We’re delighted to share that Charlotte has been named the East Midlands winner of LABC’s Best Residential & Small Commercial Designer award.
The LABC (Local Authority Building Control) Awards are the largest building awards in the building control sector, recognising achievement and contributions across the construction industry.
We’re incredibly proud to see Charlotte’s technical knowledge, collaborative approach, passion for sustainable design and enthusiasm for sharing ideas recognised through this award.
A huge congratulations to Charlotte on this fantastic achievement.
The full list of winners can be found on the LABC website.
Published by Esther Esther_Hamilton-Dick inAwards, News
Successful hospitality design involves far more than creating additional floor space. It requires an understanding of how people experience a place, protecting the atmosphere that makes it special and ensuring the architecture supports both customer experience and business performance.
This philosophy shaped our transformation of Escabeche, a much-loved Spanish tapas restaurant in West Bridgford. Already known for its lively outdoor terrace and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, the restaurant had become a firm local favourite during the summer months. The challenge was to extend that experience throughout the year without losing the character that made the restaurant successful.
Extending the Terrace Experience
The existing terrace offered customers the feeling of dining outdoors beneath a lightweight timber pergola. However, its reliance on good weather limited its use during colder months, reducing the restaurant’s capacity when additional covers could have delivered significant commercial value. Rather than approaching the project as a straightforward extension, we focused on preserving Escabeche’s identity while introducing the comfort and flexibility of a year-round dining environment.
The new enclosure needed to feel light and open, rather than like a heavy addition attached to the front of the building. Drawing inspiration from the original pergola, we developed an architectural language that blurs the boundary between inside and outside.
A series of exposed timber elements extends across both the external dining area and enclosed restaurant space. Behind these, a highly insulated glazed structure provides year-round comfort, while carefully detailed timber linings conceal the structural roof system. The result creates a sense of continuity, allowing guests to remain visually connected beneath the same architectural language whether dining inside or out.
Technical Coordination Behind a Simple Design
Achieving this understated appearance required detailed technical coordination. Rather than relying on expensive bespoke glazing systems, we selected an off-the-shelf roof system and carefully coordinated its structural rhythm with the timber framework below.
The spacing of each roof member, glazing bar and timber lining required meticulous planning. These details allow the finished architecture to appear effortless, despite the technical complexity behind it.
The internal layout also required careful consideration. We tested seating arrangements, furniture dimensions and customer circulation throughout the design process, maximising capacity while maintaining generous movement and the relaxed atmosphere that defines Escabeche.
Creating a Flexible Connection to the Terrace
One of the project’s most demanding elements involved the fully opening six-panel bi-fold entrance. Tight site boundaries left virtually no margin for error, so we coordinated the wall positions and openings with precision to ensure the doors could fold completely clear within the available space. During warmer months, the entire frontage opens onto the existing terrace, restoring the open-air dining experience that customers already enjoyed. When the weather changes, the space can close to provide a comfortable year-round environment.
Elsewhere, a carefully positioned picture window frames views towards the nearby church spire, drawing natural light deeper into the dining area and strengthening the restaurant’s connection with its surroundings. The window also forms part of the building’s fire strategy, incorporating a 60-minute fire-rated glazed screen. This allowed the escape routes to function safely without compromising the openness of the interior.
Materials, Branding and Identity
Material selection played an important role in maintaining the lightness and character of the design. Soft green glazed tiles introduce texture, depth and subtle reflections, complementing the restaurant’s Mediterranean identity without overwhelming the existing building. Natural timber and generous glazing create an inviting environment that feels bright, relaxed and connected to the original terrace.
Our involvement also extended to the coordination of signage, branding and architectural elements. Using detailed 3D modelling, we tested the scale and placement of signs and graphics alongside the building’s proportions from the earliest stages.
This approach allowed the branding to become an integral part of the architecture rather than an afterthought, helping the completed restaurant feel cohesive in every detail.
