KJC Architects

From our first dealings with Kevin and his team we found them professional and attentive. Kevin took the time to be interested in our project and really embraced what we were trying to achieve. He was enthusiastic but also realistic. The team at KJC maintain a great balance between embracing your ideas and dreams and guiding you towards what might be feasible. They all worked extremely hard on our project and were very reasonable with the cost of their time. They were responsive and approachable and happy to present multiple options for different aspects of the project as it developed. They stayed close to the planning process and requirements which meant we went through planning first time without any issues. We both feel that Kevin and Michela have been our allies in getting this project moving and will always be grateful for their input and support. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone taking on a renovation/extension/build project and have already recommended them to a couple of friends.

We had obtained planning permission through another architect. This had had its problems as our first submission was refused. We got worn down by this architect as he kept on throwing back any ideas we had. We came to the conclusion that he was the wrong architect for us as he seemed to be totally out of date and our project was outside his comfort zone. The final straw was the number of mistakes he was making. We also lost our enthusiasm for the work. We then looked for another architect and met a number. We learnt that architect's split projects into stages and charged for these stages. The first question always seemed to be what is the total cost of the project as they wanted to charge 10% of the total cost split over the stages. Kjc architects came recommended from a neighbour. I had an idea of the service they would provide as they supplied me with their drawings. When I met Kevin, he was exactly the architect we were looking for - up to date, buy in of our ideas, positive and supportive. This was more important to me than the fee. He was also prepared to pick up from the previous architect. He advised that he was very busy but could fit us in on a particular date. When that date came, we did not have to chase him - he contacted us. He was able to help us with the structural engineer, building control, reviewed the quote from the builders we had chosen (he also did a research into the builders on the web) and recommended a kitchen provider as well as providing us with detailed drawings for the project. By having these concentrated around the architect, it meant that everything tied in. Kalpashree, who was responsible for the drawings, was very responsive and obviously took an interest in the project. As a consequence, we feel much more confident in starting the project shortly. We have not asked Kevin to supervise the builders as we are planning to remain in the house while they are doing the work. We have however arranged it such that we can call on Kevin if needed. I have no problem in recommending Kjc architects.

Kevin and team completed all the design work for our house extension (single storey 10x3m extension plus removal of internal structural walls to create an open plan family space). Kevin’s team are an excellent combination of very thorough and very flexible. Their excellent knowledge of the process plus local contacts meant they were able to guide us through our first big extension project with relatively little stress. We would definitely recommend KJC architects.

It was suggested that we take on the services of an Architect for an extension project we were undertaking. KJC were suggested to us and after the first zoom meeting, we decided that this was the firm for us. Kevin was professional and friendly, listened to our ideas, provided alternate solutions and through conversation, the best result came out. Throughout the process, Kevin and Oliver kept us informed, were patient around our changes, provided constant updates, chased the planners and also suggested some changes along the way which we implemented. I would recommend KJC to anyone who needs an architect and in addition to the above they kept to their original quote which was very reasonable. Add photos

Kevin and the team at KJC Architects were extremely professional, knowledgeable and understood our requirements from the outset, providing first class input and drawing production during the planning phase and building control application phase of our project. We would have no hesitation in recommending them to others.

We appointed KJC at the start of 2020 to come up with a design for our kitchen extension; planning submission and then detailed drawings for builders' quotes. We were initially impressed by Kevin's enthusiasm and creativity. We loved the design ideas and attention to detail. Planning was achieved without any dramas and throughout preparation of the detailed drawings Kevin and his team (Con) were easy to work with and professional (communication was spot on). If you want a good architect we have no hesitation recommending Kevin.

