Proper planning is essential to start a project and you need to get a handle on costs.

You may not know how to achieve what you want. 

And you may not know how much it will cost. 

You may have a piece of land to the side or rear of your
house that you want to use.

I offer a Design Consultation and Feasibility Report, which will enable you to make informed decisions about maximising the potential of your home to suit your needs now and into the future, within your budget.

I meet with you and visit the property with you for an initial visit, have a detailed conversation about what you would like to achieve, the options available, the planning process and regulations, and the budget available. I will offer you initial design ideas for your project.

I then prepare and send you a Report, which establishes a scope of works and realistic budget, and outlines several design ideas and options for your project, based on what you would like to achieve.

My advice and experience through all stages of a construction project will add value to, improve and/ or increase what you can achieve with your home. It may add financial value to your investment, and it will ensure your money is carefully allocated.  It will add physical and emotional value, as the way we design our spaces has a monumental impact on the quality of our
daily lives.

Some of our work involves upgrading and reconfiguring period homes for modern family living, including Protected Structures. Understanding the design helps us understand how to reconfigure them. 

The most common request is for a family kitchen and dining space, and for the opening up between the front and rear to allow sunlight to penetrate into the house throughout different times of day. This reflects the change in lifestyle and values since these homes were built. The challenge is to find a way of designing which provides for evolving contemporary living, and working, within the available buildings and we have lots of solutions. 

Georgian and Victorian buildings had solid brick walls and tall windows, which bring in the light. The main entrance door was often surrounded by decorative wood or plaster work and had a fan light above . Decorative front railings are also a feature of these houses. 

Edwardian houses began to be influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement with steeper pitched roofs, decorative finials and terracotta details. 

The front elevations contribute to the heritage of the street but the original buildings were usually single-glazed and have no insulation.  We need to refurbish and environmentally upgrade the performance of these buildings whilst retaining their heritage. 

A heritage statement is required for changes to Protected Structures, as well as sensitive design proposals. 

If you are thinking of starting a project, do not hesitate to contact us.

In designing for clients, I try to include a space for home working; a workstation for the family admin, kids doing homework, or a place for the family printer and stationery. Built in furniture and storage maximises the available space and is considered from the very start of the design process. Storage near to work stations is also important. This photograph shows a wall to wall oak desk, with built in drawers underneath for storage. Up to two work stations can be set up here as and when needed. Wall to wall  shelves above are ‘floating’,  meaning they have invisible supports. They use the full height available up to the ceiling, and can be used to store books and cds and to display photographs.  Read the full article in the Irish Times   here