Rather than jumping straight into big extensions and focussing on meters squared, it’s worth stepping back and asking, "Why do we want to change this space?". Coming at it from this angle helps uncover the real problems to solve and gets the right design for your lifestyle.

I can help you make the most of what’s possible, and making sure every choice adds value.

Usually, the solution is more straightforward than you think. It just takes someone who can design beyond the obvious to bring a creative vision.

Do we need an architect?

QUESTION #2

People often think architects are only needed for big or complex projects. However even small projects benefit from an architect’s input – helping you avoid costly mistakes and make smarter decisions from the start.

	With my service	Without my service
Support from Start to Finish I'll guide you through the entire process, from the initial idea to project completion, keeping your vision, lifestyle, and budget at the heart of every step.
Expert Problem Solving It’s not just about drawing plans. I help spot underlying issues and design solutions that actually make your space work better for how you live.
Value That Lasts Good design pays off – by avoiding expensive missteps, using space efficiently, and making the most of your budget. Not to mention adding value to your home for the future.
Handling the Tricky Stuff From planning permission to building regs, I deal with the red tape so you don’t have to – avoiding pitfalls that could delay or derail the project. Especially important for complex or structural projects.
Creative, Flexible Thinking With experience comes options. I can suggest phased plans, alternative approaches, or clever tweaks to keep things on track – even with tight budgets or planning hurdles.
Project Coordination & Risk Management I act as a bridge between you and the builders, making sure everything stays on track – quality, budget, and timing – and keeping you informed along the way without getting you caught up in jargon.
A Lot Less Stress Renovations can be overwhelming. I'll help carry the load – by managing the design, legal complexities, and coordinating with the builders – ensuring a smoother, less stressful renovation process.

Book a call with me
(a helpful chat, not a sales pitch)

QUESTION #3

Where do we start?

If you’re planning a building project or renovation, your first stop should be an architect.

I’m here to help shape the whole picture – from the first idea right through to the final build. While builders, engineers, and plan drawers all play important roles, they tend to focus on individual pieces of the puzzle. The architect brings it all together, asking why something is being done – not just what.

That means helping you define a clear brief, testing what’s feasible, and making sure your plans make sense both creatively and financially. I also keep things aligned with planning policies and building regulations, so there are no surprises down the line.

Starting with a builder or structural engineer can sometimes lead to backtracking or extra costs. (The only exception might be your mortgage provider, if you're financing the project – they’ll help set your budget from the get-go.)

Think of me as your project’s guide and coordinator—someone who can bring the right people on board at the right time, and make sure everything runs smoothly, efficiently, and with your goals front and centre.

How much will it cost?

QUESTION #4

I wish I could say but it's totally individual to you and your project.

My years of experience have shown that good design saves you money, and I don't believe in building for the sake of it. However, having a clear budget really determines what's possible.

Whether your budget is £20,000 or £200,000, it's my job to make sure that every pound you spend is valued.

Here are some other ways working with an architect can help save you money:

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Budget Breakdown

I’ll help you unearth all those hidden costs: Planning fees, building regulations, kitchens, and appropriate contingencies. I'll also make sure that the design is realistic for your budget, so that your expectations line up with financial reality.

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Saving Through Smart Design

I can help you identify ways to save money, such as efficient placement of utilities, avoiding any unnecessary structural work and temporary relocation costs where possible.

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Getting it Right First Time

Using my experience and industry contacts, I'll get a realistic estimate of costs early on, preventing wasted money on impractical plans. Knowing what similar projects have actually cost is half the battle won.

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Staying on Budget

Despite what any episode of Grand Designs will tell you, I am a firm believer that the budget shouldn't run away on site if you've done the process right. I'll help you keep the budget and timeline on track, saving you time, trouble and money.

Let's talk about your project
(a helpful chat, not a sales pitch)

Should we renovate or move?

QUESTION #5

I've turned up to quite a few client meetings where there's been a For Sale sign in the garden and I can completely understand why. Renovations are daunting, and moving house can sometimes feel like the easier option.

But let's not forget that moving is expensive not to mention inconvenient, with costs like stamp duty, estate agent fees and removals.

I believe it really comes down to the question of "Why do you want to move?".

If the location of the house works for you but the space doesn't, then renovation is probably the better investment.

Working with me can offer you a fresh perspective on the layout of your house and create a vision of how your living space can work better for you and your family's lifestyle. Not to mention adding value to your home.

Got more questions?

I’ve got more answers.

It’s a common question, and a fair one. But the truth is, when you hire an architect, you’re not just paying for a set of drawings. The real value lies in the experience, strategic thinking, and advice that shapes your whole project from the very beginning.
Because every project is different, it’s impossible to give a fixed price straight away. Instead, I recommend starting with a home consultation to really understand what’s needed. From there, I can tailor a scope of services and a clear fee structure that fits your project.
Ultimately, working with an architect shouldn't be seen as an extra cost to the project. Its an investment in getting things right the first time, saving time, stress, and money down the line.
Whether or not you need planning permission is one of the first things we figure out together and I’ll guide you through the whole process.

If permission is needed, I’ll handle everything from preparing the drawings to submitting applications and, if necessary, seeking pre-application advice.

Every local authority interprets planning policy a little differently, even within the same national framework. Having experience with the system, and understanding each council’s particular quirks, makes a real difference.

I've got experience of working with the majority of councils and local authorities in the North West region - Cheshire East, Tameside, High Peak, Stockport, Manchester, the list goes on...

Sometimes, smart use of permitted development rights can even avoid the need for a full application altogether, saving time, stress, and money.

Ultimately, it’s about playing the planning game in the right way: using my knowledge of the rules, and how to work with them, to give your project the best chance of success.
It’s completely natural to ask but often, this question comes from a place of fear: fear of wasting money, making a wrong move, or affecting future plans like pensions or inheritance.

Good design adds value over time - both in terms of liveability and future saleability. As long as your project makes thoughtful, purposeful improvements (and doesn’t remove core features, like cutting bedroom numbers drastically), it’s unlikely to harm your home’s worth.

And while adding financial value matters, real value is about more than just resale price. A well-designed renovation improves the way you live day-to-day, making your home more functional, comfortable, and enjoyable for the next 10–15 years. That’s a return on investment you feel every single day.
It's my job to make sure that every pound you spend is purposeful, considered, and aligned with your long-term goals, so you get the best of both worlds: a home that works beautifully now, and lasting value for the future.
That’s completely normal, and exactly where working with me can help.

At the first meeting, my focus is simply to listen. We’ll talk about how you live, what’s frustrating you, and what you hope could be better. Sometimes the real questions are bigger than “where should we add a room?” - it’s often about things like “should we move or renovate?” or “can this house really work for us long-term?”

It’s all about getting to understand your living process, because this is can help me to unlock a creative solution that's tailored to the needs of your family.

My role is to ask the right questions, help you untangle any worries, and work with you to shape a clear, thoughtful strategy. Whether that’s finding smart ways to adapt your space, working within a budget, or planning for family needs in the years ahead.

You don’t have to have all the answers before we start. You just have to be open to the conversation.