Sustainable Design Professionals in Ivybridge, Devon

“We’ve been really happy with PWCR and Geoff Cole in particular for the support and guidance they’ve given us through our self-build. Geoff provided a design only service as we were keen to manage the build ourselves but throughout the build he was always available to provide guidance and moral support. We should also give a mention to Simon Rutter who helped us through the planning application, saving us time and money at several points. During the design stage Geoff listened to our outline ideas and wishes, and really a paid attention to the things we wanted. His initial design concept hit the nail on the head and we adopted that design with a few minor teaks. Not only did he listen to us but he gently encouraged us in one or two areas several of which we adopted and are glad we did. PCWR's costs came in as predicted with no surprises, and no petty charging for small changes. Now we are living in the house, it is even better than we hoped for! Overall we couldn't recommend PWCR more highly.”

“We approached a few Architects to help us with our community project . Hugh”s organisation was the only one that fullly understood the needs of the end users requirements , the cost constraints and the environmental impact . Hugh worked with our conservation accredited builder , our organisation and crucially the design and conservation officer at our local authority . We now have a wonderful new annex to our 170 year old building the cedar cladding reissue a nod to 75 year old timber built flat roofed building it replaced , it’s triple aspect full length windows take full advantage of the natural beauty of Hanworth common , the outside platforms allow us to double the size of the build in summer months . Hughes vision exceeded our expectations and stretched our imagination as to what was possible , the facility is now in increasing demand and we will always be in Hughes debt . The result has galvanised our small community brought people together and given a community benefit which has stretched beyond the boundary of our small community , it’s has a positive environmental impact , it is a net exporter of energy , it captures rainwater , diverted to help oxygenate a nearby formally stagnant pond and makes full use of natural light , building materials were largely re used or sustainably sourced our community will always be indebted to Hugh”

“We bought this house in 2016 and approached Van Ellen Sheryn because we wanted to extend the living room. The drawings for the new room were stunning. However, when the builders began work, they discovered wet rot throughout the house. Eventually, it was decided that the house would need to be demolished and rebuilt. VES dealt with all the necessary paperwork, applied for the original planning permission, the permission to demolish the building, then the new planning permission. They kept us informed at every step of the way, and they redesigned the internal space of the house. We were extremely pleased with the way that VES reimagined both the internal layout and the outside terracing. Work began on the house in October 2018 and was completed in October 2019. My husband passed away in April 2019, so never got to see the finished house. VES and the wonderful builders (Kesterbrook) could not have been kinder – in fact, when I took over the house upon completion, the builders presented me with an oak plaque to remember Roy, which is now fixed to the external apex of the living room, which faces Burgh Island. I can highly recommend Van Ellen Sheryn, not only for the beautiful design of the house, but also for their attention to detail and monthly progress reports (which was an additional service). Everyone who has visited the house is blown away by the imaginative use of space and light. VES have ensured that from the moment you enter the house, the views are spectacular. It is now a much loved family holiday home and we look forward to being able to use it again once pandemic restrictions are eased.”