About
Above Studio is an architecture studio, formerly based in Leyton and now located in St Albans. We specialise in working with period properties, with a focus on retaining and restoring their traditional character while introducing thoughtful contemporary design.
Our approach begins with understanding how people live in and use their homes. By responding to the way spaces are occupied and enjoyed, we create designs that are both practical and distinctive, balancing the character of the existing building with the needs of modern living.
We understand that improving your home can feel daunting. Our network of experienced engineers, surveyors and trusted tradespeople allows us to support projects across every stage, helping to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible. We tailor our services to suit each project and client, providing a flexible approach that delivers value for money and, ultimately, successful projects.
Most importantly, we believe architecture should be fun. Wherever possible, we look for opportunities to introduce elements of play, character and delight into our designs — no matter how small the intervention.
People
Arun Parkash
Director, ARB Registered Architect
Arun has worked at a number of internationally recognised London-based practices, including AHMM and Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios. During his time at these practices, he worked across a diverse range of projects, varying in scale and sector. His experience includes commercial and residential schemes across the UK, as well as the restoration and regeneration of a large post-industrial area of Leeds.
Alongside working full-time in central London, Arun continued to pursue residential projects in his spare time. This eventually led to the creation of Above Studio in 2018. Since then, he has completed a range of extensions, internal reconfigurations and refurbishments across London and the South East.
More recently, Arun secured the design of a new-build detached Passivhaus home in St Albans — an exciting milestone for the studio and a natural progression of its focus on thoughtful, sustainable residential design.
Arun is also highly practical and has a passion for DIY. He restored his own Victorian flat and still spends much of his spare time travelling around London helping friends with their own DIY projects. This hands-on experience has given him a strong understanding of how buildings are actually constructed and how builders approach their work. He believes these practical lessons translate directly into the way he designs, helping to create details that are not only visually considered but also realistic, buildable and robust.
Nial Parkash
Sustainability Consultant
Nial graduated from Newcastle University School of Architecture in 2017. He began his career in a Specialist Conservation Architect's office, which took on projects that involved listed and sensitive buildings. A project of note during Nial's time in this office was the change of use of a Grade I listed mansion house set in grounds in the Hertfordshire countryside. The project involved its conversion from a residential property to a commercial wedding venue. The application involved intensive conversations with multiple bodies such as Historic England.
Nial then moved to a leading London-based residential Design & Build company, which specialised in the completion of residential extensions. He guided clients through the design, planning and building regulation stages, before handing the project onto the construction arm of the company. During his time here Nial worked on over 40 projects, gaining a strong understanding of the residential processes.
Alarmed by the impact that the construction industry continues to have on the environment, Nial has complete a Masters degree in Sustainability and Adaptation in the Built Environment. Now a specialist in environmental measures that can be implemented on schemes of all scales he aims to bring sustainable concepts into his ongoing design work.
Why choose us?
We believe that good architecture should be accessible to anyone. There is a misconception that engaging an architect to design and manage works to your home leads to spiralling costs.
We pride ourselves on being able to work to a realistic budget as ultimately this is one of the key skills of a good architect. Through our experience we have built a catalogue of cost effective details and 'tricks' that can help give you home a premium, individual and modern look at very little additional cost.
We understand the appeal of going to an going direct to an 'all-in-one' firm for cost and convenience. For certain projects these firms can be a good option but, when you wish to achieve anything other than a 'standard' finish an architect comes into their own. We have an established network of engineers, surveyors and builders in the East London area and aim to make the process of renovating or extending as smooth and enjoyable as possible.