Farre+Stevenson Architecture is a Rome-based practice developing projects in Italy and internationally for private and public clients. The studio works on new buildings, existing properties, residential, commercial, collective and specialist spaces, integrating architecture, adaptive reuse, restoration, interior design and landscape design. A professional presence in Seattle supports landscape design activities in the United States.
Each project begins with an understanding of the site, the client’s requirements and the technical, regulatory and construction conditions of the proposed intervention. The studio follows the design process from preliminary feasibility assessments through detailed development and construction, coordinating the different professional disciplines involved.
A design process grounded in the actual conditions of the project
Architectural design is not approached merely as the production of drawings, but as a process of investigation and transformation. Before a solution is developed, the existing conditions, available documentation, typological and construction characteristics, regulatory constraints and the client’s functional and economic objectives are examined.
This method makes it possible to identify opportunities and critical issues from the earliest stages, reducing the risk of unfeasible solutions, late design changes, administrative conflicts and unforeseen costs.
From feasibility assessment to detailed design
Farre+Stevenson can support the client throughout the development of the commission, including:
- preliminary analysis of requirements and the functional brief;
- technical and planning feasibility studies;
- architectural surveys and reconstruction of existing conditions;
- concept design and preliminary proposals;
- developed and detailed design;
- coordination with structural, mechanical, electrical and other specialist disciplines;
- preparation of planning applications, building permits and required approvals;
- cost estimates, specifications and tender documentation;
- construction administration, site supervision and client support during the works.
New buildings and the transformation of existing properties
The practice designs new buildings and works on the transformation of the existing built environment. In projects involving existing properties, the design seeks a balance between conservation, functional improvement, spatial quality and the introduction of contemporary elements.
Particular attention is given to historic buildings, properties with typological or construction features that should be preserved, and projects where the architectural proposal must respond to planning, landscape or heritage constraints.
Knowledge of administrative procedures and building regulations is integrated into the design process. Architectural quality must be supported by the practical and legal feasibility of the proposed intervention.
Residential, commercial and collective architecture
Farre+Stevenson works across a range of architectural sectors, including:
- houses, apartments and new residential buildings;
- renovation and adaptive reuse of existing properties;
- shops, restaurants, showrooms, offices and professional spaces;
- buildings and spaces for culture, education and community use;
- exhibition design, museum installations and heritage enhancement;
- projects requiring the coordinated development of architecture, interiors and landscape.
Architecture for existing and historic buildings
Projects involving existing buildings require a detailed understanding of their construction history, physical condition and previous alterations. The design process may therefore include archival research, measured surveys, comparison with approved documents and analysis of the building’s legitimate planning status.
This preliminary knowledge helps distinguish elements to be preserved, repaired, transformed or removed and provides a more reliable basis for design, approvals and construction.
BIM and HBIM design
Where appropriate to the nature and complexity of the project, the studio uses BIM and HBIM methodologies to coordinate the geometric, technical and documentary information relating to the building.
Information modelling can support surveying, design development, multidisciplinary coordination, clash detection and the management of proposed alterations. For existing and historic buildings, HBIM can connect survey data, archival documents, construction phases and information relevant to conservation, design and future building management.
Technical and multidisciplinary coordination
Architectural design often requires the contribution of several specialist disciplines. Farre+Stevenson coordinates the relationship between architecture, structures, building services, energy performance, fire safety, acoustics, lighting and other technical requirements.
The purpose of coordination is not simply to collect separate specialist designs, but to integrate them into a coherent architectural solution, identifying possible conflicts before construction begins.
Planning applications and statutory approvals
The practice can coordinate the technical documentation required for the relevant planning and building procedures, according to the location and nature of the project.
The work may include:
- preliminary planning and regulatory checks;
- verification of the existing lawful condition of the property;
- assessment of planning, landscape and heritage constraints;
- preparation of drawings, reports and technical documentation;
- coordination with public authorities and specialist consultants;
- management of requests for additional information or amendments;
- assistance through the approval process.
The exact procedure depends on the jurisdiction, the building, the proposed works and the applicable regulations.
Design development and construction documentation
Once the design strategy has been established, the project is developed through progressively detailed drawings, schedules and specifications.
Depending on the commission, the documentation may include:
- plans, sections and elevations;
- demolition and proposed-work drawings;
- construction details;
- door, window, finish and material schedules;
- coordination drawings;
- three-dimensional models and visualisations;
- technical specifications;
- quantities and cost estimates;
- documents for contractor selection and tendering.
The level of detail is agreed in relation to the complexity of the project, the procurement method and the responsibilities assigned to the studio.
Materials, construction and architectural detail
Material selection is developed in relation to performance, durability, maintenance, environmental conditions and the architectural character of the project.
The studio considers the relationship between:
- existing and new materials;
- structural and finishing components;
- interior and exterior surfaces;
- light, colour and texture;
- construction methods and workmanship;
- maintenance requirements and ageing;
- budget and availability of products.
Samples, mock-ups and direct verification of products may be required before final selection, since digital images alone cannot fully represent their physical appearance.
Construction administration and site supervision
During construction, the studio can provide architectural supervision and support to the client in accordance with the agreed scope of services.
The activity may include:
- reviewing the progress and quality of the works;
- checking consistency with the approved design;
- responding to technical queries from contractors;
- reviewing samples and proposed materials;
- coordinating design changes and specialist information;
- assessing variations and additional works;
- reviewing progress documentation and measurements;
- assisting the client through completion and handover.
Construction administration does not replace the contractor’s responsibility for execution, safety, organisation of the site or compliance with contractual obligations.
Architectural design in Rome
Working in Rome means addressing a wide variety of building and urban conditions: historic properties, established neighbourhoods, twentieth-century buildings, protected areas, interventions in the historic centre and transformations within residential and commercial districts.
The studio integrates architectural design with the verification of planning history, legitimate building status, applicable constraints and approval procedures, coordinating when necessary with public authorities and specialist consultants.
Projects in Italy and internationally
Farre+Stevenson is based in Rome and develops projects in Italy and abroad. The practice works with local consultants and professionals where specialist knowledge, statutory responsibilities or professional registration within the relevant jurisdiction are required.
The international dimension of the studio is strengthened by its professional presence in Seattle, where Patricia Renee Stevenson develops landscape design projects through PS Garden Design.
This relationship between Rome and Seattle encourages an exchange between different design cultures, climates, construction practices and ways of inhabiting buildings and open spaces.
Italian and international clients
The studio works with Italian and international clients and provides professional services in both Italian and English.
For owners and purchasers living abroad, the practice can coordinate preliminary investigations, surveys, design development, approvals, contractor selection and construction monitoring, providing a local professional point of contact throughout the project.
Working with the studio
The initial consultation is used to understand the client’s objectives, the nature of the property, the documentation available and the level of investigation and design required.
On this basis, the following are defined:
- the scope and objectives of the commission;
- the existing documentation to be reviewed;
- the need for surveys or archival research;
- the design and approval stages;
- the specialist consultants to be appointed;
- the drawings and deliverables required;
- the programme and professional responsibilities.
Farre+Stevenson Architecture develops architectural projects in Rome, throughout Italy and internationally, supporting clients from preliminary investigation and feasibility through detailed design, statutory approvals and construction.
Meetings at the Rome office are available by appointment only.