welcome to sennen studio - thoughtful design, timeless transformation

At Sennen Studio, we help you create homes that are both beautiful and functional, guiding you from the first sketches through to the finished space. Based in Richmond Upon Thames, Greater London, I specialise in substantial home renovations, extensions and interior design for clients seeking a considered, end-to-end architectural service. Whether it’s a carefully thought-out extension, a full home renovation, or an interior transformation, we focus on meaningful projects, giving each home the time, attention, and design expertise it deserves.

Our work is not only about creating beautiful and functional spaces. It is about developing a clear, buildable project: resolving the design carefully, coordinating consultants and contractors, and making key decisions before construction begins. This approach helps reduce uncertainty on site, supports more reliable pricing and gives experienced contractors a stronger basis from which to deliver the work well.

Founded in 2023 by architect Madeleine Kivell, Sennen Studio is rooted in Scandinavian design principles—simplicity, warmth, and functionality. Originally from Göteborg, Sweden, Madeleine brings over a decade of experience in high-end residential and heritage projects, gained at the award-winning London practice AHMM. Her portfolio includes landmark projects such as “Television Centre, The Crescent”, “Signal Townhouses”, “Twyford Abbey”, “Tower Hamlets Town Hall” and “The Officers’ House”.

Madeleine combines a strong eye for detail with a practical understanding of how buildings are designed, coordinated and constructed. She is particularly interested in projects that balance the character of an existing home with the needs of modern living, and works closely with clients throughout the process to create homes that are both carefully considered and confidently delivered.

Whether you’re looking to transform a single space or reimagine your entire home, Sennen Studio is here to guide you every step of the way.

I’d love to hear about your project—let’s create something extraordinary together.

RIBA Chartered Member: 20053798

ARB Registration no: 082194B

Picture of female architect sitting in her home looking at camera.

q&A

  • I follow the relevant RIBA stages for each project, beginning with a careful review of the site, the existing building and accurate measured drawings. This discovery stage helps us understand the property’s character, constraints and potential, and provides a sound basis for the design.

    Once we have established the brief, priorities and budget, I develop and share ideas with you through sketches, drawings and discussion. Together, we explore the possibilities and agree a clear direction that balances function, character, cost and the way you want to live.

    As the project progresses, I advise on the consultants and surveys required, prepare and coordinate planning applications, and develop the design in greater detail. This can include internal layouts, materials, finishes, lighting, joinery and product selections, shaped by the building, your preferences and the overall character we want to create.

    For full-service appointments, I then coordinate the technical design, consultants and contractor information so that the project can be properly priced and built. I can remain closely involved during construction, helping to answer questions, review progress and support you through to completion.

  • The approach you choose will depend on your specific needs and vision for your project.

    If you’re considering a “builder’s finish”, this typically means the structure will be complete—weather-tight with walls, a roof, and windows, along with basic electrics and plumbing. Several Design & Build contractors offer this service, including planning drawings, structural calculations, building quotes, and building control sign-off, without the need for an architect or interior designer, provided the project is not especially complex or of historical interest.

    However, a “builder’s finish” will still require an overall structurally coordinated design and several environmental considerations and a strategy for services, along with additional fixtures such as flooring, bathroom suites, kitchens, wardrobes, skirting boards, internal doors, and electrical lights and switches. Without oversight, this often places significantly more decision-making responsibility on you as the client. Additionally, while this route may seem to save on consultant fees, those costs can easily reappear later in the process.

    Engaging an architect or interior designer can be a valuable investment, especially if you plan to stay in your home for an extended period or if your site presents unique challenges that require thoughtful solutions. If you have a strong vision or idea for how you want your home to look and feel, collaborating with a professional can greatly enhance the likelihood of achieving that vision.

    Beyond planning Architects can create detailed drawings and specifications that outline every aspect of the build, providing builders with a clear understanding of the costs involved and also gives you a vision to prioritise and focus on. This thoroughness not only helps you compare quotes more accurately but can also save you both money and stress in the long run!

  • Yes, of course. I offer fixed-fee site visits and initial consultations to help you understand the potential of your project and the most appropriate next steps. Please get in touch with a few details, and I will provide a no-obligation quotation.

    Subject to availability, I may also offer one-off design consultations for specific questions, second opinions or focused advice on an existing proposal.

  • RIBA stands for the Royal Institute of British Architects. Being an active RIBA - certified architect is a protected title that requires rigorous ongoing training, practical experience, and professional development. It gives you the assurance that every decision, detail, and stage of your project is considered with expert care.

  • It matters because women remain significantly underrepresented in the UK architecture profession — only about 31% of registered architects are women, according to the Architects Registration Board.

    When you work with a woman‑led studio like mine, you’re not just hiring an architect — you’re choosing a perspective that is rare in our industry. My leadership brings thoughtful, empathetic design rooted in lived experience. By working with me, you gain access to expert architectural thinking that helps shape spaces in a way that’s personal, inclusive, and deeply considered.