Profile
Stern Thom Fehler Architects was established 40 years by David Thom and Kevan Fehler in 1984. Building on the values developed by David Stern and Partners, the practice is committed to a belief in the importance of detail and the honest use of materials in the context of a strongly client-oriented service.
The special qualities that the practice emphasise are:
- The placing of the client’s interests first
- Attention to detail
- Avoidance of ideological dogma
- Commitment to the end user
- Sensitivity to the handling of a specialist brief
- The desire to retain contact with the client and the project.
These all have their roots in the twin values of functionalism and the pre-eminence of the client. The practice aspires to raise the expectations of clients to prevent them from settling for too little, either from lack of information, opportunity and imagination, or lack of awareness of techniques and possibilities. Its aim is to deliver a finished service or product that honours the client’s vision and the professional’s expertise as equal elements in a successful partnership.
Stern Thom Fehler believes that its portfolio conforms to this high ideal. The practice offers expertise in new buildings, refurbishment, rehabilitation, fitting out, conversion, extensions to listed buildings, feasibility studies, along with planning applications, appeals and waivers.
Each of the practice’s projects is handled personally by the Directors, who see the project through from inception to completion from either the London or the Milton Keynes office.
Clients have benefited from these services across a wide range of building types – general and sheltered housing; industrial and commercial buildings; retail outlets; health, education, religious and community buildings.
Specialist experience includes Design and Build (both as the Employer’s Representative and as the Contractor’s Architect), Self Build Advice, Designing for people with disabilities, and appearing as Expert Witnesses in Construction Litigation.
Stern Thom Fehler Architects have an excellent employment record, with a large proportion of employees emanating from minority ethnic groups.
