BetterPAD

I have now worked with BetterPAD on several projects over the last few year, which have all been successfully delivered. I have always found the team to be very engaging not just on the client side but also with the contractor. As a contractor working on existing buildings there are always unforeseen issues and knowing that you have a proactive design team to be on site and to discuss / sketch options to overcome these is essential for the project to stay on programme and to be delivered successfully.

I’ve been very impressed with BetterPAD. I had an idea of the outhouse I wanted but assumed I’d have to lose my beautiful magnolia tree which was right in the middle of where the new building would be situated. However Paul talked us through a solution’ building around the tree and it was genius! He showed us many options and we settled on the best one. Paul has been available to talk through any ideas or concerns throughout the project. He is very sensitive about his clients’ wishes and I would highly recommend this company.

Absolutely amazing work from BetterPAD right from inception through to build and completion of our project! We don't know how we would have done it without Irkus and Paul! We would give them the strongest possible recommendation! There is no doubt that their conscientious work throughout was absolutely critical to the project's sucess - making the process smoother and achieving the best possible outcomes. We enlisted betterPAD right at the start of our project (the renovation and extension of a Victorian terrace in West Hampstead from 2200 to 2500 sq ft over ~18months). We found the team via an online search and selected them because they seemed to be able to balance design and architectural detail, with thoughtfulness and pragmatism. That is exactly what they delivered throughout. Irkus managed the project and Paul leaned in with extra guidance and assistance when it was required (they worked seamlessly as a team without prompting by us). Irkus covered every last detail of our project and went over and above to make sure everything was taken care of. We very much enjoyed working with him - even when things were complicated or hard! Their process is thorough and organised. Drawings and schedules that they produced saved headaches, hassle and time later on. It made the tender process clear and manageable and ensured the contractors had the requisite detail to carry out the work. Naturally it was a pleasure when things were going well, but the team especially shone when problems arose during build, as they inevitably do! At times like these, the team were a mature and thoughtful guide and handled things with great focus and professionalism. It is not easy to select a team to manage a project of significant expense and personal importance. However, we got a great first impression from the very first meeting with Paul - but we could not have anticipated just how good they would be and how much we would come to rely on them! Thanks to Irkus Paul and the whole team!

Planning your home redevelopment could be a daunting and stressful task, but with BetterPAD it’s been a holistically positive and collaborative experience. We had some specific challenges that they only saw as opportunities, always presenting a few options explained in language that we could easily understand, that meant that we were able to make the right decisions for us. Their network of experts and broad team knowledge meant every stage was well managed and gave us complete confidence. We’re thrilled with the results and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend BetterPAD.

Betterpad were excellent. From the first, Paul was terrific to work with - not at all the arrogant architect trying to impose his ideas on us but always sympathetic and sensitive to our needs and lifestyle. He carefully explained each part ( and costs) of the project and came up with great plans for our extension with which we were delighted. Altogether an ideal person to work with.

Paul and the team at BetterPAD provided an excellent service for us. We very much appreciated their clear and up-front approach to costs, and the time taken to fully understand what we were looking to achieve through our proposed project. We felt listened to, and the plans reflected what we wanted, whilst also suggesting new or different approaches of the sort we would never have considered, but which really added to the quality of the overall design. We encountered some issues (no fault of the BetterPAD team) which were constructively and helpfully dealt with, and we were able to reach a position with which we were content. Throughout the entire process, Paul's enthusiasm, professionalism and real desire to find solutions were readily apparent; we felt like valued clients and are very pleased that we sought BetterPAD's input on our project.

Working with Paul at BetterPAD has been an absolute dream from start to finish. He was able to utterly transform my 1930s semi-detached home in need of quite a lot of updating into the beautiful, light-filled, joyous home of my dreams. He translated all of my descriptions and Pinterest ideas into a beautiful plan, thinking up brilliant solutions with creativity and care. Throughout the build process, he has been a phenomenal partner, working closely with the builder and me to ensure that the vision was realized as intended. Many building projects can be hugely stressful; this one has been a pure joy. I recommend BetterPad most enthusiastically and without reservation.

BetterPad from start to finish have been an absolute pleasure to work with. We are doing a full renovation of our Victorian Terrace house in Putney, which is no easy job. The way they’ve guided us through each and every stage of the process has been incredibly thorough while keeping it exciting and fun for us. We would not hesitate to recommend the team to anyone starting a project.

