Hello toddkerry38, I actually love faux! When they're good they're gr8! I don't think they're a faux pas! : ) ) There are some fantastic selections around now which extend to plants too! Here's something I put together using faux flowers, I tied a ribbon round for effect but it's my arrangement- I offer floral arrangements for clients if they want it. And faux they are gr8 for people who have less time or for those who suffer from allergies as I do.. : )) Dining table in living room....Smaller arrangement of the same for bedroom....

Hello psd35, It may be advisable to get the planning together and drawings completed. Any specialist needs such as structural works etc so that when permission is granted if it's full planning, this part goes smoothly and all are informed. Once granted, you could then perhaps consider retaining the architect on a shorter term for consultancy rather than for the duration if they are expensive. Your chosen builder would then start carrying out the works and negotiate a price that is competitive for the duration of the works.. Quotes, schedule of works and a fixed price will also be good. So you don't run into hidden costs or delays! They must keep to a timeframe! If the Architect has negotiated their own builders then have the talk! You may be able to re-negotiate terms that can benefit and extend your budget.. It's no good being unclear about the financial aspect.. It won't serve you or the people working for you. When you are closer to seeing the bones of the build, you then might want to consider someone like an interior designer who can consult and advise and design a scheme for the whole house.. I for example have a procurement service that compliments what I do which is a really fantastic way to curate a home that's cohesive throughout.. As well as being a fantastic negotiator which in turn leads to savings- it's also really benefits you to have someone who knows where you should spend and where you could scale back to achieve the look you like and want.. Getting an understanding of what your needs and wants for the house and how you wish to use the spaces. :))

Thank you so much everyone for your help! Such great advice and trying my best to follow it all...I think the main problem is im not happy with the furniture or the carpet, or the fireplace bricks I feel it's stuck in the 70s and not a cosy up to date sitting room...I just can't relax in there! And I keep trying to fix one thing at a time making it worse! We decided not to keep curtains (we would have had two on each, we were just testing them but you're right, that put me off too just seeing it like that!) as yes, rug too busy...I only bought that to infuse some colour in such a bland room! I will try and use the colours in that or in pic above piano (which is the only thing I love in there!) and love the idea of bench style thing under tv thank you-we're on the case! Think I need to apply to 60 minute makeover and be done with trying to fix it myself

As for me, the most important thing is the civil engineer. He needs to make all calculations for technical changes, taking into account the likely load and the use of specific materials. He may also suggest making changes that can make the project cheaper or more expensive. Honestly, I always thought that it would be easier to look for such a specialist through the architect's office, even if you already have a finished design project. I know that these companies only hire employees with a good resume like this example - https://resumewritinglab.com/construction-resume-writing-service.html There are no random people without experience. And it also gives you additional guarantees on the quality of the work performed.