A Restaurant Designed to Evolve
The completed project has transformed how Escabeche operates. By significantly increasing the number of covers while allowing its popular terrace to remain usable throughout the year, the extension supports the restaurant’s commercial ambitions without sacrificing its distinctive atmosphere.
Escabeche demonstrates how thoughtful commercial architecture can enhance an established business. By combining hospitality design, technical precision and a close understanding of customer experience, the project creates a space that feels as though it has always belonged—protecting the restaurant’s character while allowing it to evolve.
Considering a commercial or hospitality project?
We welcome conversations about how thoughtful architectural design can support your business, whether you are adapting an existing space, extending your premises or developing a new concept.
Nestled within one of West Bridgford's most established conservation areas, The Valley House transforms an existing family home, revealing potential that wasn't immediately obvious. Rather than simply extending the property, we balanced family life, landscape, heritage and proportion to create a home that feels both timeless and entirely bespoke.
From the street, the finished home presents a calm and elegant symmetry that appears effortless. In reality, this balance emerged gradually. As with every project we undertake, we began from the inside out, focusing first on how the family wanted to live rather than how the building should look.
Working closely with the clients, we planned each space around the rhythms of everyday family life. The resulting layout connects the generous footprint in an intuitive way.
As the internal arrangement evolved, an unexpected opportunity emerged. The positioning of rooms, circulation and extensions naturally began to echo one another. Recognising this, we refined the architecture further, enlarging existing dormers, adjusting window positions and subtly reshaping the original building until the front elevation achieved its balanced composition.
The result is an elegant, almost symmetrical façade that feels entirely at home within its surroundings, despite the extensive remodelling behind it. The architecture appears obvious only because we carefully considered every decision.
Designing Within a Conservation Area
The project's sensitive conservation area setting required close collaboration with both the local conservation officer and tree officer. Detailed planning submissions, supported by arboricultural reports and extensive site analysis, demonstrated how the proposals would enhance the property while protecting the area's mature landscape and historic character.
Existing Tree Preservation Orders played a significant role in shaping the design. Rather than viewing these constraints as obstacles, we used them to refine the architecture further.
The surrounding trees influenced the position of the extension, external landscaping and subtle adjustments to the building's footprint. This approach ensured that the proposal respected both the visible landscape and the unseen root protection zones beneath it.
Reimagining the Garden
The rear of the home tells an equally thoughtful story. Initially, we considered positioning the new swimming pool in the part of the garden that enjoyed the last of the evening sunshine. However, as we analysed the garden in greater detail, it became clear that the family would benefit more from using this prime position as an outdoor entertaining space. After all, families are far more likely to gather around a dining table at sunset than spend every evening in the pool.
This subtle shift in thinking fundamentally changed the garden's layout. The swimming pool found its place within the wider composition, while generous terraces and outdoor seating now occupy the warmest corner of the site.
The result is a garden designed around how people genuinely live, rather than how gardens are traditionally planned.
Landscape as Part of the Architecture
Landscape architecture formed an integral part of the overall design from the outset. We proportioned the rear terrace as an extension of the architecture itself, considering every level, retaining wall and planting zone during the planning process.
Generous planting terraces between the house and garden soften the scale of the substantial rear extension. They also help the building settle naturally into its landscape while creating opportunities for seasonal planting and biodiversity.
This relationship between house and garden continues throughout the interior. From the front entrance, carefully aligned views draw the eye through the heart of the home before opening onto the rear terrace and descending gently into the landscaped garden beyond. These long sightlines reinforce the sense of connection across the entire property. They also help the large family home feel calm, cohesive and effortless to navigate.
Using Technology to Refine the Design
Technology played a significant role throughout the design process. We used immersive virtual reality and detailed 3D modelling to explore the impact of the extension, terraces and surrounding landscape long before construction began.
This allowed the design team and clients to understand the scale of every intervention. We could then refine proportions and relationships with confidence before excavating a single foundation.
