East Dulwich based architects and interior designers Nimtim share their unique approach to creating homes that are full of personality and purpose.
Literally named after the founders Nimi and Tim, the pair launched the practice back in 2014. Nimi was born and bred in South London, brought up in Herne Hill, and brings an innate love for the area into her design choices. She’s also a qualified garden and landscape designer, which adds an extra layer of texture to their projects.
Nimi has fond memories of South London hotspots like Brixton Market, which she loved visiting as a child.“The vibrancy, colours, noise, people and energy was something I found so exciting,” she says. “We both love the sense of community you get in each area, with access to all the benefits of a globally significant metropolis.”
One standout recent project, Hemp House near Crystal Palace, transformed a modest 1930s semi into a carbon-negative family home. The scheme includes a timber extension and kitchen redesign, using healthy, breathable materials throughout.
Alongside the core architectural services, they also offer interior design, kitchen design and joinery. We asked the team how the finishing works- do nimtim or the client choose how the home is ultimately styled?
“One of the key attributes of working with homeowners is to be flexible,” Nimi explains. “Some of our clients love choosing finishes and fittings, others are happy to let us get on with it.”
Viewing South London through an architectural lens reveals a treasure trove of hidden gems. Nimi explained how they often find an unexpected historical quirks and discoveries, which in turn reinvents their design response and influences their craftsmanship.
“We worked on a house that has access to a private woodland shared by only a few homes,” she says. “We’re also working on a house originally built for workers at a nearby blancmange factory. You can never quite predict what you’re going to find.”
They moved into a new office in East Dulwich last year which was previously a Victorian launderette.
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The couple now live in Forest Hill surrounded by the rich mix of architectural styles that inspires them. “It includes such a variety of housing typologies from almost all of London’s significant building periods—Victorian terraces, 1960s estates, Georgian villas, 1930s semis…”
Alongside the build and decoration, they also offer home buyer consultations for people looking to purchase a new property. Their initial consultation (£125 + VAT) can be held online or at their SE22 studio, you can receive high level advice, sketches, designs and whatever else you want to run through.
For more in-depth a half-day consultation (£350 + VAT) or full-day service (£750 + VAT) includes an on-site briefing, a meeting with a senior team member, and a measured survey to produce existing plans.
nimtim architects, Unit 1, 17-19 Blackwater Street, London, SE22 8SD
