FDR
ARCHITECTS
Masterplanning - Architecture - Interior design - Project Management
01 The Practice
FDR is an innovative young architectural and design practice established in London, United Kingdom. With a head office based in London and additional office in Malaysia our portfolio includes residential, leisure, retail and commercial projects.
Although established in 2005, the three directors at FDR have worked for over a decade on a range of different projects around the world. This experience has enabled FDR to develop creative working partnerships with an impressive network of consultants and associates.
The Practice is driven by a consistent philosophy which is to create and detail buildings so that they intimately connect to context and function. FDR’s flexible team draws on a wide variety of experience to create thoughtful and thorough design.
FDR's key objective has always been to realise our client’s vision and imagination by pushing the boundaries when it comes to design.
02 People
RAJ PATEL BA(Hons) Architecture, PG(Dip) Architecture, ARB, RIBA
Raj Patel is a founding member & Managing Director for FDR Architects. Prior to this Raj was an Associate at Burrows Cave International, London and previously was trained at South Bank University and University of Westminster. Raj has worked with an array of international clients including AMC, Europlex, London Clubs International, Henderson Global, Heron International, Arsenal FC and Harrods. Raj has been involved with projects at various scales throughout the UK, Europe, South East Asia, The Middle East and USA. Raj specialises in commercial, retail, leisure & residential design. He is also responsible for business development, project management, and contract & finance administration for FDR Architects.
DZARIMAN IBRAHIM BA(Hons) Architecture, PG(Dip) Architecture
Dzariman obtained his Architecture qualifications from Southbank University and University of Westminster in London, Dzariman is a founding member and Director for FDR Architects who has had experience working with various architectural firms in Central London including Aukett Fitzroy Robinson, Geoffrey Reid, Leslie Jones and Foster + Partners. Specialising in retail, commercial and residential providing solutions from feasibility to technical detailing, he has worked with prominent clients such as Fenwick, London Mayor’s office, BAA, ING Insurance, Sainsbury’s and Swiss Re London. Dzariman also oversees the marketing and business development for the company.
03 Projects
Mill Hill House - New Build Residential
This decommissioned civil defense bunker, a massive concrete box built in the early 1950's as a precaution against a nuclear strike, is a monument to the cold war era. The proposal to use the bunker as a private detached residence was awarded planning permission in November 2005 and the project was completed later in 2009.
The design comprises of a new lightweight glazed structure on the existing roof with a central opening for daylight to the accommodation below. Support facilities are situated at the lower level, with the living room and the bedrooms above. To further push forward our efforts towards sustainable architecture the house incorporates green roof technology which provides natural insulation and cooling. Further benefits of this technology are rainwater harvesting and storm water attenuation. The visual impact of the green roof also enables the building to blend more seamlessly into its green open field context.
Highgate House - New Build Residential
This luxuriously built detached family home was constructed into a sloping site that lay empty for years and is located within the leafy neighbourhood of Highgate.
The brief was to design a contemporary house that would sit comfortably within its Edwardian setting. Key elements were to create naturally light filled rooms with spaces that were adaptable for different occasion and uses, including open plan living.
Innovative prefabrication processes were used to minimise time onsite and damage to the neighbouring land. This was achieved by using a prefabricated concrete basement manufactured in Germany and timber frame construction for the remainder of the house.
Langkawi City - Masterplan for tourism, commercial & leisure
FDR has been tasked to lead a master plan development in Langkawi Island, Malaysia for local developer PFCE Integrated Plant & Projects. Our director Dzariman Ibrahim has been working on location alongside local counterparts Walter & Joe Architects, the master plan consists of specially curated attractions including lifestyle retail shops, residential, hotel, private villas and a glorious iconic centrepiece - an observation tower which was completed in December 2021 after enduring a challenging construction chapter during the Covid-19 pandemic. The whole project is due to complete in 2027.
