For RVI founder, Matthew Goldschmied, understanding architecture and the quality of spaces created for human existence has always been important. Matthew developed an enjoyment and appreciation of architecture and design from observing his father’s work, a renowned architect himself and former RIBA president.

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After a number of years studying architecture, Matthew went on to specialise in architectural restoration and conservation. He still has fond student memories of hanging off the ceiling at St Pancras station during its major restoration and revival in the 1990’s.

 

For over 20 years, he has worked in both commercial and residential property design, developing skills in a broad range of disciplines, from planning and development to sustainable retrofit and renewables, interior design and energy-efficiency.

 

Helping clients renovating and remodelling traditional homes has always been what he enjoys the most. He thrives on the challenge of balancing high-end design with the art of low-carbon retrofit. Inventing solutions for the integration of renewable technologies into existing homes whilst preserving and enhancing their inherent character.

 

In 2018 he created RVI (inspired by the Italian word ‘rivivere’ which means to 'live again') to focus on renovating and reviving buildings, re-imagining their history and their future integrated effortlessly into a de-carbonised built environment. His architectural design work can be found here - rviad.com

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In 2024 he began developing a specialised service for homeowners to enable them to take control of their home's upgrade journey and that became the RVI-Home Upgrade Guide. This website is the home of the unique RVI-HUG service.

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He is an active participant in the National Retrofit Hub's strategic framework seeking to decarbonise and improve the health of our built-environment. Sharing his expertise with, and continuously learning from, a broad community of like-minded and determined people.

 

Our collective challenge is to simultaneously eliminate excessive harmful emissions whilst improving human health outcomes within all buildings as we adapt them to become functionally resilient to a changing climate. On that pathway, there is enormous potential for wider societal benefits - the eradication of systemic fuel poverty, better health outcomes, new skills and jobs, improved social cohesion and national economic prosperity.

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Matthew is determined to help steer the right course for the evolution of our built environment so the next generation can thrive within it. He has delivered seminars and contributed to the evolution of the fast-growing industry of retrofit and healthy building renovation, working with local authorities and wider regional bodies such as the South London Partnership. Some of his webinars are available to watch on online: 

Retrofit: The Need for Good Design

A Pattern of Loss - The Impact of Demolition

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Contact us to explore how people-centred design for comfort and climate resilience doesn't cost the earth.

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Matthew draws on a wealth of passion, enthusiasm and practical experience built on a few key principles:

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Your needs are the purpose of every design idea

Great design is elegance of form, aesthetic and function

Buildings should benefit your health and the environment 

Every home should be efficient, healthy and beautiful

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We can guide you through as little or as much of the design and delivery of your project as you need.

 

Our services include:

 

•        Extension, remodelling or renovation

•        Conservation of traditional buildings

•        Retrofit and Renewable Energy

•        Conceptual designs

•        Architectural drawings

•        CGI visualisation

•        Planning applications

•        Contractor appointments

•        Project management

 

We cover the South East - Greater London, Surrey, Hampshire, Sussex, Kent and beyond,

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Explore our recent projects or if you want to chat, please call now.