Who we are
Formed in 2022, elemental architecture and design was founded by Jeremy Diaper and Sybille Haefliger with the aim of providing individual hospitality spaces, workplaces and comfortable homes for people to enjoy.
With a focus on design and wellbeing, we provide well thought out spaces that work for their occupiers now and for the future.
We work with our clients to understand the aims and expectations of any new space. We listen, challenge the brief and use our building knowledge to bring together a design that suits you. Our designs don’t have to shout (but they can), they are the backdrop for life and are tailored to fit.
We expect all our creations to be beautifully designed, simple to use and user friendly with consideration of the impact on the environment now and in the long term.
Sybille has worked in the field of architecture since graduating in 1997. With experience on schemes of varying scale from a hand-built extension in Awaroa National Park (NZ) to a mental health hospital in Northampton with many golf clubs, homes, restaurants and shops between, she enables successful projects through a strong shared vision and clear communication. She firmly believes that good design adds value and seeks un-complicated, creative solutions to suit the individual needs of a scheme.
With Elemental, Sybille is bringing together her professional architectural qualifications with a human centred design focus and increasing awareness of the needs of the environment. Sybille recognises that the shapes we play with on a design board have an impact beyond the clients we design for, from the scale of a building to the scale of a city, from the choice of material to the impact of its origin. Good design is visceral.
Jeremy is an Architect with a background in social innovation, education and design. Having gained over 15 years experience as an educator & creative change-maker working to support young people and people at risk, to engage with education, Jeremy has developed an approach to architecture that builds on those competencies and experiences.
Jeremy has interests in conservation architecture, re-interpreting the use and function of existing buildings and public space design. He has expertise in developing clear briefs for clients and moving from concept to operational vision. Jeremy enjoys collaborating with fabricators to create bespoke pieces right through to working with main contractors on a complex build or fit-out.
Jeremy is a member of the RIBA University Validation Panel and visits various Schools of Architecture in the UK and internationally. Jeremy is also a board member of The Brighton & Hove Food Partnership, a non-profit organisation working in health, wellbeing, social justice and environmental sustainability within all stages of the food system.
He has travelled extensively with trips including Japan, Cambodia and Bangkok. Jeremy lives in Brighton with his partner and two miniature schnauzers named Trevor and Geof.