This new landmark in Langkawi island stands magnificent by day and radiantly illuminates by night with lighting accentuating its 6-sided hexagonal facade adorned with latticework that mirrors weaving patterns of traditional Islamic architecture in a contemporary fashion; a majestic summit unleashing the island’s true potential as the ultimate tourist destination.
Bromley South - Site Redevelopment
FDR were approached by a client who had recently inherited a 1960`s detached house. The property had been owned by an elderly relative and had been left untouched for many years. The property came with a 250 ft rear garden that had been unkempt and was unusable. The client did not wish to sell the property but instead wanted to develop the site in order to hold onto it long term. The client and FDR decided to propose a "Build to rent" scheme that would be given to a Housing Association to run.
FDR designed and proposed a flatted development which provided a total of 3 houses and 13 flats. Onsite parking was designed to reduce the burden to on-street parking, each flat was designed to have more than the national minimum requirement of outdoor amenity space required under planning policy. The scheme was also designed with a sustainability and eco friendly vision in mind, The scheme is in the process of being considered by the local council.
Hackney House - New Build Residential
FDR were approached by a homeowner who wished to develop a derelict site consisting of a pair of double garages on a Victorian lined Hackney street.
FDR are in the process of gaining planning approval for a 3 storey plus basement floor family dwelling on the site. The design was to create something that is contemporary yet blends into the existing Victorian Terrace street scene.
Camberwell House - Refurbishment & Extension
FDR were approached by a client who wished to re develop a derelict and dilapidated detached house that they had purchased.
FDR designed and gained approval for a rear extension and reconfiguration of the internal layout. The end result was a 4 bedroom detached family house that stayed true to its original asthetics.
Clapham House - Refurbishment & Extension
FDR were approached by a client who wished to re develop a derelict and dilapidated detached mews house that they had purchased via auction.
FDR designed and proposed an overhaul of the internal configuration and were able to gain additional habitable space within the roof space together with a secondary roof terrace. The original house consisted of a small rear patio and 2 bedrooms, FDR were able to covert this property into a 3 bedroom family home together with doubling the outdoor space.
Hill Side House - Refurbishment & Extension
FDR were approached by a client who wished to re develop a property they had owned for many years and wanted to increase its monetary value while retaining quality living spaces.
FDR designed and proposed a number of extensions to the rear, side and roof, together with an overhaul to the internal layout. The end result was being able to convert the existing property into 3 large self contained flats with external amenity space.
Leicester House - New Build Residential
FDR were approached by a homeowner who wished to develop their existing 250ft rear garden in order to create a second home for their extended family.
FDR designed a 6 bedroom detached home with front and rear landscaped gardens. FDR also navigated the complex process of gaining approval for such a site.
Downbury Mews - Refurbishment
FDR were approached by a client who owned this 1980`s built mews property. The property had not been renovated since its purchase and required a major overhaul.
FDR designed and helped manage the complete overhaul of the property, the end result was a light and modern 3 bedroom family home.
Dulwich House - Conversion & Extension
FDR were approached by a client who purchased a mixed use building which consisted of a retail unit on the ground floor and living accommodation on the upper floors. The property was in a dilapidated state and was in need of urgent repair and structural work.
FDR designed and were able to gain approval to convert the property into family dwelling and proposed a vast rear extension and reconfiguration of the internal layout to create a 4 bedroom detached family house
Greenwich - Site Redevelopment
FDR were approached by a client who had recently purchased a plot of land in Greenwich. The site was an awkward size with not much potential due to site restrictions and neighbouring properties. This was the clients first project building from ground up and wished to develop the site and sell the properties on the private market.
FDR designed and proposed a residential development which provided a total of 3 detached houses. Onsite parking was also designed to reduce the burden to on-street parking, the scheme was designed to take on the local context but with a slightly contemporary twist. The scheme is in the process of being submitted to the local council.
Clapham Mews - Site Redevelopment
FDR were approached by a client who wished to re develop a derelict and dilapidated site consisting of a number of Victorian mews houses that were council owned. The client wished to purchase the site from the council for redevelopment.
