About

Light House /ˈlʌɪthaʊs/

Why Light House?

Embarking on a building project can be both an exciting and daunting experience, just like historically embarking on a sea voyage. Just like a lighthouse we want to be a guiding light to our clients and assist them on their journey through their project overcoming obstacles along the way to reach the safe completion of a project.

Based on the South Coast, Light House Studio was established to deliver a bespoke design service and be a guiding light for people embarking on a building project throughout the whole process. A focused response is offered to ensure the successful delivery of well executed and contemporary projects. The studio is also passionate about sustainability and undertaking sustainable principles, technologies and applications where possible.

Rachael Smith - Director

BA (Hons), B.Arch, PG Diploma, ARB, RIBA

A fully qualified ARB and RIBA Chartered Architect, Rachael is passionate to identify clients' aspirations for their projects and make these reality.

Rachael studied architecture at the Manchester School of Architecture where she developed a specialism for urban renewal projects and green architecture. Her diploma thesis investigated opportunities available for increased green roofs adoption in the UK. She completed her professional qualification at the University of Cardiff to qualify as an architect. She has considerable experience across all design stages spanning the full RIBA project stage spectrum from feasibility studies to construction.

After working for several years at high-end residential architectural practices on the South Coast, undertaking the design of numerous new-build and refurbishment projects from feasibility through to completion on site, Rachael founded Light House Studio. The studio provides a bespoke and high-quality service to meet clients’ needs, expectations and budget. Current design work is focused on the combination of sustainable and contemporary solutions where possible.

More information can be found on my linked profile here.

Architectural Services

Light House Studio offers a full architectural service tailored to each project from the initial idea to the finished building.

These are some of the key services that can be undertaken:

Brief Development
Concept Design
3D Models / Visualisations & Presentations
Planning Design & Drawings
Planning Applications
Technical Design / Construction Drawings
Building Regulations Applications
Tender Analysis / Reports
Advice on Building Contracts
Site Inspections

From assisting with planning applications, undertaking technical design drawings and on site assistance, I am happy to help at every project stage. Services can also be tailored accordingly to meet each client’s needs and expectations.

Please click on the ‘Architectural Services’ section to find out more.

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Process

Undertaking a building project is an exciting and complex operation involving multiple elements. To minimise potential issues and ensure the best possible outcome from concept to completion, I generally divide projects into several key stages based on the RIBA Plan of Works. Whatever the project type, this is the studio’s core process and this is what you can expect when working with me.

These are the 6 main stages of a projects where I provide architectural services:

Design Brief / Pre-Design
Concept Design
Planning Design
Technical Design
Construction
Completion

Please click on the 'Process' section to find out more details about the process that Light House Studio generally uses and how we could assist with your project.

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Projects

Light House Studio has experience of a wide range of project types and can undertake the following main projects types listed below. Every project is unique and comes with its own opportunities and constraints.