ETHOS:
NO PROJECT EXISTS IN ISOLATION.
DESIGNING & WORKING IN COLLABORATION IS AT THE CORE OF OUR PROCESS.
co-dhealbh /ˌkəʊˈdʒelb/ noun
01. A shared vision or collective image
02. An artistic or conceptual co-creation
KOAV. STUDIO
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ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
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ABOUT
INFO:
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Hi I’m Michael and welcome to KOAV.
KOAV is a hybrid architecture and design studio working at the intersection of spatial, visual and conceptual design.The studio’s name is inspired by the Gaelic word co-dhealbh, which translates as a shared vision formed through collaboration and mutual understanding. It describes a process in which ideas are not imposed, but shaped collectively. This principle sits at the core of KOAV’s work.
With over fifteen years of experience as a practising architect, I have worked across small, medium and large practices, contributing to a wide range of residential, commercial, hospitality, multi-residential and institutional projects. Alongside architectural practice, I have continuously developed a parallel body of work in branding and design, exploring how identity, narrative and structure inform one another.
KOAV emerged from a decision to build an independent studio—one that retains the flexibility, autonomy and collaborative spirit developed through years of working across diverse teams and disciplines. Today, the studio operates as a focused, agile practice, capable of integrating seamlessly into existing workflows while bringing strategic and creative clarity to complex projects.
By combining architectural expertise with branding and design thinking, KOAV supports projects from multiple angles—technical, conceptual and visual—helping clients shape ideas into coherent, meaningful outcomes.
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ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE / PROJECT SUPPORT:
KOAV operates as an embedded design partner: independent in structure, collaborative in practice.The studio specialises in integrating into architectural practices, creative teams and client organisations at moments of increased workload, technical complexity or strategic change. This model allows clients to access senior-level architectural and design expertise without the long-term commitments of permanent resourcing.
KOAV’s approach is grounded in collaboration, adaptability and precision.
GRAPHIC & ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN SERVICES:
Working with individual clients or businesses KOAV responds to each brief with a level of care, technical understanding and strategic thinking appropriate to its scale and ambition.Whether supporting an architectural team through critical project stages or developing a visual identity, KOAV works closely with clients to clarify objectives, align strategy and deliver outcomes that are both rigorous and expressive.
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KOAV is guided by a set of principles shaped by architectural practice and cross-disciplinary design:
COLLABORATION
Strong design emerges from dialogue and shared goals.FLEXIBILITY
Projects are complex. Processes need to be able to evolve with them.COMPOSURE
Complex projects require clarity, stability and measured decision-making.RESPECT
KOAV integrates into teams with sensitivity to established processes and working cultures.These values enable KOAV to operate effectively within diverse teams while maintaining a clear, independent design perspective.
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KOAV likes to work with clients who value thoughtful, collaborative design and clear communication.
The studio works with:
Small and mid-sized architectural practices seeking flexible, high-level project support.
Developers requiring architectural and design expertise across multiple project stages.
Private / domestic clients looking to embark on their own architectural projects or improvements.
Brands and creative teams exploring the relationship between space, identity and narrative.
Small and medium businesses looking for visual design solutions.
SERVICES
WHAT WE DO:
Architectural Practice / Project Support
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Architectural design development across RIBA stages
Technical detailing and coordination
Concept design and feasibility studies
Drawing packages and documentation
Design reviews and problem-solving support
Short-term or project-based architectural assistance
Workflow and process support within teams
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Architectural practices with;
Increased workload or compressed timelines.
Gaps in technical expertise or capacity.
A need to fill temporary resourcing gaps (holiday cover, maternity / paternity leave, sickness, absence) without long-term hiring.
Critical project phases requiring focused support
Strategic Design / Branding & Visual Identity
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Design strategy and conceptual frameworks
Creative direction for architectural or brand projects
Brand identity development
Logo and identity design
Typography and graphic systems
Brand guidelines and documentation
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Businesses, brands or individuals seeking:
Improved connection with customers
Improved sales and market visibility
Clear conceptual narratives for projects
More refined identity or direction
Positioning of new projects
Architectural design Services
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Feasibility studies and site appraisals
Concept and spatial design
Planning strategy and submissions
Design development and technical detailing
Production of drawing packages and documentation
Coordination with consultants and stakeholders
Support across construction phases
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Homeowners, businesses, developers or individuals;
Exploring the potential for extensions, conversions or reconfigurations.
Seeking architectural guidance before purchasing or developing a property.
Requiring a clear design strategy to maximise space, light and functionality within existing constraints.
Seeking architectural input to assess the feasibility and potential of a site or development concept.
PAST PROJECTS
COLLABORATORS
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