Top Brands Shopping House of Frazer

As Assistant Architect for Gerry Lytle Associates, Roger Barefoot contributed to the £32 million complete rebuild of the House of Fraser retail area in Guildford, delivered in 2000. The project was led by Draffin as project manager and interior design consultant, while Gerry Lytle Associates acted as technical architect, securing planning permission and building control approvals and overseeing the technical construction process. The redevelopment transformed the retail area to improve serviceability and customer experience while retaining and protecting the existing listed street frontage. The rear of the building was reconstructed to create a modern department store environment, requiring careful coordination between the historic frontage, new construction, technical requirements, and the client's retail ambitions. Roger's responsibilities included preparing production drawings and technical information, coordinating design details with the project team, supporting site delivery, and assisting with the resolution of construction issues. He was particularly responsible for the design and construction oversight of the Albert Roux café, as well as the refurbishment and recreation of the derelict Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe water garden. As a newly qualified architect, this was Roger's first large-scale project and provided valuable experience in the delivery of a complex commercial development. A key challenge was protecting the listed frontage while enabling the substantial reconstruction behind it. The project was completed on time and within budget, although the store has since closed.