After contractor abandonment and faulty infrastructure, I rebuilt the London pied-à-terre from the ground up — managing trades, reconfiguring plumbing, and preparing the space for finishing touches.

In Part 5 of the London pied-à-terre renovation, I tackled unsafe electrics, replaced and relaid hardwood floors with underfloor heating, and regained control of the project after previous contractor failures. Progress finally began to take shape.

After my London pied-à-terre contractors abandoned the renovation, I discovered unsafe electrics, bathroom tiles collapsing, warped subflooring, and mismanaged plumbing. Despite these setbacks, project management skills helped me assess, document, and plan the next steps to recover the space and restore functionality.

By the first few weeks of my London pied-à-terre renovation, communication breakdowns, a confusing milestone payment plan, and on-site mismanagement quickly became clear. From language barriers to incomplete work, I relied on careful project management and legal advice to stay in control — even as progress slowed and frustrations escalated.

Step behind the scenes of our London studio renovation in Part 2 of the series. From foundational updates and insulation to coordinating contractors and sourcing materials, see how careful planning and project management keep our pier de terre on track — all while balancing a nomadic lifestyle between Los Angeles, Vancouver, Sydney, and London.

After years of traveling and living between Los Angeles, Vancouver, Sydney, and London, finding stillness has become an art form. Our new London studio — our “pier de terre” — is a small space designed to be both a grounding base and a luxurious, functional home. Follow our four-part series as we reveal its transformation from mood boards to finished apartment.