Business Details
35 Years
experience
Sustainable Architecture & Landscape-Integrated Design
Mador Architects is a practice deeply committed to creating architecture that harmonises with the natural landscape. Since our establishment in 1991, we have specialised in designing timeless, contemporary structures that prioritise environmental sustainability and respect for their surroundings. Our approach integrates local materials and ecological principles, ensuring our projects evolve with their context while meeting the unique needs of each site. We maintain close collaboration with clients to deliver bespoke solutions, combining over three decades of experience with a passion for landscape-sensitive design.Our principal, Charles Mador, founded The Ark Snowdonia, a conservation charity that directly informs our practice's ethos of ecological restoration. Notable projects include Arthog Barns in Wales and Tremlett Mews in London, both showcasing our expertise in repurposing historic buildings for modern use. Our team of architects brings diverse skills in landscape integration, water-architecture relationships, and sustainable development across urban and rural settings.
Services
Architecture
Sustainable Design
Landscape Integration
Project Management
Restoration
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We integrate architecture with natural landscapes for sustainable outcomes
- Our practice combines 30+ years of experience with ecological innovation
- We specialise in restoring historic buildings for contemporary use
- Our team includes RIBA-accredited architects with landscape expertise
- We pioneered The Ark Snowdonia conservation project
Services
Architecture
We create contemporary architectural solutions that seamlessly integrate with natural landscapes. Our approach prioritises sustainability through material selection and ecological sensitivity. Projects range from private residences to commercial developments across the UK and Europe.
Sustainable Design
Our sustainable design service focuses on reducing environmental impact while enhancing biodiversity. We incorporate renewable materials and energy-efficient systems, informed by The Ark Snowdonia's ecological research to create future-proof developments.
Landscape Integration
We specialise in harmonising buildings with their surroundings through detailed landscape analysis. Our expertise includes water-architecture relationships and creating structures that enhance rather than disrupt natural ecosystems across diverse terrains.
Project Management
From concept to completion, we manage architectural projects with client collaboration at the core. Our experience spans historic building restoration and new developments, ensuring quality control and adherence to ecological principles throughout the process.
Restoration
We restore historic buildings for modern use while preserving their architectural integrity. Recent projects include transforming 17th-century farmhouses and creating contemporary spaces within protected landscapes like Snowdonia National Park.
People
Charles Mador
Principal & Founder
BArch RIBA ARB graduate from Carlton University (1979), established Mador Architects in 1991. Leads The Ark Snowdonia charity, focusing on ecological restoration in Wales. Over 40 years of experience in landscape-integrated architecture.
Lara Karady
Associate
RIBA Part I architect with 12 years' experience at Mador. Manages projects like La Cazine Resort and Homecroft farmhouse restoration. Specialises in nature-sensitive design and practice coordination. Fluent in French.
Geraldine Holland
Associate
BSc DipArch MArch ARB architect with decade-long experience across landscape and urban projects. Expert in water-architecture relationships, former lecturer at Design Museum and V&A. Leads ecological research initiatives.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialise in?
We focus on contemporary designs that integrate with natural landscapes. Our work combines modern aesthetics with ecological sensitivity, avoiding stylistic trends in favour of context-driven solutions.
Do you work on listed building renovations?
Yes, we specialise in restoring historic buildings while introducing contemporary elements. Recent projects include 17th-century farmhouse conversions and mews developments in protected areas.
How does The Ark Snowdonia influence your work?
The Ark's ecological research directly informs our practice. We apply its findings to create biodiversity-enhancing designs, particularly in upland landscapes like our Snowdonia projects.
Can you manage international projects?
We have experience delivering projects across the UK and Europe, including La Cazine Resort in France. Our team coordinates remotely while maintaining regular site visits for quality control.
What sustainability certifications do you hold?
While we don't list formal certifications, our work follows rigorous ecological principles. We use local materials, passive design strategies, and collaborate with conservation experts to ensure environmental stewardship.
