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AUA combines creative design with sound technical knowledge to create successful residential, commercial and mixed-use schemes as both stand alone projects or within wider masterplan designs.

We are a Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Chartered Practice, a gold standard in the industry committed to design excellence and client service.

AUA was set up in April 2007 and since then the majority of work has been gained by personal recommendation from satisfied clients. We work collaboratively to develop creative and considered designs that embrace our client’s aspirations and unlock value. We aim to continue our track record in providing high quality services at every stage of the process:

> Assess development potential of any site through Feasibility Studies

> Creative design for advantageous Planning Consents

> Technical design and construction drawings to express fine detail

> Ensure our designs are implemented on site

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Our Approach
AUA provides a full service to the client from the initial sketch design through to build completion. A traditional hand drawn sketch method is adopted for more free flowing development in the very early stages of the design process, and should the client wish, further evolves these ideas through the use of 3D computer sketch models. We aim to expose all areas of a building’s potential through considered options while appreciating there is budget to work within. The use of natural light to sculpture an interior, the play on varying volumes throughout spaces, coupled with considered material choices appropriate to the design’s identity whilst respecting its surrounding environment is the approach we take in all our designs large or small.This is a practice that listens to the client’s needs and finds solutions. It is one that advises its clients of alternative materials, sustainable methods and space saving ideas.

Alex Upton
Managing Director

BA(Hons), Dip Arch, Dip BRS, RIBA
E: alex.upton@au-architects.com


Alex gained his BA (Hons) degree from Plymouth School of Architecture in 1994 and Diplomas in both in Architecture and Built Resource Studies (Urban Design & re-use of existing buildings) at Oxford Brookes University in 1997. He qualified as an Architect in 1999 and spent 2 years working for Lewis & Hickey Architects, 4 years as an Associate at S&P Architects & 4 years as a lead Project Architect for Hamiltons Architects (now known as Flanagan Lawrence). In 2007 Alex formed AU Architects Ltd where he has grown the company through a loyal number of commercial and private clients

Previous to forming AUA, he has worked on large-scale residential, mixed use commercial & master plan schemes both in the uk and overseas.


Miguel Kalyan
Design Director

BA(Hons), Dip Arch, RIBA
E: miguel.kalyan@au-architects.com


Miguel gained his BA (Hons) degree from Liverpool School of Architecture and Diploma in Architecture at the Univeristy of Westminster. He spent 9 years working for Hamilton Architects (now known as Flanaghan Lawrence) as well as working in Switzerland for Rast Architekten & [ba] Architekten AG and in St Kitts with New Bermuda.

Prior to joining AUA, Miguel was responsible in the management and running of projects which included G-Gate Hotel in Kensington Olympia, Kings Reach and Aviva Tower in the City of London and Hale Village adjacent to the London Olympic site. Over the last 4 years he has worked within the local and international market on large-scale mixed use, commercial, residential, resort and hotel schemes.