1. Was the work completed in the predicted time frame? Yes – whilst we didn’t have specific timeframe in mind work and questions have always been answered very quickly. 2. Were you happy with KJC architects response time to any queries you had? Absolutely – Kevin and Michela have gone above and beyond to answer our (incessant and sometimes stupid) questions with speed and clarity. Even in the middle of the night! 3. Were you happy with the initial feasibility design? Did the design meet your requirements as discussed? Yes – I'd heard horror stories from friends about architects that focus on aesthetic over everything else, think concrete floors and steps with toddler etc. But the space KJC designed was beautiful, but also functional for family life. We were particularly impressed with the attention to detail on joinery – the little touches that will make the space unique and take it to the next level. 4. Would you recommend KJC architects to friends and family? Absolutely, without hesitation. 5. Were there any particular matter or circumstances that you were unhappy with? No 6. Did you feel KJC architects kept you informed of the development as the project progressed? Yes 7. How can KJC architects improve on the service provided? Can’t think of anything. 8. Did you feel KJC architects gave you value for money, should we have charged more or were we too expensive? KJC were the most expensive quote we got. But we were impressed with how hands on Kevin would be, and how straight talking and helpful he was. We were worried at one point that this might all be sales talk, but KJC have honestly gone above and beyond our expectations – especially seen as we are a relatively small project for them. This is our first project and Kevin has helped us with every step, from feasibility and design, to builder recommendations and quotes for rooflights/bifolds. We’ve been really impressed.

1.Was the work completed in the predicted time frame? Yes – quite acceptable to us. 2.Were you happy with KJC architects response time to any queries you had? Yes – any queries were dealt with promptly and professionally. 3.Were you happy with the initial feasibility design? Did the design meet your requirements as discussed? Kevin Clarke put forward some interesting ideas for us to consider that we hadn’t thought of. However after discussion the result fully met our requirements. 4.Would you recommend KJC architects to friends and family? Definitely – they were recommended to us and we’d have no hesitation in recommending KJC to others. 5.Were there any particular matter or circumstances that you were unhappy with? No – all fine! 6.Did you feel KJC architects kept you informed of the development as the project progressed? We were kept fully informed throughout the design process. Although the actual building work was self-managed KJC were always on hand for help and advice if needed. Kevin Clarke called in from time to time during the build to see how things were going. 7.How can KJC architects improve on the service provided? We were delighted with KJC’s care and attention. We feel we’ve now got the result we envisaged right from the start. 8.Did you feel KJC architects gave you value for money, should we have charged more or were we too expensive? We feel we received excellent, personal service from a professional practice.

Kevin was recommended to me by a friend and I'm very pleased to have selected him for my home renovation project. It was good to bounce my ideas off of him whilst helping me through the design and plan approval process.

We were thoroughly impressed by the service provided by KJC architects from start to finish. We wanted to fit 2 bedrooms into a loft conversion which, as it turned out, would require full planning permission rather than permitted development. We went with KJC as they were confident they could fulfill our requirements, which others (whose fees were ever so slightly lower) said would not be possible. They came out with some great options and developed concepts to increase the likelihood of gaining sign off from the planning department. During the consultation period they were quick to respond to comments from local residents and when the planning officer raised a query we were notified as soon as they knew, they developed a solution and gained approval for the submission the next day – a very efficient service! It really felt like they treated it as if it was their own house they were planning for. We are very happy clients and would not hesitate to highly recommend them to friends and family – they provide great value for money. 5 star service all round!

KJC produced excellent work to a very tight timetable. They have great experience in planning matters and helped us through a tricky project. Thanks Kevin for your personal commitment.

What a great experience from start to finish. I contacted KJC architects at the start of my journey back when I didn’t know anything about building regs, bricks, kitchens, glass, everything! Kevin quickly advised me on my best route to contact builders and get a feel for what I wanted my home to look like. In time this suggestion really helped me get perspective on what I wanted in our extension- Kevin’s suggestions really added a practical and stylish outlook to my vision and helped the whole process run smoother. I learnt a lot! Always open for communication prompt response and good advice I found them a a great team to work with, no questions too silly or too small. Have been recommending them to anyone who asks!