Profile
Christopoulou McDonnell Architecture is an Edinburgh based architectural practice specialising in residential projects for private and developer clients. Our name, shortened to CMDA for convenience, reflects the cultural blend that contributes to the character of the studio and informs the way we approach architecture.
Founded by Eirini Christopoulou and Anthony McDonnell in 2021, CMDA draws on 40 years’ combined professional experience in the design and delivery of projects across a wide range of scales and complexities.
We are fascinated by buildings, spaces and settlements, and by what they reveal about the cultures and personalities that created and inhabit them. We believe architecture should respond carefully to where it is, how it is constructed and, above all, the people for whom it is made. Through new buildings, extensions and the thoughtful adaptation of existing properties, we seek simple, elegant design solutions that contribute positively to their surroundings and enrich the lives of those who use them.
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Approach
Experience: Our experience encompasses new-build homes alongside the refurbishment, alteration and extension of existing and historic properties. Many of these projects involved listed buildings or buildings within conservation areas, requiring a careful balance between preserving their character and adapting them for contemporary living.
Working predominantly within the residential sector has given us a deep understanding of how people experience their homes, and how thoughtful design can enrich everyday life. From bespoke new-build houses to the careful transformation of existing properties, we seek opportunities to create homes that are both functional and enduring, balancing design ambition with the practical, technical and regulatory considerations required to deliver successful projects.
Design: Every project begins with understanding the people, place and building involved.
Through analysis, collaboration and clear communication, we develop design solutions that reveal the unique potential of a site or existing building while responding to the needs and aspirations of those who will inhabit it.
We take the time to understand our clients’ priorities and the particular circumstances of each project. Rather than applying a preconceived architectural style, we seek an appropriate response to each commission, carefully considering context, materials, light, proportion and the relationship between building and landscape.
Delivery: Undertaking a building project can be both exciting and daunting. Drawing on many years of professional experience, we guide our clients through each stage of the process, from initial feasibility and concept design to planning, technical design and construction.
Our approach combines clear communication, careful organisation and rigorous project management, giving clients confidence that complex projects can be delivered successfully.
As a small practice, clients work directly with the practice founders throughout the life of a project, ensuring continuity, responsiveness and personal involvement from inception to completion.
Projects: We work with both private homeowners and residential developers, applying the same care, rigour and attention to detail regardless of scale.
Whether designing a bespoke home for an individual client or contributing to a larger residential development, our aim is to create well considered high quality homes and places that are enduring, practical and enrich the lives of those who inhabit them.
Projects for private homeowners present a unique and rewarding challenge. We enjoy working closely with our clients to understand how they live, what they value and how their needs may evolve over time, whether through the refurbishment, extension or reconfiguration of an existing property, or the design of a new home.
Each project is like a puzzle and our role is to determine the best use of space, light, material and budget to create a carefully considered solution. This collaborative approach enables us to develop homes that are highly personal, tailored to modern living and responsive to the unique aspirations of each client.
Our experience ranges from contemporary interventions within historic buildings to substantial whole-house transformations and bespoke new homes. Throughout each project, clients work directly with the practice founders, ensuring continuity, consistency and personal involvement from inception to completion.
Alongside our work for private homeowners, we collaborate with residential developers on projects ranging from small infill developments to larger housing and flatted schemes. We are particularly interested in projects where design quality, placemaking and a clear understanding of context are valued over volume.
Our experience in design, planning, technical delivery and construction enables us to contribute effectively throughout the development process, from early feasibility studies and site appraisals through to planning, technical design and delivery on site. Drawing on many years of experience, including projects involving listed buildings, conservation areas and other sensitive sites, we work closely with planning authorities, building standards officers and statutory consultees to help unlock the potential of challenging developments.
As a small practice, clients work directly with a practice principal throughout the life of a project, benefiting from continuity, responsiveness and clear communication at every stage. Whether acting as lead consultant or as part of a wider project team, we provide a coordinated and rigorous approach focused on delivering distinctive, high-quality homes and places.