Friendly, helpful and a joy to work with. It was the first time we did work to a house and Paul and his team made it all easy and straightforward, would highly recommend.

We've worked with BetterPAD on a number of projects and it's always a pleasure. Very professional, highly organised and rigorous in their process and attention to detail. It also helps that they're clearly passionate about their work and about making the most of every project. Would definitely recommend to anyone thinking of upgrading their existing accommodation.

Paul and his team came recommended to us and I have to say we are very impressed. From the outset Paul has been extremely helpful, knowledgeable and engaged with our project suggesting ideas that we hadn't though about and working to accommodate the musts in the project for us. Not only have his team produces excellent drawings and cost analyses his extended network of experts have been invaluable. We had some bumps along the way with the planning department but with BetterPad's help we managed to navigate every question from the Planners and achieve the best outcome possible that many thought would not be approved. We are about to start the building process and know that if any questions arise along the way, Paul will be on the end of the phone or email helping us out with whatever is needed. Finally his recommendations for 3rd party suppliers, contractors or technical experts have also been invaluable; where we have used these recommendations they have also proven themselves worthy of the praise.

An exceptionally professional process from the initial zoom call to the initial design packs sent through. Would highly recommend working with Paul and the team who offer great guidance on your ideas and talk you through the whole process.

We worked with the BetterPAD team for our home renovation after a recommendation from a friend who has worked with them previously. We were really delighted with the creative ideas shared at the beginning of the process, and by how they managed the planning permission and other consultants that we appointed. We would have no hesitation in recommending them.

We have worked with BetterPAD for over a year now, bringing our ideas from conception to real life! We have been very impressed with their professionalism and quality of advice. I highly recommend using the Structured packs to take you through the often confusing world of design, planning and build.

We first contacted BetterPAD before buying a property that would need significant work. We received excellent advice on potential new floor plans and high level costs, as well as what was and wasn’t likely to be approved by the council. Once we decide to go ahead with a renovation, Paul spent several hours understanding what we were looking for and what was important to us. Paul had great suggestions along the way and was able to take our poorly articulated ideas and somehow perfectly turn them into amazing 3D computer images to be able to visualise what the end result would look like. Paul even accompanied us to visit the neighbours to adjust the designs to take on board their concerns without compromising the design we were going for. The property is in a conservation area and on top of that the planning process had a few surprises, not least of all as it crossed into the covid pandemic, but Paul and the team expertly managed the relationship with the council and worked with them to find solutions that allowed us to keep to our planned schedule whilst demonstrating that the works were in line with their guidelines. Throughout the process Paul has been involved with the council, the builders and all other specialist service providers. I can’t recommend BetterPAD enough for really giving the personal touch and an extremely high quality service. Renovating a home is daunting and incredibly difficult to navigate if you’re not in the industry, Paul not only guided us through it, but explained the process along the way so we were completely up to date and ease, allowing us to enjoy an otherwise stressful period. As a result of the above, we have taken out additional services with BetterPAD for interior design and are incredibly happy with how it's turning out. It really helps having the same firm as the architect and interior designer as you can be sure they understand your style and needs.

We connected with BetterPAD after seeing them at the Grand Designs Expo in London Excel. We had a few ideas for what we wanted to do with the house so didn't want to go for the full traditional package with an Architect. Working with Paul and the team at BetterPAD we were able to utilise their package structure to get the best deal for what we needed without spending a fortune and we were able to get someone with significant experience in the industry to tell us when our ideas wouldn't work. Paul was able to help us through each stage of the build process and was always helpful and quick to respond in the instance where a change needed to be made or to offer an opinion whenever an obstacle needed overcoming. 1 year later and there is only one name we needed to consider when it comes to realising the next part of our dream house - the dreaded loft conversion!

We met Paul at the Grand Designs exhibition at the Excel Centre and from that moment he helped answer our endless amount of questions and create a design that fitted our needs and aesthetic ideas. Paul was great at listening to the ideas we had and putting them together to create something we hadn't even thought of. He also talked us through each design stage and helped get planning permission for our design. We would definitely recommend Paul to all of our friends and we are extremely pleased with the design Paul came up with for us.

