Architecture in the Den with Pride Road Lioness Sandy Hickey

Sandy was born to be an architect. Growing up around buildings in all stages of development with her DIY father, who sympathetically transformed their small London Victorian villa and her developer grandfather, who built much of Ruislip’s housing stock. Sandy was never far from the seeing someone’s dreams turned into designs. She was fascinated as much by the artistry as the science of building.

After studying at Bath University on a collaborative course with structural and environmental engineers, she gained her BSc in Architecture. She completed her studies at De Montfort University in Leicestershire where for her final project she designed an energy-efficient earth-sheltered GP Surgery and Nursery. Intrigued by the process of using the earth’s natural resources to complement modern living, she furthered this knowledge when she spent time at The University of Minneapolis’ underground space centre investigating how cutting-edge technology can create seamless landscapes that bring the outside in. Years later the completion of her own home extension reflected this union by bringing the garden and the family room together to create a seamless expansion of light and warmth, with nature being as much a part of the inside as it is the outside.

Sandy’s expertise and experience have been honed by working in a variety of sectors, from one man band and larger practices to housing associations and local councils. Nine years with British Waterways consulting with landowners about how to make the best use of canal side living also saw her complete a project to realign the canal to accommodate her design for 20 th century lockkeeper cottages. Buildings that have stood the test of time leading to one lockkeeper and his wife buying their cottage and continuing to live comfortably in the canal side cottage Sandy envisioned.

After taking a break to bring up her daughter, Sandy achieved her dream of building her own unique house in 2004 when she collaborated with her parents to design and build a large family home complete with its own indoor swimming pool, into the side of a hill in the Cotswolds. A home that continues to run smoothly and lift the spirits of its inhabitants.

She opened her practice in 2006 working on domestic renovations and extensions often rearranging spaces to make them function better. For several clients, her designs were so sympathetic that they invited her to work on other uncomfortable areas of their homes. Sandy’s designs help homeowners to make sure their property is fit for purpose now and in the future. Her experience over the years means that she has already solved common discomfort issues with properties – like the overheating
conservatory, the sweltering loft, or the awkward kitchen space.

Problem solving is one of Sandy’s core skills in her approach to helping people turn their houses into the homes they want, and which will sustain a family’s changing lifestyles and needs. A highly emotionally intelligent woman Sandy is an architect who listens closely to her clients, guiding them gently through their own home design experience.

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