About WSMS

WSMS Studio LTD is run by RIBA chartered Architects Walter and Shanka Mesa Siverio. We believe in the power of design to improve lives and our approach is first and foremost people-centric, with an emphasis on holistic design services. In practice this translates to a professional start to finish service with clear communication and good working relationships, design that is both socially and environmentally conscious and a commitment to creative problem solving with every project.

Our Story

WSMS Studio has grown since 2013 when the studio was first set up in order to work ethically and holistically on projects that cover urban design, architecture, interior design and public engagement. We are proud to say we have stayed true to this original aim throughout our years in practice together.

With over 30 years of practice experience between us, we bring together a wide range of skills from urban design to project management in various sectors. Our services cover all stages of the building process and are always design-led. Click on the images above for more about us.

Walter Mesa Siverio RIBA , ARB, MArch (ESP) Director

Shanka Mesa Siverio RIBA, ARB, BArch, DipArch, MAUD Director & Lead Architect

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Our Vision

We believe that access to high quality architecture and design should be an option for everyone. We aim to create innovative, sustainable design and spaces that promote social interaction, stimulate the imagination and increase quality of life.

We hope to solve life’s little problems as well as attempting to tackle some of the big ones through design and architecture.

For more on how we do this within our goals for a sustainable practice read our Statement of Sustainability below.

Statement of Sustainability

Updated December 2021

The 3 key principles of sustainability (social, economic and environmental) are consciously implemented by WSMS in 3 areas of practice:

The Architecture Studio environment
The design and making of our work
Our long term impact

We will endeavour to constantly update this to meet changing demands, technological development and our evolving understanding of sustainability. Our current standards are stated below.

The Architecture Studio Environment

Social

We are an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate according to age, disability, gender, sex, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief. We actively encourage inter-disciplinary collaborations with other professionals & organisations who work towards sustainable design and placemaking.

Economic

We consistently invest in the technology, continued learning and equipment that helps us pursue our long term goals whilst reducing waste and sharing resources with other small businesses where possible.

Environmental

We exercise a paperless system as far as possible. Equipment and waste produced as a result of our work are re-used and recycled within the studio or through the local authority and community-led services. Our office premises are fuelled by electricity from green sources and our long term aim is to provide an office that is zero carbon. All journeys are undertaken by public transport, on foot or by bike.

Design and Production of Our Work

Social

We only work on projects that will have a positive impact on quality of life, be it at a large scale or the very small. We aim to work with like-minded clients who see the value in creating social spaces or projects designed to increase interconnectivity and communication through design. We further compact city principles and seek ‘conscious design’ that places the user in control of their own impact on the environment.

Economic

We keep a close eye on our client’s financial aspirations for their projects and seek to find solutions that fit within their budget. Though we reject projects whose only motive is to ensure short term profit, we acknowledge the importance of adding long term financial value through design and encourage sustainable economic growth via our urban design projects.

Environmental

Environmental principles are embedded into the design process by minimizing waste, retaining existing elements wherever possible, using site-specific design that works with these existing features and sensibly specifying appropriate materials and technology. Our approach is never purely technological and we consider the whole life cycle of the materials, from cradle-to-cradle.

Our Long Term Impact

Social

Every year we offer a significant proportion of our time pro bono or heavily discounted for projects that seek to further the advancement of more harmonious communities or more beautiful local environments for the enjoyment of all through non-profit organisations. Our aims for the growth of the practice seek to create a vibrant and socially motivated practice environment that develops slowly and organically in a way that utilises today’s opportunities for collaborative networks.

Economic

We believe that sustainability requires greater economic equality. Therefore ensure that a proportion of our profits are given to charities and organisations that fund those in need of the things we take for granted. Our donations are currently given to the Arobanam Children’s Fund, WaterAid and the Arts Network Sutton.

The economic sustainability of our practice is ensured by slow, organic growth that we have been committed to from the beginning.

Environmental

We take an active role in our local environment believing that this is where we can have the greatest impact. We seek to use our skills and understanding of the urban environment to raise awareness through design, competition and our blog as well as lending our time to campaigns which seek to improve the pedestrian environment in our cities.

PLEASE GET IN TOUCH IF YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS ABOUT THE ABOVE, WISH TO FIND OUT MORE, OR TO MAKE A SUGGESTION FOR A PROJECT OR CAMPAIGN THAT OUR PRO BONO SERVICES MAY COVER.

“WSMS were super to work with right from the beginning of our home project. Shanka was very happy to explain different options to suit different budgets, she came up with very interesting and creative ideas as well for a two storey side extension. She was super responsive when we had queries. As this was our first architectural home project, it was a real learning curve for us (with plenty of questions along the way) and Shanka went above and beyond to explain our options, various stages of design and the overall process. It was a very professional working relationship, Walter and Shanka are very personable and I would have no hesitation in recommending their services. Thank you very much WSMS!”

Sian Hart

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