We first connected with BetterPAD through a mutual client who was raving about this excellent architecture company they were working with. We've since worked together on a number of projects across London and always found them helpful, attentive and great to work with - their designs and technical detailing are excellent and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.

Paul went over and above the call of duty , he listened to our brief and not only came up with some clever and innovative plans but has skilfully negotiated the outbuilding and internal alterations through a demanding local council, truculent neighbours and poor party wall surveyors. Highly recommended for a personal touch, compassion for the client and all on a reasonable budget.

My husband & I first met Paul from BetterPad at Grand Designs Live. We were so impressed that BetterPad were specialised architects only focused on terraced house. We both had a perfect first impression. What excellent service we have received for the early stage of our project. A beautifully designed sketch pack. Every step of the way Paul and his team have been in communication. So friendly and approachable. BetterPad will go the extra mile to make sure you are pleased with your design pack. I highly recommend this architectural company if you want a reliable, professional and first-class service. You will undoubtedly have peace of mind that you will end up with a beautiful new home. Excellent!

We’re so glad we chose BetterPad to guide us through our project from start to finish. Our architect and his team clearly explained what was possible for the design of our house and came up with loads of creative ideas which we wouldn’t have even thought about. Highly recommended!!

Excellent experience. After our brief, Paul came back with ideas that suited our needs. He gave clear explanation of the different options and helped us along in every stage. The whole process was a lot less stressful because of his input! Highly recommend

I would highly recommend Paul. After discovering a structural fault during buiding works, my own appointed builder and strutural engineer provided some unreliable or vague advice, so I reached out to Paul. He quickly listened to my needs, sought to obtain clear and well thought out advice and helped me through the process. It lead the pathway to completion of the works with confidence. Paul listened and understood the stressful nature of my position, and quickly acted. He is a rare gem.

Working with Paul and Betterpad has been a great experience from start to finish. We are renovating a terraced house from bottom to top, adding a loft space and ground floor extension at the same time. We had no experience of working with architects or going through the numerous steps (building regs, planning, party wall, engineers, water, gas etc) you have to take when taking on a project of this size so it was a daunting prospect to say the least. Paul explained each step of the way with clarity and patience and made clear what our options were when working with Betterpad. Best of all, it was easy to understand what we would be paying and what service we would receive for each step of the way. It was always up to us if we wanted to continue with them once each step (measuring survey, designs, full working drawings etc) had been completed. From a design / approach perspective it was again clear and transparent with Paul and the team offering up a number of approaches for us to consider, with always the opportunity to put forward our own thinking and revisions. And finally, with a project like this, things don't always run smoothly and it was a great relief, with so many financial outgoings, that Paul and the team always worked with us to make sure they could offer us a service that went beyond the original scope of the work and save us costs where possible. I would definitely recommend.

I can highly recommend BetterPad. We had a measured survey and sketch pack which was amended to our requirements easily and quickly and they helped us through planning permission and getting structural engineers for building reports with great efficiency.

I would highly recommend working with Paul at BetterPAD. Our experience has been fantastic from start to finish. Upon submitting our enquiry on the BetterPAD site, Paul was in touch within a day to find out more about our project and how he could help. He was knowledgeable, professional and attentive at all times - prompt with responses to emails and quick to update our drawings when small changes were required. We used Paul's services for very detailed architectural drawings and he also helped us to carry out a structural survey (he appointed a contractor to support with this as he has great contacts within the industry to support with aspects outside of his scope). He was also very helpful with advising on the other aspects that come with any build project, such as Party Wall agreements, planning applications, appointing a builder etc. Really lovely guy, reasonably priced for the quality of the work you get in return - have already happily recommended him to many friends looking at build projects.

BetterPad designed some options for our kitchen extension, and we were completely delighted with the results. They were friendly and professional, did a home visit where they chatted to us in detail about everything we'd considered and then produced some fantastic sketches illustrating three key options for us, as well as measured drawings of our existing floorplan so we could compare and work out what we wanted. Their way of working is perfect for us as it means we can explore options at an early stage without committing to huge sums of money, and can take things at the pace we want to. The sketches they produced gave us lots of ideas and are helping us work out exactly what we want in the final plan. Highly recommend them.