studio Cerath
Conceived by myself, Fraser McQuade, studio Cerath explores a creative process at the confluence of architecture, art and nature - rooted in the earth and emotional experience.
I studied at Edinburgh College of Art and the University of Westminster – both schools having a strong focus on creative expression and the meeting of art and architecture – before completing my professional qualifications at the University of Brighton. I have also gained a permaculture design qualification and continue to develop myself professionally, with a keen focus on nature and sustainability.
Experience has included design and delivery of award-winning modern buildings – both cultural and residential; sensitive restoration of listed buildings; and the role of Senior Urban Design Officer at Brighton & Hove City Council.
Through this experience, I have developed a unique and holistic skillset, design sensibility and competence level which are carefully and intuitively applied to all studio Cerath projects.
At the heart of my design process is an innate and deep-rooted connection to place and space - uniquely informed by my keen passion for natural landscapes and a wider artistic practice.
As part of this, I make sculptural ceramics, paintings and drawings - exploring my emotional connection to landscape and developing an intuitive creative response.
This informs architecture which grows directly from site – grounding and putting down roots. Designs focus on intuitive layouts; nurturing atmospheres; natural light and air movement; organic and contextual materiality; and positive outlook – whether garden, distant views or sky.
I work personally and collaboratively with my clients - using my experience and design sensibility to expand their ideas. Together, we create homes that suit their lifestyle and tastes, and which offer them the space to thrive.
Sustainability is a significant and dynamic component of my creative process, informing every decision from concept to detail design, and my qualification in Permaculture Design has honed an understanding of sustainable land use; passive environmental design solutions; organic, non-toxic construction materials; and reduced embodied carbon.