A Pergola Designed Around the Trees
One particularly distinctive feature is the bespoke timber pergola that frames the outdoor entertaining space. We designed the structure around a no-dig foundation system to protect the surrounding tree roots. The pergola wraps gently around an established mature tree, celebrating its presence rather than competing with it. The structure creates a sheltered outdoor room, offering shade during warmer months while allowing planting to soften its appearance over time. This strengthens the connection between architecture and landscape and helps the pergola settle naturally within its surroundings.
A Considered Arrival
We gave the arrival sequence the same level of attention as the rest of the project. The redesigned entrance porch sits alongside a new in-and-out driveway. Detailed vehicle tracking analysis helped us ensure that the revised layout functioned as beautifully as it looked.
We considered every movement, from arriving home by car to walking through the front door, as part of a seamless architectural experience.
Architecture Shaped by Careful Decisions
The Valley House is a project defined not by grand gestures, but by hundreds of carefully considered decisions. It demonstrates our belief that the best residential architecture grows from understanding how people truly live, responding intelligently to site constraints and allowing design opportunities to reveal themselves through careful planning rather than imposing preconceived ideas.
The result is a contemporary family home that sits comfortably within its historic setting while delivering generous, light-filled spaces designed around modern life.
At The Valley House, conservation, landscape and architecture work together to create a home that feels both enduring and effortlessly liveable.
Set within the picturesque conservation area of Norwell, Fair View is a contemporary replacement dwelling designed to sit comfortably within a sensitive historic setting. The house sits close to a Grade II listed water tower, so the project called for a careful balance between architectural ambition and a considered planning strategy.
The result is a distinctly contemporary home that responds respectfully to its rural surroundings.
Designing within the planning context
The site itself shaped the early design process. Rather than demolishing the existing bungalow immediately, we advised the client to retain it throughout the planning process.
This allowed us to pursue a replacement dwelling application while demonstrating the relationship between the existing and proposed homes. Detailed 3D modelling showed that the new house would occupy a similar footprint, ridge height and overall position to the bungalow.
By clearly illustrating the scale and position of the proposal, we demonstrated that the new dwelling would have no greater impact on the conservation area than the existing property. This gave us the opportunity to develop a contemporary architectural response while respecting local planning policy.
A home designed around the client
The client's vision was refreshingly clear. After years in a large period home filled with generous rooms and the bustle of family life, she wanted something entirely different. Rather than simply downsizing, she wanted a home designed specifically around the way she now lived; calm, efficient and deeply personal. Scandinavian architecture provided an important influence, with the brief centred on simplicity, natural materials and carefully framed views. These ideas helped create a home that feels warm and understated while maintaining a strong connection with its landscape.
Designing from the inside out
Our design process always begins from the inside out, and Fair View was no exception. We positioned each room around the client's daily routines rather than conventional expectations of how a home should work. The open-plan kitchen, dining and living space forms the heart of the house. Expansive south-facing glazing opens directly onto the garden, bringing natural light deep into the interior throughout the day.
Upstairs, the principal suite creates a more private retreat. Alongside the bedroom, a dedicated lounge provides a quiet place to read, relax and enjoy views across the garden without feeling disconnected from the rest of the home.
The ground floor also remains flexible enough to accommodate the wider family. Adaptable living spaces can support larger dining arrangements, Christmas gatherings and family celebrations without compromising the everyday experience of the house.
A contemporary house rooted in its setting
From the approach, a restrained palette of vertical timber cladding, clean gabled forms and carefully composed openings gives the house a quiet confidence. The architecture takes subtle cues from traditional agricultural buildings, helping the contemporary form sit naturally within its rural setting. Generous glazing and crisp detailing then establish its distinctly modern character.
Landscape played an equally important role. Rather than treating the garden as an afterthought, we developed it as part of the architectural concept. Carefully positioned planting and multi-stem trees soften the front elevation, allowing the timber-clad form to emerge naturally from its setting.
At the rear, the private south-facing garden provides a peaceful backdrop to everyday life and strengthens the connection between the house and landscape.
