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Design Spec Ltd
https://www.houzz.co.uk/pro/design-spec_ltd copied to clipboard
About Us
5x Best of Houzz winner
Free consultation
Family owned
Transforming Homes Across Essex, Hertfordshire & London
We cover Essex, Hertfordshire, London, Suffolk, Bedfordshire and Kent!
Join the #ArchitecturalRevolution here at Design Spec Ltd.
We believe in Fixed Fee Architecture, we also provide an UNLIMITED design stage as standard.
We understand that renovating your home is a big investment, the average UK homeowner will extend their home once in their lifetime. We ensure the fees and process' are kept as transparent and as simple as possible. You can't get easier than a fixed fee quotation! Our goal is to get your project from beginning to end with as much, or as little, involvement as YOU see fit! Each of our clients has a dedicated point of contact, to ensure customer satisfaction and a helping hand from the very beginning to the very end.
Our team are passionate about clever design and making meaningful space where it didn’t seem possible before, like turning simple corridors into functional, meaningful areas to live and work.
Hockley Address - Suite 1C Warren House, 10-20 Main Road, Hockley, Essex SS5 4QS - 01702 567955
Bishops Stortford Address - Suite 1B, The Stables, Cannons Mill Lane, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 2BN - 01279 790123
Colchester Address - Innovation Centre, Boundary Road, Colchester CO4 3ZQ - 01206 259310
Enfield Address: Innova Park, Vision 25, Electric Avenue, London EN3 7GD - 02039 705151
Richmond Address: Regus Richmond, Parkshot House, 5 Kew Road, Richmond TW9 2PR - 020 8544 3232
St Albans Address - Fountain Court, Victoria Square, Victoria Street, St. Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3TF - 01727 627211
Your One-Stop Property Shop
We have built the #OneStopPropertyShop covering everything that requires Planning Permission or Building Control Approval, we do also offer services within Highways Department (Vehicle Crossovers), license and conveyance plans. We also offer extensive services within the realms of Planning and Building Control, services such as Design and Access Statement's, SAPs, EPC’s, Structural Calculations etc. We can also recommend third parties to assist with any process eg. builders, BCO’s etc, all of which is covered under our Professional Indemnity Insurance. We can also assist with your financing and construction needs.
Services Provided
3D Rendering, Annexe Design & Construction, Architectural Design, Architectural Drawings, Basement Conversion, Bathroom Design, Building Design, Floor Plans, Home Renovation, House Extensions, House Plans, Loft Conversion, New Home Build, Project Management, Site Preparation, Structural Engineering, Sustainable Design, Swimming Pool Construction, New Home Construction, Custom Build Homes
Areas Served
Hockley, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, London, Chelmsford, Battelsbridge, Leigh-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, Enfield, Chingford, Maldon, Thorpe, Thorpe Bay, Brentwood, Southminster, Colchester, Ipswich
Projects
Credentials
5 Houzz Awards
5 Houzz Badges
Featured Review

Sarah Hatton
Average rating: 5 out of 5 starsRelationship
Client
Design Spec helped us clarify the designs we had in mind for the reconfiguration of our new house and came up with a couple of new, great suggestions for upstairs also. We enjoyed the process very much and Kieron and the team were lovely to deal withRead Full Review
39 Reviews for Design Spec Ltd
Newest first
Average rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars4.9|39 reviews
Work Quality4.8
Communication4.8
Value4.7

Sarah B
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
Amongst the best design agencies I’ve worked with. Unbelievably prompt, very detailed, incredibly knowledgeable. Would turn to time and time again. Thank you, and particularly to James who started off our conversation, and clearly knew his stuff (even when put on the spot!)
4 days ago

HU-227071395
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
Good understanding of design principles than CAN be executed and pass planning.
There was very little delay in their processes
Glad to see a good service reasonably priced
Andrew De Jager BSc MSc ACIOB
5 May, 2022

Stocky
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
Amazing friendly team. It is the first time myself and my partner have embarked on a project of this size. James and his team at Design Spec have been there to guide us in the right direction and offer advice on how we can proceed, whilst listening to our desires and needs. Can not recommend them any more if you require architectural designs. Dave and Sam
4 April, 2022

