Thomas Robinson

Like professionals in any field, architects like to be in tune with the times and at the forefront of developments. Does this mean their designs need to be like no building ever seen previously? Architect Tom Robinson believes it is more progressive to view new architecture as a process of evolution. Tom says: ‘Modern architecture has evolved fast over the past hundred years, with some brilliant and some painful results.’ His team is skilled in creating traditional as well as contemporary style buildings, but all contain something learned from the past.

‘There is great beauty in classical architecture,’ says Tom. ‘The way light falls on the mouldings, the tapering or gentle convex curve of a column. This is achieved by a strict system of proportion and a set of five orders that, when applied correctly, mean everything is in harmony, and just looks right.’

Propor tion is key in all buildings. In classical architecture, an ionic column must be nine times as tall as the diameter of its base, and every detail fits within a proportion of this measurement. Tom continues: ‘These rules can be applied to interior joinery as well – buyers could, for example, decide to have a Doric order oak panelled drawing room in their 21st century new-build home.’

Thomas Robinson Architects enjoy producing both modern and traditional architecture. The rules of classical architecture have taught them the art of making all their buildings harmonious – and to avoid simply leaping into the future without careful design, planning and thought.