The beginnning of the year traditionally sees the launch of the US publication, Architectural Digest’s Top 100 Architects and Designers list and it is always good to see included the names of many people we have worked with.  This year’s list did not disappoint – Ferguson and Shamamian, David Easton,  Mlinaric, Henry and Zervudachi, Gil Shafer, John Stefanidis, Michael Smith, Peter Pennoyer, Steven Gambrel and Tony Ingrao were all there.  Robert Couturier, was too, and we were excited to see that the photograph used for his entry was of a project we were also involved in – Marsh Court in Hampshire.

Marsh Court, designed by Lutyens and built of local chalk, or clunch, is listed Grade I  and its Gertude Jekyll designed garden is Grade II listed.  It is privately owned.

After 20 years of hard work APS’s Sigma Five saw was looking tired and beginning to lack accuracy.  With a busy stone order book the Symm board decided it was the right time to invest and £40,000 has been spent dismantling the saw and returning it to Van Voorden in Holland for a complete refurbishment.

The saw’s static head has a 1.2m diameter blade which allows stone to be cut up to 600mm in depth while its two moving tables mean that while one is being unloaded the other is able to continue working.

Technology has improved immensely since the saw was installed in 1990 and, following the Sigma Five’s complete revamp, it has now fewer moving parts and a new encoder.  This will make measuring and cutting more accurate, saving time and money and increasing stone production efficiency.

Symm recently took delivery of a new Renault van which will support the Small Works Team in carrying out maintenance and repairs, particularly in central London.  The van has been fitted out as a mobile workshop to provide stowage for every conceivable tool and all manner of building materials, including large sheet panels.  Its own independent power supply and an awning will allow work to continue independently outside a client’s premises in less than favourable weather and get jobs done under conditions that people previously thought impossible!  We aim, over the coming years, to have a fleet of these vans servicing London and Oxford.

Decorex International 2011, promises to be as impressive as ever and this year will have its Sloane Square Lobby designed by Nicky Haslam and Colette van den Thillart from NH Design.

There is an inspiring seminar programme on offer and Symm Director Angus Gibson will be talking about Home Technology for Today’s Savvy Client (1.30pm on Tuesday, 27 September). Registration for the exhibition is best done in advance, but the seminars are on a first come, first served basis, so make sure you get there early to guarantee your place!

When a historic New York residence was almost completely destroyed by fire, Symm was commissioned to recreate an oak panelled room with an impressive carved fire surround. With only photographs and the architect’s concept drawings available as evidence, drawings were produced by Symm CAD draughtsmen and the fire surround was skilfully recreated in our Oxford joinery workshops.

You can see more photographs of both the finished article and the work in progress by following the link.

Symm has recently secured a new project in central London; the refurbishment of a duplex apartment in an impressive Georgian town house.  Work is set to commence in July and will run through until early summer 2012.  Decorative fibrous cornices and a ceiling frieze to the principal room are to be carefully retained and there is an emphasis throughout on highest quality finishes, including extensive purpose made joinery and use of beautiful marbles.