HU-5834633
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
Some communication issues but mainly from my lack of the process rather than Design Spec. Recommended a great builder who project managed and kept me up to date.
16 November, 2021Last modified:14 January, 2022

HU-690627155
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
Cannot thank James and his team enough for the help they gave in resolving an issue with our council.
They were so understanding and sympathetic towards the issue and took the pressure of me.
Thoroughly recommend this company
Tracey Ince
6 October, 2021

HU-396888223
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
First class service. Very helpful at all times from start to finish. They are happy to answer questions and give advice at all times . Many thanks David n tanya
7 August, 2021

HU-682428659
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
James and the team at design spec we’re excellent at guiding us through the planning process. They provided us with some excellent planning drawings and were happy to make numerous amendments to the plans to make sure they were right for us. We have now completed the phase 1 build which we are extremely happy with. Time to enjoy for a bit and then start phase 2.
22 July, 2021

HU-206481582
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
In 2017 or so we realised that a large chunk of our (large) garden was being wasted and unused. Looking to the future (summer 2020), we decided to explore options around gaining planning for building a house in that piece of the garden to sell independently of the main house.
James at Design Spec seemed a good bet and we commenced the design process for planning, who were incredibly picky and not always helpful in the manner they responded to submitted plans.
James stuck with it and after around 9 (!) different versions of a detached 3-bed house, we achieved full planning permission in October 2018.
Since then, due to a variety of issues - NONE of which concern DS - we lost a few builder/developer buyers but finally, last week, we exchanged contracts on the land with completion (hopefully) in May!
James has always been helpful, professional and open during the various sale processes and was always an absolute delight to chat too and ask advice from. His advice always proved useful and knowing he was still there, even though his part was complete, was incredibly important.
His support, flexibility and willingness to support a (fairly small) project than was in his past has made this, at times incredibly stressful process, just that little bit easier to bear.
James - we finally got there!
Thank You (and your Team) so very much!
26 April, 2021
Comment from Design Spec Ltd:
Thank you very much for such a nice review!
This was certainly one of our most challenging applications but we worked well as a team to obtain everything you and your family truly needed.
We are very pleased to hear that you have indeed now completed your project, we look forward to seeing this new dwelling built.
This was certainly one of our most challenging applications but we worked well as a team to obtain everything you and your family truly needed.
We are very pleased to hear that you have indeed now completed your project, we look forward to seeing this new dwelling built.

HU-347631110
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
Truly fantastic and a pleasure to work with.
This was our first home renovation project so, being inexperienced, we were naturally hesitant when looking for an architect and initially wondered if we had made the right choice... and it soon became clear that we had.
Design Spec really stuck by us and helped us through what was a particularly tough time with our local council, jumping through hoops to make sure we got our desired plans approved in the end.
James and his team truly go above and beyond what is required to make sure you're happy, inside or outside of working hours - it really doesn't matter to them, as long as they get the job done.
Hopefully we'll cross paths again in future!
27 February, 2021

HU-587769747
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
A great service from beginning to end. This was my first experience of doing any kind of building project so had many questions that were all answered clearly. It was always nice to know that the fixed price included unlimited alterations to get the final result exactly what we wanted. I can’t recommend highly enough!
1 February, 2021

dianetaylor867
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
Design Spec Ltd. did the drawings for my extension. They are very professional and excellent to work with, nothing was too much trouble when I wanted to change things.
I would definitely recommend them.
2 December, 2020

HU-833267373
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
Absolutely fantastic service, cannot recommend highly enough.
I worked extensively with James and his team, we had numerous redesigns until we pinned down a finalised design on our family home, this was never an issue for the team and they were only too happy to help. Then when we progressed to the planning approval stage, the representation and advice that Design Spec gave was fantastic particularly with an overzealous planning officer.
After numerous adjustments to the design and countless phone calls and emails, (between Design Spec and the planning officer, we did nothing! simply sat back and let the professionals handle it all), we received our approval.
Design Spec even completed our BC designs, put us in touch with our BC company and structural engineers.
Fantastic service from the initial meeting to completion.
Once again cannot recommend highly enough
24 November, 2020
Comment from Design Spec Ltd:
Thank you very much!
It has been a pleasure to work with you on this project. We had to work incredibly closely with the Planning Department but thankfully we have obtained full approvals for your home extension. We look forward to seeing the final photos and celebrating with you and the family.
It has been a pleasure to work with you on this project. We had to work incredibly closely with the Planning Department but thankfully we have obtained full approvals for your home extension. We look forward to seeing the final photos and celebrating with you and the family.

