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About RX Architects
RX Architects is a young design led practice based in Rye, East Sussex founded in 2016. RXA specialise in high end residential and mixed use commercial projects and see architecture as a client-centred process a constant dialogue between architect, client and contractor. The practice prides itself on high standards of design and architectural ambition.
The studio is led by Derek Rankin RIBA and Rob Pollard RIBA who have delivered multiple RIBA award winning projects in the South East. Rob & Derek have collaborated for 10 years on a wide variety of projects, with the shared core principles of sustainable design, exploring a response to site context and maximising the possibilities from a client brief. This shared drive and focus has helped to deliver many unique and inspiring schemes.
RX Architects work closely with clients to develop their brief and explore design options to suit each individual client needs, aspirations and budget. RXA offer a full architectural and design service covering all RIBA stages.
Locality
Defined and inspired by the Rye Bay coastline, RXA deliver innovative projects from the south coast of Sussex and Kent to London and beyond. Our studio is located in Rye, East Sussex, overlooking the River Rother with the medieval citadel of Rye as a backdrop. RX refers to the fishing boat registration code for Rye and Hastings which is synonymous with the area and expressed on all local boat hulls.
Rye Bay itself forms one of the most unique parts of the UK coastline, with the flat marshland of Romney Marsh, The SSSI designated nature reserves at Dungeness, Rye Bay and Winchelsea, the sandy dunes and beach at Camber Sands and the open countryside and ancient woodland which form the Wealden AONB. There are also an abundance of unique urban towns and villages which surround us
We draw on our inspiring surroundings and everything we do is shaped by a sense of place. Our Name RX is the marine code for the area between Dungeness and Hastings. A symbol that as a practice we are rooted in the area we live and work.
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Education
We strongly believe that architecture is a learning experience and that we are constantly researching and experimenting with our designs. We work closely with The University’s of Brighton and Kent, participate in the RIBA student mentoring scheme and provide financial support for the End of Year shows. In 2017 we were selected as a regional judge for the annual RIBA Awards, and in 2020/21 as Head judge.
Each summer we team up with Rye Bay Beach School to provide a varied programme of coastal related outdoor activities for school children. Working alongside the children we have constructed huge sand castles, developed pin hole photography, constructed a camera obscura cinema as well as shelter building on the sand dunes, shrimping, mackerel fishing and bridge building.
Environment
Our focus is not on the size or type of project but the responsibility to enrich and enhance the local environment.
We believe that environmentally responsive buildings improve quality of life and hence we work with our clients to design site responsive solutions that make an efficient use of energy and natural resources resulting in simple buildings which are enjoyable to inhabit.
As well as working in an environment which inspires our work, we also strongly believe in protecting that environment. As such, we volunteer for the local marine conservation beach clean ups in helping to play a part in clearing our beaches of plastic and waste.
RX Architects have partnered with “Trees For Life,” to enable us to offset all our annual carbon emissions. Trees For Life is a certified UK Reforestation Project dedicated to rewilding the Scottish Highlands.
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Craft + Collaboration
Whether it’s the patina created on metal surfaces or the natural silvering process of timber, our aim is to create architecture which compliments its immediate environment and is enhanced by the natural weathering process. Robust buildings which continue to change and delight over time.
The design process in the studio often starts with hand crafted card models, which evolve through the project as a design tool.
RX Architects have a network of local craftspeople we work closely with on our projects. We believe that architecture is a collaborative process and we draw on the knowledge and expertise of these craftspeople to influence our work.
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