CLAI is a design focused, residential architecture and interiors studio founded by award winning architect Catherine Zobel.

Catherine established the practice in 2009 after more than a decade working for well known London practices delivering a range of residential and commercial projects. Her extensive experience designing and refurbishing, eco-conscious, high-specification private homes, deep local knowledge and client focused approach has resulted in many referrals.

Our focus is on delivering functional, beautiful design led buildings and spaces sympathetic to natural light, circulation flow, building character and environment.

We selectively take on projects to enable close collaboration with each client, deeply understanding their needs and desires, and designing bespoke homes which add value.

Catherine is an ARB Registered Architect, Certified Passive House Designer, Certified Retrofit Coordinator, AECB Carbonlite Retrofit graduate and member of the AECB Green Register.

How we work

I generally take projects through from design to the end of construction incorporating all three aspects: architectural design, interior design (e.g. built-in joinery design) and project coordination. This includes coordinating the entire team and overseeing the project. In my experience, this approach makes it much easier for the client and is more efficient, although I can be flexible subject to the requirements.

Your overall design including detailed design drawing and drafting is done by me. I am very hands on and will personally be the one visiting site during construction. Keeping my practice small allows me to focus all of my time on what I enjoy which is delivering great homes for my clients rather than running a large team / practice. This enables me to provide a fully bespoke service for select clients and gain a deeper direct understanding of their needs with personal, efficient and excellent communication.

There are many benefits in being a local practice including detailed local knowledge of planning and sympathetic design and proximity to sites allowing ease, flexibility and frequency of monitoring site progress and meeting with clients.