Designing for light, comfort and energy efficiency
One of the defining features of Fair View is the generous first-floor balcony and deep roof overhang that stretches across the rear elevation. The overhang does more than create a strong architectural gesture. It provides solar shading to the extensive south-facing glazing, helping to reduce summer overheating while sheltering the terrace below.
We used solar analysis to establish the depth of the overhang, balancing solar control and energy efficiency with the need to maintain good levels of natural daylight. The result is a comfortable transition between the house and garden that works throughout the year.
Planning for the future
We also considered construction and future energy use from the earliest stages of the design. The simple, modular form lends itself to a range of construction methods, including Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), timber frame and traditional masonry. This approach gives flexibility during procurement while supporting efficient construction and strong thermal performance.
The design also incorporates dedicated service spaces for technologies such as air source heat pumps and other low-carbon systems. By planning for these requirements early, we could accommodate future technologies without sacrificing valuable living space.
A home shaped by its client and its context
Fair View demonstrates how contemporary architecture can respond confidently to both its surroundings and the way its client wants to live. The project brought together a deeply personal brief, Scandinavian influences, careful planning and sustainable thinking to create a home that feels calm, restrained and entirely individual.
It is a house designed not simply as a replacement for what was there before, but around a new chapter of life.
We are delighted that Design Haus Architecture has been shortlisted for a Build It Award.
We are a finalist in the ‘Best Architect or Designer for a Conversion or Renovation’ category at the 2025 Awards, part of Build It Magazine.
These awards are all about celebrating every aspect of self build and renovation, including completed projects, products, services and suppliers.
We were shortlisted for our Priory House project in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire. The brief was to create a stunning, spacious family home, comprising five generous bedrooms, a large open-plan living space with easy access onto the gardens, an office, cinema room and reading spaces.
The resulting home is contemporary, with a clear Scandinavian influence, yet its scale, form, and articulation reference the adjacent Arts and Crafts architecture. The project was a collaborative journey: shaped by the client’s vision, refined through dialogue with neighbours, and guided by proactive planning discussions.
James says "This really was a collaborative effort and we are extremely proud of the completed project - so it’s fantastic that this has been recognised - to be shortlisted for this award is a huge honour for us!"
We are very much looking forward to celebrating with all the other finalists at the awards ceremony in November.
Our founder, James Brindley, was interviewed for Build It Magazine’s recent September feature on futureproofing your home. If you’re a Build It Magazine subscriber you can read the full article, along with lots of other useful articles on their website, or continue reading below for James' advice.
Why should futureproofing be on self builders’ radars?
Creating a lifelong home is important because people’s needs and technology are always changing. We’ve worked with a lot of repeat clients, and it’s always interesting to see how the way they use their homes evolves. Sometimes it’s because their kids are growing up, or they’ve started working from home, or they just want to make the most of the space now they’ve got a bit more disposable income. Designing with the future in mind means their home can grow with them, rather than needing bigger changes down the line.
What are some key architectural elements to include?
When designing for the future, one of the key principles to think about is flexibility; creating spaces that can adapt as life changes. That translates into features like open-plan areas with multiple layout options, multifunctional rooms and plenty of storage. We recently designed a home for a young family and included a ground-floor room with its own entrance and ensuite. Right now, it’s a home office, but there are plans for it to become a space for their children as they grow up, or even accommodation for an elderly relative in the future. Designing for adaptability from the outset means the home can continue to meet your needs for years to come. Futureproofing isn’t about second-guessing what might happen. It’s about making thoughtful decisions now that keep your options open later. Good design should feel effortless, but behind the scenes, it’s doing a lot of heavy lifting to make life easier as things change.
What should self builders prioritise in terms of insulation, heating and ventilation systems to ensure longevity?
Firstly, it’s about getting the building fabric right: high-performance insulation, triple glazing and good levels of airtightness all make a difference to energy efficiency. Then it’s about adding in systems that are low-maintenance, and ready for the future, such as underfloor heating powered by an air source heat pump, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery to keep air fresh without losing warmth.
