and Alissa’s job to project manage, despite originally wanting Eva to do this. However, “Eva was such a good partner, she understood our priorities and her connection made the process easier,” recalls Alissa. The couple were also very happy with their builders, who were appointed by Eva. “The experience of being present as the consulting architect while the works took place onsite was exciting for all of us. I gave them useful guides beforehand, and I was available for them during the entire construction phase,” says Eva. “We appointed trusted builders that I’ve worked with before, so I knew we could rely on their expertise and quality of work. The conversation between the contractor and clients was smooth and straigtorward and te elt confident knowing I was there if needed.” One of the underlying goals of the project was the desire to complete it as sustainably as possile witin aid and lissas financial constraints. The loft and windows are well insulated to keep heating costs as low as possible and, along with reusing the existing kitchen cabinets, Alissa and David managed to avoid plastic-based materials entirely. “While their sustainability choices may not


be groundbreaking, they are a thoughtful and realistic encark or a lot o ailies wo find themselves renovating period properties on a similar budget,” says Eva.


Alissa also insisted on non-toxic paint, timber ooring and a natural wool carpet on te stairs and in the new master suite. Not only does it help to delineate the spaces, but it’s also a cosy element in the design.


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“Period features also make a big difference,” says Alissa. “I like mixing period and new and I ensured there was a good proportion of vintage pieces in the furnishings, some of which have been reupholstered. I didn’t want it to look too ‘catalogue.’” The bright and colourful nursery works perfectly with some reconditioned ictorian urniture. lissa also cose new fittings carefully, with an emphasis on quality and odern classics. e ligt fitures ro oo Home in particular are “really beautiful,” says Alissa.


Although the heating system did not require an upgrade, David and Alissa also decided not to install air conditioning, “which is a regret,” says Alissa. “It’s not eco-friendly, but we need to use electrics to cool te at. ir conditioning is too big to install afterwards.” Despite being very organised, Alissa still found the need to make all the little decisions overwhelming, especially around delivery and lead times. “We were so fortunate to have Eva, especially as we were living away and working full-time. Eva combines the technical understanding of the planning process as an architect but also has the imagination and style to help you design and urnis te interior. e does all tis wit a warmth; we needed an architect who believed in our project (plenty did not, it must be said) and who could answer any and all of our many questions, fears and hopes with good grace.” One area where Alissa found costs ran away


from her was in the kitchen. Despite keeping the original cabinetry, the couple did add an island wit a sart countertop ro osentino


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