Welcome to Abode Architects where 'Abode' means 'Home'

The name abode came from a simple philosophy, to make every project from the smallest house extension to the largest new build development, feel like home in form, design and function. A feeling that comes from understanding our clients’ needs by inquisitive listening and explorative collaboration. 

Over 15 years ago Andrew and Rosemary Tomkins opened their RIBA chartered architect practice in Farnham, Surrey. Our award-winning former office space, once a blacksmith’s forge in the centre of the town, showcases our ability to refurbish historic buildings as well as create contemporary new spaces. We have recently redesigned and reconfigured the space as a modern, spacious home.

The practice was established based on innovative, bespoke designs that delight our clients. We have a creative and inclusive approach to architectural design and we also enjoy the disciplined process of implementing the designs on site. Our professional expertise allows us to support our clients and oversee a build project from a conception, through the construction phase to completion. We genuinely care about our clients and wish for them to enjoy the experience of building.

Farnham is our home and most of our work is in the Waverley Borough and we also work in Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, Kent and surrounding regions.

 

 

 

RIBA chartered practice with over 15 years experience 98% of planning applications approved since 2003
Category and overall winners of prestigous local awards Waverley accredited Agent & Partner of LABC
Passionate about the exploration of design options with sketches and 3D CAD models Our technical drawings and extensive site experience sets a high standard for construction

 

 

  • "The Abode team had the talent to grow the kernel of an idea we had two years' ago, into a conceptual design that amazed us and subsequently into a reality that is beyond our wildest expectations. From our first meeting with Andrew, we knew they were the right architects to partner with us, and the results speak for themselves. We were particularly impressed with the skill and professionalism in getting our collective vision through the planning process - there were many complications and obstacle and they were able to overcome them all."

  • "We were delighted with the innovative design for an extension to our 1960s built house. The finished project has elicited a "wow" from everyone who sees it. We also greatly appreciated the support while the building work was being undertaken."

  • "Many, many thanks for all your efforts to achieve planning approval for our project.It is a milestone as you so rightly say and it is great to have a positive outcome after all the hard work and the long wait."

  • "Abode Architects were a pleasure to work with. Andrew’s vision for my redevelopment of my home pushed the boundaries and the 3D modelling really helped me visualise the space. Rosemary’s patience and expertise helped navigate the project through a tricky planning process as my house was listed. They helped turned my broken house into a bright, efficient and atmospheric home. I can’t thank them enough."

  • "Abode stood out from the other architects we met, as they gave us confidence in the level of creative design and technical detail needed."

  • "Greg's involvement in the design of, and planning application for, our extension made the whole process much easier despite the many hurdles placed in our way by the planning authority. He was very competent as well as being pleasant to deal with. We were absolutely delighted with the result."

  • " The service and attention we received from Andrew and Rosemary was exceptional as was their vision for our renovation. Their attention to detail was key to delivering our dream home and we couldn't be happier with the final results."

  • Many thanks for your enterprise and providing the catalyst for the project. Everyone is so impressed with the dormer windows and the transformation in providing two additional en-suite rooms and the overall end result of the accessible toilet.

  • “The team at Abode provided the important final touches for our overall idea of an extension incorporating a downstairs shower and utility room and made it a reality. Their help with planning, pricing the job and securing the right builder was invaluable and their attention to detail was impressive. Despite the necessary upheaval, the whole process was pretty much hassle and trouble free from beginning to end.”

  • "Abode designed our first extension and renovation back in 2011 – we loved the design which really made the most of the house and was perfect for what we needed at the time. We moved in 2017 and went straight to Abode to extend and completely redesign the internal layout – which turned out to be quite complex due to previous extension work. Andrew, Rosemary and the team came up with a great design and good solutions to some of the problems that they were presented with and again designed a house that was perfect for our evolving needs. And this time we also used them to manage the building process too, which we were very pleased with. We couldn’t recommend Abode highly enough."

    Steve and Emma Baker, Crookham

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How we work

Design

We are problem solving specialists who enjoy pushing design boundaries and sketching ideas. At an early stage, we collaborate with local authority planning and building control departments and our cost consultant to test the feasibility of the project. We adhere to high ethical standards, for example only specifing timber from sustainable sources and not designing or installing UPVC windows.

CAD models

The communicative and confidence inspiring nature of 3D models allows clients to make informed decisions. These models are flexible tools and changes can be made in real time with the client sitting at our desk. Our model is for everyone: from client walk-throughs, to testing the effect of a design on sunlight for the planning officer, to locating the height of a steel beam for the engineer and builder.

Site operations

We have overseen a variety of projects during the construction phase and this experience provides us with extensive technical knowledge and a keen eye on buildability. We advise on tendering to a range of local contractors and can be assigned to keep control of project finances during the build.

Fees

Our client agreements have a tailor-made scope of works and we like to help you with exactly the services you require. Clients can save fees by getting involved with the design processes and taking on certain tasks if they wish. Alternatively, we are happy to complete all the work ourselves if the client does not have time to be ‘hands on’.

Meet the team

Andrew J. Tomkins BA (Hons) Dip Arch RIBA (Chartered Architect)
Studied at Edinburgh College of Art and The National School of Architecture, Paris-Belleville
Architectural Interest: Contemporary Architecture and Sustainability

 

Rosemary A. J. Tomkins BA (Hons) Dip Arch RIBA (Chartered Architect)
Studied at Edinburgh College of Art and KADK, The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Schools of Architecture, Design and Conservation
Architectural Interest: Natural light in buildings

 

Dymphna Evans, Practice Manager, BSc Economics and Politics

 

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