We are…

… a young and inventive architecture and design studio based in South East London.

Studio Director Veronica Um (BArch, RIBA) graduated at the University of New South Wales (Sydney, Australia)  before moving to London where she has gained more than twenty years’ professional experience in award winning UK architect practices, including Sidell Gibson, Atkins and Rolfe Judd. Working on multi-sector projects across the UK, including workspace, residential and retail, Veronica has developed an enthusiasm for sensitive, inspiring architecture and a passion for design solutions that reflect the personality of her clients.

Studio Director Il’ic Testoni (BArch IUAV, CA RIBA) moved to the UK after graduating with honours at the IUAV School of Architecture in Venice. He has worked for 23 years at BDP, where he led the Heritage Team in the London Studio from 2017. As a RIBA accredited Conservation Architect, Il’ic’s specific expertise encompasses the assessment, preservation and long-term use of historic buildings, the careful integration of new solutions in existing built and unbuilt environments, incorporating sustainable processes and techniques to deliver innovative and transformative projects.

Together, we have established vitua architects to pursue our vision of a more integrated and personalised design approach that is defined by our passion for creativity, imagination, heritage and sustainability. We operate within our open office in Brockley for a variety of private and public clients, designing and managing our projects from inception through to completion and client aftercare.

We believe…

… in a collaborative, engaging and solution-based intellectual process to achieve bespoke, high quality designs and deliver inspiring places. Each project presents unique challenges and opportunities and we work with each client’s specific brief to develop best practice. We are interested in the oddity, the unique that can be found in every project, as it is from recognising, developing and supporting singularity that individual and distinctive designs are often achieved. We are curious by nature – every projects starts with a conversation over a cup of coffee, or a glass of wine, and develops its own exciting, unique narrative. We are inspired by light, texture, materiality, tradition, innovation – powerful tools that can be harnessed to create beautiful spaces and compelling stories.  

We work…

… in close collaboration with our clients, collaborators and specialist consultants in a creative, organic process of design growth and clarification. We focus on the building users, their lifestyles, their passions, their needs, to tease out imaginative solutions that address the project brief and usually reveal new aspirations. We understand the sensitivities related to working with the historic environment and we have a passion for the transformation and adaptive reuse of our built heritage, honed through several years’ experience at the leading edge of the heritage sector in one of the most influential design practices in the UK. We adopt a tentative design approach, testing options and ideas using a variety of media (hand sketches, 3D models, CAD drafts, mood boards) to discuss the possible, stretch the boundaries of what is achievable and progressively arrive at agreed solutions – we often find that the journey can be as interesting and constructive as the final outcome. We are passionate about the environment and we strive to incorporate sustainable practice, processes and materials in all our projects.

Collectively, we bring to every project together several year’s professional practice in award-winning design studios including Rolfe Judd Architecture, Atkins, Sidell Gibson and BDP – where we have gained significant experience in designing and delivering creative solutions that improve the built environment, enhance our heritage and generate positive change.

Our services

vitua architects offer architectural services in full alignment with the RIBA 2020 Plan of Work;

  • Project inception and initial strategic design advice
  • Feasibility studies and options appraisals
  • Assistance in establishing the project brief
  • Advice for the appointment of other consultants
  • Advice on any required surveys and investigations
  • Preparation of a design programme
  • Concept design proposals and outline specification
  • Developed spatial coordination design
  • 3D modelling and visualisation
  • Initial heritage appraisals
  • Heritage statements and Significance assessments
  • Heritage Impact Assessments
  • Planning and listed building consent applications
  • Applications for Landlords consent
  • Technical design and specification
  • Building regulations submission for approval
  • Site inspections and monitoring, meetings and resolution to site queries
  • Snagging resolution and project handover
  • Post construction client aftercare

We provide additional in-house services including;

  • Interior design
  • Heritage and Conservation consultancy

the story unfolding…

© 2025 vitua architects