I begin by thoroughly assessing the site and gathering measured drawings to gain a comprehensive overview of each project. This careful evaluation of the setting and character is crucial during the discovery stage, guiding us toward a functional, meaningful, and beautiful transformation or addition.

Once we establish the parameters and vision, I focus on agreed core values and budget to ensure the project aligns with its constraints and opportunities. I share sketches and ideas, collaborating with my clients to find the right way forward.

I can provide guidance on additional consultants needed for the project and prepare and submit any applications required to obtain the appropriate permissions from local authorities

As we move into technical detailing, I increasingly embrace my role as an interior designer, drawing inspiration from the site, the client’s personality, mood boards, samples, and styles. The project becomes tangible and structured, ready for the next stage: construction.

The approach you choose will depend on your specific needs and vision for your project. If you’re considering a “builder’s finish,” this typically means the structure will be complete—weather-tight with walls, a roof, and windows, along with basic electrics and plumbing. Several Design & Build contractors offer this service, including planning drawings, structural calculations, building quotes, and building control sign-off, without the need for an architect or interior designer, provided the project is not especially complex or of historical interest.

However, a “builder’s finish” will still require an overall coordinated design and environmental considerations, along with additional fixtures such as flooring, bathroom suites, kitchens, wardrobes, skirting boards, internal doors, and electrical lights and switches. Without oversight, this often places significantly more decision-making responsibility on you as the client. Additionally, while this route may seem to save on consultant fees, those costs can easily reappear later in the process.

Engaging an architect or interior designer can be a valuable investment, especially if you plan to stay in your home for an extended period or if your site presents unique challenges that require thoughtful solutions. If you have a strong vision or idea for how you want your home to look and feel, collaborating with a professional can greatly enhance the likelihood of achieving that vision. Architects can create detailed drawings and specifications that outline every aspect of the build, providing builders with a clear understanding of the costs involved. This thoroughness not only helps you compare quotes more accurately but can also save you both money and stress in the long run!

Yes off course! I offer site visits and initial advice for a fixed fee, please contact me with some further details and I'm happy to give you a non obligatory quote.