Credit: fourteen a.m.
Renovating your home is an exciting journey, but it can also feel overwhelming. With so many decisions to make, it’s easy to get lost in the details. That’s why we’re turning to Winnie Tam, the founder of fourteen a.m., a renowned architectural and interior design studio, for expert guidance. With years of experience working on both large commercial projects and intimate home transformations, Winnie offers valuable insights into what makes a renovation truly successful.
In this interview, Winnie shares her professional advice on the three critical decisions every homeowner should consider before starting a renovation.
Key Takeaways from the Interview:
Plan Your Priorities
Consider Flow and Layout
Choose Quality Materials
Hire the Right Professionals
Set a Realistic Budget
Timing is Key
Plus, Winnie is offering a special opportunity to dive deeper into the process with her course, Cultivating Your Sanctuary: The Architect's Guide, where she explores how to create beautiful, functional spaces.
Credit: fourteen a.m.
Table of Contents
Winnie, architect and founder of fourteen a.m.
Winnie Tam is the founder of fourteen a.m., a London-based architectural and interior design studio known for its unique and thoughtful approach to residential and commercial design.
Here’s more about fourteen a.m.:
Focus on Harmonious, Functional Spaces: Winnie’s designs are centred on creating spaces that are both beautiful and practical.
Deep Understanding of How People Live: Her approach is guided by a strong understanding of how people interact with and experience their surroundings.
Diverse Project Experience: Winnie’s studio has worked on a wide range of projects, from private homes to high-profile commercial spaces.
Efficient, Beautiful Environments: The studio aims to create environments that enhance the way people use and enjoy their space.
Balance of Aesthetic Appeal and Practicality: Winnie is known for balancing aesthetic beauty with functional design, making her a sought-after architect.
Expertise in Lasting Home Changes: Homeowners looking to make lasting changes to their homes turn to Winnie for her ability to create both timeless and efficient spaces.
Credit: fourteen a.m.
The Critical Decisions for a Successful Renovation: An Interview with Winnie Tam
HiiGuru: What surprises most homeowners about the renovation process?
Winnie: Often, it's realising that the most important decisions aren't about colours or materials. These are exciting choices, certainly, but they come much later. The decisions that truly shape a successful renovation need to be made early, often before anyone starts thinking about aesthetics.
HG: Could you share the most critical decisions homeowners should focus on?
W: The first crucial decision is about space flow versus square footage. Many people immediately think they need an extension, when sometimes reconfiguring existing space could create more value. It's about understanding how you actually live in your space, not just making it bigger.
HG: That's interesting — How do architects approach this differently?
W: We look at how spaces connect and flow into each other, how natural light moves through the home, and how daily routines could be better supported. Sometimes, moving a doorway or opening up a space can transform how a home functions, without the cost of an extension.
Discover Winnie’s course, Cultivating Your Sanctuary: The Architect's Guide, where she teaches you how to design spaces that are both beautiful and functional.
Credit: fourteen a.m.
HG: What's the second critical decision?
W: Infrastructure before aesthetics. This isn't as exciting as choosing beautiful finishes, but it's fundamental. We're talking about heating systems, insulation, electrics, plumbing - the invisible elements that make a home truly comfortable and efficient.
HG: Why is this often overlooked?
W: Because it's invisible. It's tempting to spend the budget on things you can see and touch. But investing in good infrastructure first prevents future problems and creates the foundation for those beautiful finishing touches.
HG: And the third decision?
W: Future-proofing versus quick fixes. This means thinking beyond immediate needs and considering how your space might need to adapt over time. It's about making decisions that create lasting value rather than just solving today's problems.
HG: How can homeowners start thinking more strategically about their renovation?
W: Start by observing how you actually use your space before making any decisions. Notice the daily friction points, where things don't quite work. Consider how your needs might change over the next five to ten years. These observations are invaluable for making informed decisions.
About the Course Cultivating Your Sanctuary: The Architect's Guide
Winnie’s upcoming course, Cultivating Your Sanctuary: The Architect’s Guide, is designed for those who want to create beautiful, functional homes without compromising their renovation budget.
In this course, Winnie shares her professional tools and insights, guiding you through the process of designing spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and highly practical. By exploring architectural principles and real-world applications, this course empowers homeowners to make informed decisions that can transform their living environments.
The course covers a range of topics, from space planning and understanding infrastructure needs to learning how to adapt your home to future needs.
Credit: fourteen a.m.
HiiGuru's Commitment to Supporting Your Renovation Journey
At HiiGuru, we are honoured to collaborate with talented professionals like Winnie Tam, whose passion for creating meaningful spaces shines through in her work. We understand that every homeowner's renovation journey is unique, and we are always here to offer guidance to those who may not require a formal course to transform their space. Whether you're looking for inspiration or practical advice, our team is dedicated to helping you create a home that reflects your needs, lifestyle, and vision.
If you're ready to take the next step in your renovation journey, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Credit: fourteen a.m.
Transform your home with guidance from vetted home design and renovation specialists. Starting from just £35 ($45), book a 30-minute video call and get expert advice tailored to your needs. With HiiGuru, you’ll save time, avoid costly mistakes, and create a space you love—backed by our money-back guarantee.