About Us

Inhabitat Design Studios has been founded by the RIBA Chartered architect Sandra Orlando Payne. The company’s commitment to best practice, professional and ethical standards to clients, employees and architecture sector is consistently tested and improved to achieve an outstanding service. Our architecture frames this experience beautifully, with materials which embrace human emotions. Ecodesign is at the heart of everything we do. Whether new build, radical remodelling or reworking existing buildings with sustainability in mind, we believe in the integration of the natural and the built environment. We have a holistic approach to design. We have coined our own approach to the “ecolux” concept which combines sustainability and luxury design. With an understanding and sensitive approach to historic settings we strive to produce contemporary solutions for modern living that will always complement and enhance traditional buildings. Our projects and corporate social responsibility is strongly oriented to enhance the sense of community and to raise ecological awareness.

WE LISTEN ‘always’

We take time to fully understand our clients priorities. For us the initial brief and project feasibility is the key to a successful project. In the same way that we wouldn’t build a house on shallow foundations any project needs to be built solidly from the bottom up.

WE DESIGN ‘with flair’

Our approach to design is methodical and practical. We take pleasure on the challenge of helping clients with complex projects and our well tested systematic approach works every time. For us creative thinking and design flair go hand in hand. We generously share our design experience with our clients and take pride in providing a ‘unique’ answer for each commission.

WE DELIVER ‘successfully’

We provide a full range of options and our fees are transparent. From concept design, planning applications, detail design through to technical drawings, tendering to building contractors and all the way to building control applications and site contract administration; our clients can chose the way they engage with us.

Our Areas of Specialty

Architecture

We offer full architectural consultancy and we are involved throughout the whole process of procuring a building project based on the RIBA work stages. As lead consultants in residential, commercial and educational we are able to provide advice related to the work and recommendations of all other necessary external consultants such as structural and services engineers, eco-assessors, planning consultants and surveyors. With our expertise in “green design,” we can assess, report back and help implement eco-measures to reduce the energy consumption of an existing building or to optimize a new construction.

Interior Architecture

We can design internal interventions which may require structural assessment and /or statutory consents, such as a loft conversion, basement extensions or a general space planning. A tailored solution for space you love to call ‘home’ or a bespoke visual identity for your new boutique: they must be unique and beautiful! We deliver bespoke interiors, smart home design service, using ecological and natural materials. Cutting edge interiors can make the difference and become a statement about your lifestyle, either in an urban flat or in a country villa. Love the space you live in.

Outdoor Design

As we believe in sustainable eco-design, we encourage our clients to integrate any new building or extension with the immediate external space: the exterior can enhance and complement the building. By designing patio areas, rear gardens and front forecourts we suggest moving away from the traditional landscaping to embrace new “ecolux” solutions. Replacing the traditional swimming pool with a “swimming pond”, for instance, could surprisingly change the way you live the outdoor time. These are not only self-cleaning, do not require unsightly covers when not in use, but they encourage biodiversity and above all, they are a glamorous and clever addition to a private property.

About Us

Sandra Orlando Payne

Director

Born in Argentina, Sandra originally trained as an architect and urban designer at the University of Buenos Aires. After emigrating to the UK Sandra acquired a Masters in Environmental Design and Engineering at London UCL and completed her UK architectural training at The Bartlett (www.bartlett.ucl.ac.uk).

A chartered member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA, www.architecture.com) and registered at the Architect Registration Board (ARB, www.arb.org.uk), she started Inhabitat Design Studios as a means of galvanising her wide experience which she acquired during more than 10 years in practice.

Sandra is also a member of The Green Register (www.greenregister.org.uk) and Transition Network (www.transitionnetwork.org) She has undertaken architectural work on a variety of sectors with particular expertise in high quality residential, educational, community buildings and green architecture. Sandra proactively engages with organisations working to develop stronger local communities and build resilience for a future with less affordable energy and a changing climate.

Lucett Lample

Architect

Lucett began her architectural career studying at the “Universidad Central de Venezuela” and working in Venezuela in the public and private sectors. She moved to the UK in 2002 and worked in several Berkshire based architectural offices. She joined Inhabitat in 2015 and has been involved in a range of projects from conversions, refurbish, listed buildings, one -off bespoke houses, urban and commercial developments. Lucett has gained a wealth of experience and runs projects across all stages of design and construction phases. She always aims to work towards the clients best interest to give them their best possible solutions within the projects.

Music and dancing are Lucett’s passion. A keen cyclist, she also enjoys exploring the Home Counties riverside villages and country roads.

Catherine Hannan

Architectural Technologist

Catherine studied Technological Architecture at Bolton School of Technology in Dublin. Since moving to the Thames Valley, she has worked with a number of local practices in architectural endeavours. Since meeting Sandra, Catherine has assisted Inhabitat by offering her expertise on a number of previous and current projects. She helps with the preparation of construction packages. Her fast thinking and technical knowledge means we can provide clients with timely surveys and design options.

As an enthusiastic marathon runner and committed long distance walker, Catherine loves exploring the countryside and the outdoors.

Roberto Lozano B

Architectural Assistant

Roberto joined the team in 2016 after completing his Part 1 at the University of Westminster and working for architecture studios in London, where he developed an interest in sustainability and Biomimetic architecture. A talented 3D visualiser, he left us to complete his Part 2 at the Oxford Brookes University and has now returned to our team.

Oriana Castaneda

Studio Manager

Oriana joined Inhabitat in 2019. She attended the Universidad Nacional Experimental Politécnica (UNEXPO) in Barquisimeto, Venezuela where she graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Oriana arrived in the UK in 2004 to work in the oil and gas industry. She left the industry in 2015 to make a career change and to focus on her personal life. She loves animals, the outdoors, crafting and spending time taking care of her garden plants.

Oriana is very diligent in her role and dedicated to making sure the studio runs smoothly. She is very people orientated and always available to assist our team in working with clients, contractors and consultants.