Is it worth aiming for net-zero or Passivhaus standards?
Both are ambitious but genuinely worthwhile goals. They do take careful planning and a higher upfront investment, but the long-term benefits, lower energy bills, improved comfort and reduced environmental footprint can be significant. That said, it’s important to approach each project with balance. Not every site, budget or brief will allow for full Passivhaus certification, but applying the core principles – good airtightness, high insulation levels and passive solar design – can make a big difference to a home’s overall performance.
Is it more expensive to put in futureproofing features?
It can sometimes seem like a bigger investment initially, especially when it comes to insulation, glazing or renewable technologies. But for me, the real value often comes from the thinking behind it. While some materials do have higher upfront costs, a lot of futureproofing simply comes down to smart planning, taking the time to think carefully about how you’ll use the house, both now and as your family’s needs change. That bit of foresight can save a huge amount of time, cost and disruption later on.
Can adding smart tech be beneficial?
When it comes to technology, the key is getting the infrastructure in place early on. Even if clients don’t want to invest in the full smart home setup straight away, it’s worth wiring for things like electric vehicle chargers, solar panels or home automation systems from the start. That way, it’s much easier (and cheaper) to add them in later. We often suggest smart heating controls, lighting systems or security setups, not just for convenience, but because they improve how a home works day-to-day. A lot of our clients now control most of their home from their phone. One system we’ve worked on includes motion sensors under the beds that trigger a soft light to guide people to the bathroom at night. It’s those small, considered touches that make the difference and because we planned for it early on, there was no disruption when they wanted to add it in.
How can a design accommodate future expansion?
Even if someone isn’t ready to build an extension or loft conversion straight away, we can still design with that in mind. That might mean orienting the layout to leave room for a future extension, making sure the roof pitch and structure can support conversion works, or planning services like drainage so they don’t need to be moved later. We’ve worked on a lot of projects where we design the full vision for the house from the start, then break it down into phases the client can tackle over a number of years. That way, even if the budget or timeline doesn’t allow for everything right away, we’re always working toward the end goal. It saves time, cost and stress later and means every decision made early on still supports where the project is going.
A swimming pool can be a wonderful addition to any home, adding relaxation and luxury while increasing the value of your property. But do you need planning permission to build a residential swimming pool?
Whether or not you need planning permission for your swimming pool will factor into the cost, design and lead time of the project, so it’s important to find this out before you get started on the process. This will help you to make sure that the pool of your dreams is viable, and highlight any issues that you may need to avoid.
In this article, we’ll take a look at a few different types of private swimming pools and the planning application requirements of each, giving you a better idea of what to expect for your own project.
Do indoor swimming pools need planning permission?
Planning permission for indoor pools is usually not necessary in the UK. However, as with all construction projects, there’s no black-and-white answer, and each case must be reviewed individually.
Here are some different types of indoor swimming pools and their planning permission requirements.
Pools in external buildings
Swimming pools housed in an external building, often known as a pool hall, are classed as an outbuilding. This is a Class E permitted development for householders and usually doesn’t require planning permission as long as the building adheres to certain restrictions.
Some of these building restrictions include:
The building must be a single storey
The building must not include verandas, balconies or raised platforms
The building must not cover more than half the area of land around your house
You can read the full guidance on the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government website.
Subterranean pools
Building an underground pool is a great way to expand and improve your home if you don’t have much available space. While some basement extension projects are classed as permitted developments, others are not. Your local authority will have the final say on planning permission for subterranean pools, so it’s best to check with them directly.
Pools within listed buildings
As with any major development within a listed building, any type of indoor pool in a listed building will require planning permission before the project can commence. This includes basement pools, which, although they may not be visible from outside, could still drastically change the design, structure and purpose of the building.
Do outdoor swimming pools need planning permission?
For the most part, properties in the UK don’t require planning permission for an outdoor swimming pool, as this is classed as a garden project and therefore a permitted development. An outdoor pool must be uncovered and not surrounded by heated air, which would otherwise classify them as an indoor pool.
