On so many occasions it is quite remarkable to demonstrate just how much value can be added to any home by effective and efficient alteration and extension. The portfolio includes my own home extended three years ago which has transformed the manner in which we use our home and the life style pleasure we now enjoy. The added bonus for us, and so many other clients is the recognition that build costs more often than not can be reflected in enhanced market value.
We listen carefully to what all clients would like, we encourage each to step out from their comfort zone in our design response, but would never push you. In essence what you would like, and what will be your home for a long time must be your pleasure.
New build projects can be so much more challenging. Here we start with a blank canvas in looking to create a response in terms of accommodation requirement, budget, site constraints, planning issues, privacy, sunlight orientation, design form, lifestyle expectations and so much more.
Our portfolio reflects a diverse range of responses from the local vernacular of the Cromald Cottages and Redshills, the arts and craft style at Lamancha, to the unashamedly modern award winning homes in the Grange.
We have also enjoyed a proud relationship with Columba 1400 in building their Leadership Centres on Skye and by Loch Lomond; and our relationship as architect to the Edinburgh Academy and Loretto School in building the new James Clerk Maxwell Science Centre and Linkfield House boarding accommodation respectively.
Too many clients express reservation about taking on a listed property through fear of over asserted influences applied by Planning and Historic Scotland.
On the contrary we encourage these projects as in most occasions we find both Planning and Historic Scotland to be supportive if approached in sympathetic and responsive manner.
With VAT now at 20%, the benefit of zero rated VAT on all alteration and improvement works must be a huge benefit.
We have worked closely with Historic Scotland on many projects, with the National Trust for Scotland at Falkland Palace, the Landmark Trust in many projects across Scotland, and of course every one of our private clients, some of whose properties are featured in this portfolio.