If you have ever been daunted at the prospect of renovating a house, then a Shropshire architect has some words of advice.
Matt Spinks of Johnson Design Partnership, based in Bridgnorth, says that detailed consultation and careful planning are the keys to a successful restoration project.
“The most important thing for us, as architects, is to sit down with clients in the property and get an insight into their lifestyle, their requirements and of course budget.
“We will then develop a vision for their future home and work closely with them during the planning and reconstruction phases, overseeing the scheme from beginning to end,” he said.
Johnson Design Partnership recently worked with Telford couple Faye Lee and Paul Bain on the compete refurbishment and extension of a former three storey Victorian vicarage.
Period features such as tiled floors, high ceilings, alcoves, arches and fireplaces were retained, but the property was brought completely up to date with new electrics and plumbing and the addition of en suite bathrooms and a playroom. Bifold doors and velux windows were added to throw natural light into the property.
“Every room in the building had to be stripped out and sympathetically refurbished with the aim of creating a large functional family home with contemporary features, such as the kitchen.
Satisfied client Fay commented: “We looked at a couple of different architect practices for our house renovation and immediately warmed to the team at Johnson Design Partnership.
“They were smart and professional and following a visit to the property issued us with a comprehensive plan. This was a list of what they envisaged our requirements to be regarding the whole house both internally and externally and details of the approach that they would take and a proposal.
“We really are very pleased with how the house was transformed throughout the five months that the builders were deconstructing it and then reconstructing it and the end results are amazing. We love our new home.”
