Two South London architects set to compete in BBC home makeover show

Two South London architects are set to bring the house down in a new series of a property makeover show.

William Foster, whose firm is based in Borough, and Lizzie Fraher, who works in Brockley, are appearing in Your Home Made Perfect alongside Angela Scanlon and four other cutting edge architects to fight to have their designs realised.

In each episode, a family will be presented with two radically different designs by two architects, before deciding which to make a reality.

But this season, there’s a difference – virtual reality technology will be used to show the families what their home will look like, before a tin of paint is even cracked open.

Mr Foster, who is a director of Borough-based firm Foster Lomas, said: “It was the first time in 20 years that I’ve had a client burst into tears upon seeing one of my designs on VR.”

Mr Foster was born in a village in Exmoor, where he spent his days building and constructing from bits of wood and metal he found lying around.

Working for blacksmith and artist James Horrobin at Doverhay Forge as a teenager opened his eyes to creative possibilities, and he went on to study art which then led him to architecture.

For Mr Foster, winning wasn’t the most important part of the show for him.

He said: “Design is the winner here, that is not to say I’m not fearlessly competitive.”

“I went into it thinking that I could help people see beauty in old buildings and the opportunities of where they live and see something new and exciting that they already have.

“However I did have a secret mission or let’s say a hidden agenda, which I hope viewers will learn when you watch each episode.”

Ms Fraher, who is a director at Brockley-based Fraher & Findlay, agreed that the design is what gives each architect the edge.

She said: “It’s so important to have your own approach and style that is unique to you as a designer. Each architect offers the homeowners a different set of spatial experiences. 

“To stand out I don’t try to overpower them with flash spaces or massive extensions – my approach is sensitive, small and mighty and meaningful – if there is a strong emotional connection to a space that means more than any set of fancy windows or gigantic kitchen.”

Ms Fraher became interested in architecture after doing some work experience with a family friend.

She said: “It gave me the opportunity to sit at a drawing board for eight hours a day and get out of the office lots to see things being created  – and I loved the work experience.  

“This propelled me into exploring it further at university.  I also made amazing life-long friends in the architecture department at university which made the whole experience great – good job when it takes so long to train.”

Nowadays, she is interested in the way that spaces make us feel.

She said: “When I reflect back on experiences and memories the spaces within which they happened always struck a chord with me, good or bad.

“The most rewarding part of architecture for me is always seeing people interacting in the spaces that I design.”

Both architects are united in their love for South London – especially the parks and open spaces.

Mr Foster said: “South London reminds me of the Exmoor village where I grew up, with lots of open spaces and friendly people. I have grown to love this area of London. It has a rich history and the ethnic and cultural diversity that is probably unmatched by anywhere else in the UK.”

Ms Fraher added: “The green spaces are amazing, the house stock is really varied so there is a home for every period lover of architecture. 

“I love how quickly you can get into town as well as out to Kent and the coast.  I love the atmosphere of Peckham, Deptford and Lewisham. There is a real arts scene here and some of the best food places in London.”

Your Home Made Perfect starts on Monday 24^th May at 8pm on BBC Two.