal role in connecting us with a broader community of local creatives across Bath, Frome, Bruton, and the surrounding areas. As an artist-run community, M.Y Network provides essential resources and support through various organised groups that offer local work opportunities, professional advice, and updates on local events and available workspaces. By facilitating lunches, talks, and social gatherings, the network fosters a sense of camaraderie and collaboration among like-minded individuals. Utilising a Discord-based platform accessible through an affordable annual subscription, M.Y Network ensures that our studio remains integrated within a vibrant and supportive creative ecosystem. This connection not only broadens our professional network but also enriches our creative endeavours through continuous inspiration and shared knowledge.
Neighbourhood Toolbox
Neighbourhood Toolbox is a dynamic collective of construction professionals dedicated to making design accessible to everyone. At Neighbourhood Toolbox, design is for all! Their mission is to ensure that everyone can access the tools needed to EXPLORE, DESIGN, REALISE, and CELEBRATE homes, communities, and neighbourhoods that work for us all. Whether projects are small or large, NTB supports them from the earliest seed of an idea through to completion and use, guided by their four key missions that reflect the essential stages of every project. Neighbourhood Toolbox benefits the entire community by strengthening bonds, building trust and capacity, and upskilling all stakeholders to successfully realise the regeneration of our neighbourhoods. Through their comprehensive programmes, they foster robust community partnerships with active involvement, providing our studio with invaluable resources and expertise. This collaboration enhances our ability to create impactful and sustainable designs that truly resonate within the community.
Looking Ahead
As our studio continues to grow, we are excited to welcome new communities, networks, collaborators, and consultants into our creative family. Our expanding community is fundamental to our mission to work with bio-based construction, localised production, and designs that address the long-term environmental impact of our architecture, we strive to create sustainable and resilient structures that benefit both people and the planet.
Our community-driven approach empowers us to push the boundaries of traditional design, fostering innovation and sustainability at every stage of our projects. Together, we are committed to developing environmentally responsible solutions that not only meet the needs of today but also safeguard the future. As we continue to build and strengthen our network, we look forward to creating more impactful and lasting designs that reflect our dedication to sustainability, community, and frugal architecture.