Let’s look at a couple of different types of outside swimming pools and their planning permission requirements.
Pools on the site of a listed building
You will almost certainly need planning permission to build an outdoor pool on the site of a listed building. However, this doesn’t mean that you won’t be allowed to build one at all; you may simply have to change the design, size or location of the pool to meet your local authority’s requirements.
Pools within conservation areas
If your property lies within one of the following, there’s a good chance that you will require planning permission to build an outdoor swimming pool:
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
Conservation area
Designated land
Green belt land
National park
Natural swimming pools
Natural swimming pools are a great option for those looking to embrace the biodiversity of their garden and avoid the maintenance and chemicals associated with standard swimming pools. As with outdoor pools, planning permission is usually not required, unless your property lies within a conservation area. However, it may be easier to get permission for a natural swimming pool than a traditional pool in an AONB, as it will blend in better with the surroundings.
Need help getting planning permission for your swimming pool?
If you’re not sure whether your residential swimming pool project requires planning permission, take a look at the Planning Portal for the national online planning application process.
However, your best option is to partner with an experienced architect who understands the ins and outs of planning permission requirements, and is able to handle the application on your behalf. At Design Haus Architecture, we’ll support you throughout every step of the design and planning process, including working with your local authority to get your plans approved.
We are highly experienced in large residential projects and were recently nominated for Young Architect of the Year at the Building Design Architect of the Year Awards 2022. Take a look at our Newton House project as an example of one of our contemporary designs. We designed this new dwelling in rural Derbyshire to work around the natural path of the sun, with a bespoke swimming pool at the heart of the design.
Alongside luxury swimming pools, we can also assist with designing private spas and gyms, as well as any other bespoke architectural projects. If you’d like to discuss how Design Haus can support the design, planning permission and build of your new swimming pool, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch online, email studio@designhausarchitecture.co.uk, or call 0115 678 8917.
We are absolutely thrilled to have been shortlisted for 'Young Architect of the Year' at the Building Design Architect of the Year Awards 2022.
"The Young Architect of the Year Awards is organised by Building Design to recognise and reward the UK's most promising new architects or practices".
Building Design
These prestigious awards, reward architects for a consistent body of work rather than just one-off projects. So we are extra especially delighted that we have been nominated! If you would like to see the work that got us nominated for this award, please head over to our projects section.
One of our projects which was referenced by Building Design was North Road.
"North Road is the conversion and extension of an existing bungalow into a modern four-bedroom home. This project brings together a range of different design ideas which required working within the parameters of the existing structure and site boundary.
The new building was developed almost entirely using virtual reality technology. The client was able to wander through the space in realtime, making suggestions and observations long before the project was submitted to planning. Moving walls, changing materials and creating new moments in the design was achievable within minutes."
Working with a listed building can be a real challenge, and not all architects are up to the job.
If you’re planning to make any kind of an alteration to a listed building, it’s really important that you work with an experienced architect who knows the ins and outs of the restrictions, how to apply for planning permission, and how to ensure that any new additions are in keeping with the style and history of the building.
Let’s look at what’s involved in working with listed buildings.
What is a listed building?
First of all, let’s take a quick look at what a listed building is.
Listed status is designed to protect and preserve buildings of “special architectural and historic merit” by placing restrictions on demolition, alterations and extensions. The status of listed buildings is overseen by English Heritage in England, Cadw in Wales, Historic Scotland in Scotland, and Northern Ireland Environment Agency in Northern Ireland.
England and Wales has three main categories of listed building:
Grade I: Exceptional interest
Grade II*: Particularly important
Grade II: Of special interest
Scotland categorises these buildings as A, B and C, while Northern Ireland uses A, B* and B1/B2.
Over 90% of listed buildings are in the lowest Grade II classification, while just 2.5 are Grade I.
Can I extend or remodel a listed building?
