Backfields Lane Studios
This was the first UDS (Urban Design Studios) project. In 2008 Chris, Nick and Bill bought a disused warehouse in Stokes Croft to develop as studio workspaces.
It took us a while to persuade the banks to lend against a redundant building, but with a tight business plan we were able to secure the funds to buy it and carry out the building works.
The building was refurbished with a very light touch as four small studio workspaces, one of which became home to Askew Architects.
Each studio provides a workspace for 4-6 people with their own front door, wifi internet and kitchenette from ikea.
Whilst each studio is self contained, a special feature is the fire-rated internal windows to ensure a good degree of creative communication takes place -you can't just hide-away in your studio.
We were enthusiastic about our first project, and decided to hang on to it by pooling our pensions, with Bill’s practice, 4D Landscape, and Askew Architects taking the top floor studios.
Since then we have been joined by designers Playnicely and Thoughtden -a great bunch of really talented people. It is a lovely place to work and we really enjoy the happy atmosphere of the studios.
Photos show the building as found our first Open Studio party, and as seen today.