HU-655993455
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
We are planning to add an extension to our property to give us extra space for the addition of an extra toilet and give us a larger dining room. Design Spec Ltd were recommended to us and I'm pleased to say that they have been extremely helpful with the drawing up of our plans, submitting those plans and getting planning permission. most of this took place during the lockdown period but we were kept informed of what was happening every step of the way. Very highly recommended.
6 October, 2020

Jason Ball
Average rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
They were very helpful throughout the whole process of my planning application and produced a high quality set of drawings.
11 September, 2020

nick jest
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
We sacked off our architects !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And trusted the high star ratings and great review for design-spec ! IT WAS WORTH IT!
The 3D renders of our new home really helped us make the right decisions for our forever home!
These guys have there finger on the pulse with design /building costs and regulations .
And the whats app group to share ideas and information keeps you in the loop !
100% a genuine recommendation .
nick and kate
8 September, 2020

Martyn Cotton
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
Excellent company to deal with, listened to us and produced the plans to give us the space that we wanted. Sorted out our engineering and building regs queries in an efficient, timely and reassuring way. Would definitely use again.
30 July, 2020

Black Card Design Ltd
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
Excellent fresh approach to Architecture from a young team of professionals who look to push boundaries and speed up the traditional long winded approach to planning applications.
21 April, 2020

Sarah Hatton
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
Design Spec helped us clarify the designs we had in mind for the reconfiguration of our new house and came up with a couple of new, great suggestions for upstairs also.
We enjoyed the process very much and Kieron and the team were lovely to deal with, really helpful, open to suggestions and easy to communicate with.
We are really looking forward to the work starting early 2020, to see the deigns come to life!
18 November, 2019

Alison Cox
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
Have worked with the Design Spec team to develop plans for an upgrade to my home - input received on my initial plans has avoided me making some, potentially, costly choices. However the team have been very happy and responsive to include my wishes and ideas as the design developed - planning permission now received - Just need to find the right builder and let the work commence!
26 August, 2019

Juliet Barrable
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
Absolutely delighted we chose Design Spec, they’ve made everything so easy, I can’t praise them enough. Kieron has been very friendly and helpful. I couldn’t ask for more. I would highly recommend. .
19 August, 2019

papanana
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
The services Kieron and his guys provide is outstanding. Their one-off payment is very convenient and simple for every thing from a customised 1 to 1 design consultation, planning, applications to BC, following up and communication/ feedback is excellent. Very friendly and professional services. I will recommend them anytime and go back myself for phase 2 the project. Yet to complete the fish tank though !!
14 August, 2019

Emma Farrand
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
James & Kieron were amazing! Very professional and produced results in such a short space of time. They are very attentive and very friendly and I would 100% recommend them!!!
3 April, 2019

HU-893264308
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
Very happy with James and his colleagues.
Always helpful and knowledgeable.
Will definitely be using his services again.
Anyone thinking about development should contact james
6 December, 2018

Lee Coote
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
My company have worked to Design Spec's architectural layouts over the years on various projects, their drawings, notes and availability have helped our installations run smoothly from the first day on site right up to handover.
Due to their professional approach and attention to detail in the past my wife and I decided to use Design Spec to deal with the extension on our own property.
James and his team were very approachable, offered various intuitive ideas and made the whole process very easy for us from start to finish.
I would have no problem recommending them to clients, family and friends in the future.
4 November, 2018

Christine White
Average rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
Design Spec were thoroughly professional throughout the planning stage of our project and any queries were dealt with quickly and efficiently.
Unfortunately our project has had to be put on ice for the moment so I can't post any pictures of the work as it hasn't started.
1 November, 2018

