About Mint Architecture
Mint Architecture is a friendly RIBA Chartered architectural practice based in Harpenden, led by Mint Findlay. I design thoughtful, well-crafted family homes in Harpenden and the surrounding areas.
Meet Mint Findlay
Mint Architecture was founded by Mint Findlay in 2011, initially based in South Kensington, London, before relocating to Harpenden a decade ago.
Mint is a fully qualified RIBA, RIAS and ARB Chartered Architect and a graduate of the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL. Before establishing her own practice, she worked with award-winning firms in Edinburgh, Melbourne and London on a wide range of projects, from rural barn conversions and contemporary extensions to large education buildings. This experience gave her a strong technical foundation, a deep understanding of construction, and the skills needed to coordinate complex projects smoothly.
Today, Mint Architecture specialises in family homes, helping homeowners reshape, extend and improve their houses so they work better for everyday life. Mint personally leads every project, working closely with clients to understand how they live, what they need, and how their home can best support them now and in the future. Her approach combines creative design with careful technical thinking and close attention to detail, shaped in part by postgraduate studies in furniture design and a long-standing interest in how interiors and architecture work together.
The practice delivers whole-house remodelling, extensions, refurbishments and occasional new builds. Designs are developed from the inside out and outside in, so that space planning, storage, circulation and daily routines are considered just as carefully as light, proportion, materials and architectural character. The aim is always to create homes that are practical, calm, beautifully resolved and a pleasure to live in.
Mint leads the design and management of all projects, supported when required by a small, trusted team of architects and architectural technicians. With long-standing contacts across the construction and design industry, the practice offers a full range of architectural services from early ideas through to construction and completion. Bespoke furniture design and interior design services can also be provided where this will enhance how the home functions and feels.
Alongside design, Mint has a growing specialism in retrofit and sustainable improvement. She is currently undertaking formal training as a PAS 2035 Retrofit Designer, a nationally recognised qualification focused on upgrading existing homes to be warmer, healthier and more energy-efficient. This allows clients to benefit from informed advice on fabric upgrades and energy strategies and new technologies helping homes become more comfortable, cheaper to run and better suited to the future while retaining their character.
Mint lives in Harpenden with her husband, their three children and their border terrier. Alongside her professional work, she has personally developed several properties and carried out phased renovations and DIY projects in her own homes. This gives her a practical understanding of budgets, disruption, living through building work and how homes really evolve over time , and an appreciation of the importance of making the process as calm and well-managed as possible.
My Journey at a Glance
2011 +
Mint started Mint Architecture with a desire to work more closely and creatively with clients. Mint Architecture focuses on residential projects: family homes that need to adapt as their needs change and grow.
2007-2010
Associate Architect at international award winning practice Woods Bagot, leading the launch of the UK Education Sector. Working in London, Melbourne and Abu Dhabi. Lead architect for various education projects- primary schools (under Building Schools for the Future), universities and an SEN school.
2000-2007
Project Architect working in Edinburgh. At RMJM and Michael Laird Architects (now MLA) working across Residential, Hospitality and Education sectors. Independently running residential projects.
Working in Practice during Studies.
2000-2004
Fully Qualified RIBA & RIAS Architect from Edinburgh University _ RIBA Part III
2002 Diploma in Architectural Studies with Merit at Bartlett School of Architecture (UCL, London) RIBA Part II
1996-1999
1999 Postgrad course in Furniture Design at Leith School of Art, Edinburgh. Personal Exhibition opened by Sir Eduardo Paolozzi
1999 BA Hons in Architectural Studies at Newcastle University_ RIBA Part I
1996 Art & Design Foundation Diploma, Leith School of Art, Edinburgh.
Values
These principles guide everything Mint Architecture does, from the first consultation through to final handover.
Passion for Design
A genuine passion for the work underpins every project at Mint Architecture.
Client Focused
Your vision is at the heart of every project. I listen, understand, and deliver thoughtful, well-considered design.
Creative & Sustainable Solutions
Design challenges are approached thoughtfully and practically, with budget in mind.
Professional Excellence
As a RIBA Chartered Practice, Mint Architecture maintains the highest standards of professionalism.
Professional Accreditations
Mint Architecture is proud to be accredited by the leading professional bodies in architecture, ensuring the highest standards of practice.
