1. What does Studio Lilaya do?

Studio Lilaya is an architectural illustration and landscape visualisation practice focused on the feasibility and concept design stages of projects. The studio produces drawings, perspectives and plans that help design teams communicate atmosphere, character and intent before detailed design and technical documentation begin.

Who is Studio Lilaya for?

Studio Lilaya works primarily with architects, landscape architects, urban designers, planners and placemakers. The illustrations are used in feasibility studies, early design presentations, framework plans and Design and Access Statements for planning submissions.

Are the illustrations hand-drawn or digital?

Studio Lilaya works with a hand-drawn architectural illustration approach, delivered through a digital workflow, rather than on physical paper and ink. Most images begin as hand-drawn linework, which is then coloured digitally on the pen tablet, to bring about the watercolour effect with materiality, planting and atmosphere.

This method keeps the character, looseness and nuance of hand drawing, while allowing the flexibility, revisions and clarity needed for feasibility studies, concept design visuals and planning documents. The result is work that has the same feel as a traditional painting, but is supplied as high-resolution digital files suitable for print and screen.

At what stage should we involve you?

Studio Lilaya is set up specifically for the early stages of design:

• pre-application and feasibility

• concept design and options testing

• early public realm, landscape and urban design studies.

If your project is at a stage where you need to explain what the place could feel like, rather than resolve technical details, that is usually the right moment to talk to me.

What types of drawings and visuals do you offer?

Studio Lilaya usually does hand-drawn digital illustrations for:

• Conceptual drawings and storyboards for early ideas and narratives

• Detailed perspectives at street level or human scale

• Aerial views and masterplan illustrations

• Outdoor feasibility sketch plans with materiality and planting design

• Illustrations of habitats and ecological landscapes.

All work is tailored to your project, with a focus on both technical clarity and sense of place for architectural, landscape and urban designs.

What information do you need to start a commission?

For most illustration projects, the studio will usually ask for:

• Latest plans, sections and/or elevations in a JPEG or PDF format.

• A brief description of the design concept and key messages

• Any existing 3D model or massing, if available

• Notes on materials, planting structure and habitat character

• Intended use of the images, i.e., internal presentation, client meeting, planning, public consultation, etc.

The clearer the information at the start, the more accurately the illustrations can reflect your design.

How does the illustration process work?

The process typically follows three broad steps:

1. Brief + references – agreeing on the scope, style, number of views and deadlines.

2. Initial composition – linework or massing sketches to fix viewpoint, scale and main elements.

3. Refinement – adding planting, textures, people, lighting and atmosphere, with limited rounds of revisions agreed at the outset.

This approach keeps the work aligned with your feasibility or concept design programme.

Do you work remotely and on international projects?

Yes. Studio Lilaya is based in Winchester, UK and works primarily online, collaborating with teams across the UK and internationally. Drawings are coordinated via email, shared drives and online calls, using commonly accepted formats