Daniel Barrow
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
Very professional service. Our Loft conversion plans were done within timescales promised with little amendments needed. Overall I would highly recommend James and Design Spec for your project.
31 October, 2018

James Dove
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
James and the team have been a brilliant help, they have been very professional and I would certainly recommend them to other professionals in need of a good architect and planning team.
31 October, 2018

debrarouse50
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
James provided an outstanding service. He was very understanding, professional and polite, hemade the whole design and planning process a breeze, he made sure we was kept up to date at all times. We found his prices to be very competitive and would have no hesitation in recommending him.
17 June, 2018

Sam Mawdsley
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
James has been great as we hired him to take over form another designer who really was not listening to what we wanted! James got on board very quickly to what we were looking to design and the type of vision we had. His design is now in build and it looks amazing so far, I wouldn't hesitate to use James again and recommend his work, a true professional.
11 April, 2018

sharon kilcast
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
Excellent service. James was really helpful, his designs were excellent and planning was really easy. I would definitely recommend Design Spec
10 April, 2018

annie felstead
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
Design spec was recommended to us for a kitchen extension. We found them to be helpful, quick to respond and available for any of our questions, we'd certainly recommend!
2 April, 2018

HDRM Engineering
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Colleague
We have worked on few jobs with James by now and he's always been of an extreme value to our team of professionals, both as an Architect and Project Manager. He's friendly, reliable, creative and always offers prompt and good advice. We can only hope to have more young people in the industry engaging in the way James does. Well, well done!
12 March, 2018Last modified:12 March, 2018

Pete and Jane Herriott
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
Excellent service that we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend. James came to us on recommendation and certainly lived up to his reputation. James was always courteous and professional. He listened to our ideas and made suggestions, many of which were incorporated into our final design. He guided us through the planning process and took responsibility for submitting plans, responding to queries etc whilst always ensuring that we were kept informed, thereby making the process pain free for us. James was always happy to come on site to answer any questions/queries and was always patient and clear in his communication. He provided copies of all plans and drawing which were of a high standard, the details of which he took time to explain. James came on site to work with the builders whenever required to ensure that we had a seamless service. Ultimately we have the extension we wanted with a definite “wow” factor thanks to the team work of James and our builders.
30 July, 2017

Braymont UK Your Digital Scale Experts
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
James was recommended to us, and we're glad we used his services. He was great from start to finish, and didnt give up until we were happy. James even supplied extra copies of Plans to builders, and was always forthcoming with helpful advice.
James submitted all necessary Planning paperwork, and made it all a breeze.
We have no problem with recommending his services, and we would certainly use James et al in the future.
1st Class.
17 July, 2017

toby marsden
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
James has done several jobs for us. I find James to be friendly genuine and professional. He has a great future in this industry and have no hesitation forwarding him to anyone as he will be a big asset to anyones projects
11 July, 2017

chrisburgess49
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
We hired James to design our loft conversion. We we're looking for someone to give us design ideas which we couldn't think of ourselves and this is what he delivered. I found him thorough, very knowledgable and professional. Drawings are of excellent quality.
10 July, 2017

andy gunn
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
Great team to work with - very approachable and receptive to ideas and design changes, really responsive and deeply knowledgeable - very comfortable sitting there on a Saturday morning discussing design themes over a coffee - it's how house design should be done


18 May, 2016Last modified:19 May, 2016

bealesbcb
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
I have worked with James for a good while to evolve a two storey two bedroom chalet
design on a difficult plot. The deign was completed totally to my satisfaction and I am indebted to James for his ability to come up with the goods!
James listens and suggests also comes up with excellent ideas. He is very capable and
is friendly and his company can be relied to produce excellent drawings.
As well as being knowledgeable, he is also a nice person to work with. He is honest.
He has an interest in his work and the use of computer software to enhance the product.
I recommend him to others.
B.
26 April, 2016

alwindy
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Relationship
Client
Extremely pleased with the service we received from James at New World Designers Ltd. He couldn't have been more helpful, visiting us on numerous occasions to discuss what we wanted, offering ideas and suggestions and saying what was or wasn't possible. He also kept in regular contact throughout the whole process to keep us informed of what was happening. We will definitely be using them again and can't recommend them highly enough.
15 April, 2016
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