The short answer is yes, but within a strict set of stipulations that will vary from building to building.
English Heritage states that listing “doesn’t freeze a building in time” and therefore doesn’t prevent changes altogether. After all, renovation and restoration work is essential to preserve these important buildings for future generations.
However, as the purpose of listing is to protect the unique character and history of a building, any changes that you wish to make must be carefully considered by the local authority’s conservation department. To make your desired changes, you may be required to use a certain material, architectural style, or any other conditions designed to preserve the integrity of the building.
Is it hard to get planning permission for a listed building?
It’s much harder to get planning permission for a listed building than one that is not listed, but it’s far from impossible. In fact, English Heritage reports that up to 90% of listed building consents are approved.
This statistic should be taken with a pinch of salt, however, as it’s likely that these applications are made by experienced architects and builders who understand what is and isn’t likely to be accepted. If you’re considering any kind of alteration on a listed building, it’s important to find someone with this level of experience to help you.
As well as knowing how to apply and having working relationships with the local authority, an architect who is experienced in working with listed buildings will be able to suggest a design that both meets your requirements and offers the best chance of approval. This will help you to avoid the time and stress of repeat applications.
Architects with listed building experience
If you’re looking for professional advice and support for any renovations or extensions to a listed building, James Brindley of Design Haus is the man for the job.
James has worked with a number of listed buildings in the past and successfully secured planning permission to make sympathetic alterations in line with requirements by English Heritage and local authorities to preserve the character and importance of historic buildings.
To discuss your listed building project, or to find out more about how Design Haus can help you to apply for planning permission, please get in touch.
If you’ve ever considered building your own house, you might wonder whether you can save some money by skipping the architect and doing as much of it as possible on your own.
We may be biased, but we truly believe that collaborating with an architect is the best way to turn your dream home into reality. Here’s why.
Realising your vision
Nobody knows your dream home better than you. Discussing your ideas and drawing up a shopping list of features is one of the first steps in collaborating with an architect to build a house. This gives us the perfect starting point for the project.
However, you can’t just build anything anywhere; having an architect on hand throughout the project is absolutely essential to make sure the home you create is safe, usable and permitted within local legislation. It’s our job to take your concepts and turn them into workable architectural designs that not only look great but are structurally sound.
Architectural expertise
Even if you know exactly what you’d like the final build to look like, you might not know how to get there.
By working with an architect, you can be sure that any designs adhere to industry standards and can be interpreted by the rest of the project team. We’ll even take care of all the complicated bits like applying for planning permission that can get pretty tedious when you’re not sure what you’re doing.
Having an architect on board also gives you access to a wide network of talented and dedicated people who can turn your dream home into a reality. From interior designers and suppliers of building materials to fully qualified electrical installers, We can bring the right people on board to get the job done right.
Take ownership
We always find that it’s crucial to the success of a project and the ongoing relationship to make sure the client is involved from the very beginning. As the person who will be living in the house once it’s complete, it’s only natural that you’d want to have a certain amount of control over the decisions.
Ultimately, it’s our job as Lead Architect to sign off on ideas and explain what is and isn’t feasible in terms of budget, planning permission and the structural integrity of a design. When we work together, everything is a joint decision, and we will consult with you at every step of the process to make sure we find the right balance.
A great relationship
We can’t say that building a house is all fun and games, but the process is much more enjoyable and straightforward when you actually enjoy working together.
We pride ourselves on creating relationships with our clients based on trust and a mutual love of the project at hand. When you’re excited about the design, we are excited, too. There’s something truly special about helping people to create their dream home.
It’s also good to have someone in your corner when things get tough, and they will. At some point, your home build will hit a snag, and having someone who knows the ropes and can guide you through the issues is something you’ll definitely be grateful for when the time comes! I’m here to find solutions and put out fires so you don’t have to worry.
Collaborate with Design Haus
Let’s work together to create your dream home. Whether you know exactly what you want or you’re just mulling over a few ideas, I’d love to chat about your dream home.