FDR designed and proposed a scheme that kept true to the existing nature of the site and its existing building. The redevelopment proposed 30 self contained residential units with basements and private gardens, as garden space was limited for certain residents part of the hardscaped area was re-designed into a community garden
Margate - Building Redevelopment
FDR were approached by a client who had purchased a pair of dilapidated Grade II listed buildings in the centre of Margate. The buildings had stood empty for a number of years and were being used as offices, all original features of the building had been torn out due to the office conversion. The clients had previously tried with another Architect to gain planning approval but were unsuccessful.
FDR analysed the site and neighbourhood and came up with a proposal to convert the property into a serviced Boutique apartment block. Not only would this be beneficial for the client but it would also address a much needed demand in Margate for such facilities to attract visitors to Margate. FDR designed and proposed a sympathetic scheme that would allow the buildings to be restored to their former glory by proposing restoration that was in keeping with the period of the property, original features were to be restored and minimal intervention to internal structure was proposed.
Worthing - Housing Conversion
FDR were approached by a client who had purchased a dilapidated detached house which had been illegally converted into 2 self contained flats. The property had been unoccupied for a number of years and hence required a complete renovation.
The client had purchased the property with the intention of converting the property back into a single dwelling. FDR analysed the building and came up with an alternative proposal to convert the property into a pair of semi detached 3 bedroom family homes. This proposal allowed the client to exceed his initial expectations for return on investment. In addition the council were favourable to the proposal as we were providing much needed family housing for the Borough. FDR crafted and introduced a unique design that seamlessly transformed the building into two distinct homes. The conversion maintains the original aesthetic, blending harmoniously with the surrounding architecture while preserving the property's authentic character.
Beckenham - Site Redevelopment
FDR were approached by a client who owned a detached bungalow on a site that was located in the rear gardens of a street facing property. The owner purchased the site due to its secluded location.
FDR designed and proposed a minimalist detached 2 storey dwelling. The proposed house offered a 360 degree due to its glazed open plan nature.
Queens Park - New Restaurant
FDR was engaged by a restaurateur aiming to open a vibrant Malaysian-themed restaurant in the heart of Queens Park. The client, who owned a commercial property, sought our expertise in transforming the space into a fully operational restaurant.
We successfully secured planning approval to extend and convert the property into a stylish restaurant and bar, spread across two floors. The interior design was carefully curated to reflect the rich cultural aesthetics of Malaysia, creating an inviting and authentic dining experience.
Honor Oak - Site Redevelopment
FDR were approached by a client who owned a large site that contained a detached bungalow. The site was underused and the client wished to re develop the site to release its potential land use.
FDR designed and proposed a flatted development that provided 8 large self contained flats, due to the sloping nature of the site FDR were also able to propose a cleverly designed additional basement level which seamlessly blended into the street scene at the front but provided ground level access to the rear gardens.
Shortlands - Site Redevelopment
FDR were approached by a client who purchased a set of semi detached houses that were ex local authority owned. The existing pair of semi detached houses were undesirable and the client wished FDR to develop the site in order to improve the sites land use and provide quality housing for the local borough.
FDR designed and proposed a new build flatted scheme with onsite gardens and parking spaces. The local authority were against the loss of family dwellings therefore FDR proposed a scheme that incorporated family size dwelling to compensate for the loss of the original semi detached houses. The scheme went through many struggles but FDR were able to navigate the planning process and gain approval on the scheme by going to appeal.
Canterbury - Building Redevelopment
FDR were approached by a client who had purchased a row of 3 Grade II listed buildings in the heart of Canterbury. The buildings had been joined together to form a retail unit that housed a Musical Instrument store. Due to retirement the previous owner closed the store and tried to find a new retail tenant. With the current high street climate this was a difficult task therefore our client purchased the building with an idea to redevelop.
FDR analysed the site and neighbourhood and found that there was no demand for such properties, therefore if left in their current state of use they would be left empty and lead to ruin. FDR together with the client proposed the properties be converted back into 3 individual houses which is what they would have been when first constructed. The proposal would allow a defunct use building to be bought back to life and add value to its location and community. FDR designed and proposed a sympathetic scheme that would allow the buildings to be restored to their former glory.
Chislehurst - Site Redevelopment
FDR were approached by a client who wished to re develop a derelict and dilapidated detached bungalow that they had purchased. The site sat next to a railway line and was within a valley type setting surrounded by dwelling at higher ground levels. The owner wished to utilise the vast land that came with the site to provide a number of dwellings
FDR designed and proposed a 3 storey flatted development, that provided private and communal green spaces with off street parking.
Kesley Park - Site Redevelopment
FDR were approached by a client who had purchased a plot of land that had been left derelict and overgrown. The previous owners had made several attempts to gain planning approval but were refused.
FDR designed and proposed a pair of 4 bedroom detached dwellings with off street parking and vast rear gardens.
London Fields House- Extension & Refurbishment
FDR were approached by a couple who had owned and lived in this semi detached house in London Fields for many years. The clients now had a growing family and were outgrowing the property. As with many growing families the clients loved the neighbourhood they lived in but were unable to afford a larger house in same the neighbourhood.
FDR helped redesign their home by proposing a vast rear extension and re-configuring their living space. the new layout and proposed extension meant that the family gained valuable space and were now able to continue living and growing into their existing home for years to come.
Streatham - Refurbishment & Extension
FDR were approached by a client who had purchased a modestly sized 1 bedroom 1st floor flat as their first home. The flat was within a desirable neighbourhood but lacked living space.
FDR designed and proposed a large roof extension and complete reconfiguration of the internal space. The end result was a conversion from a modest 1 bedroom flat into a large 3 bedroom flat that the owner could grow into for years to come.
Putney Flat- Redesign & Refurbishment
FDR were approached by a client who wished to re develop a derelict and dilapidated ground floor flat that they had recently purchased. The flat lacked space and consisted of one sub standard bedroom.
FDR designed and proposed complete reconfiguration and refurbishment of the flat. The end result was a 2 bedroom flat with a large open plan living and kitchen space
Dollis Hill House- Extension & Refurbishment
FDR were approached by a young couple who had purchased their home a number of years ago and had not updated it for a number of years. The owners wanted to start a family and contacted FDR to assist them to turn the property into a family dwelling for their new future.
FDR designed and proposed a non conventional rear extension together with a loft conversion, this increased the floor space of the existing house vastly and the end result was a large 4 bedroom house with several reception and entertaining living rooms.
Notting Hill Flat- Redesign & Refurbishment
FDR were approached by a client who recently purchased a 1 bedroom basement flat. The flat had many typical traits associated with basement flats, these being a lack of natural light, low ceilings and damp issues.
FDR designed and proposed a total reconfiguration and refurbishment of the flat. The end result was a 2 bedroom 2 bathroom flat with a large open plan living and kitchen space, higher ceilings and no more damp. Through negotiation with the freeholder FDR were also able to gain a large private rear garden for the flat.
Ealing House- Extension & Refurbishment
FDR were approached by a client who wished to re develop their existing terrace house. The property lacked natural light and living spaces were cramped.
FDR designed and proposed a rear extension and reconfiguration of the internal layout of the house to create much needed living space and an increase in the amount of natural light entering the property.
London Fields- Redesign & Refurbishment
FDR were approached by a client who wished to re develop a top floor flat they had purchased. The flat lacked natural light and storage space.
FDR designed and proposed a reconfiguration & renovation of the flat to improve and increase the amount natural light into the living spaces. Furniture was also cleverly designed to allow for an increase in storage space.
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05 Contact
London Fields Studios,
11-17 Exmouth Place,
Unit 20, London,
E8 3RW
United Kingdom
Tel: +44(0)20 7993 4530
Level 22, Maju Tower,
1001 Jalan Sultan Ismail
50250 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Tel: +6.01.6978.7178