Simon Cottell_Chartered Architect

Simon worked with us on two renovation projects of older listed buildings. He found innovative solutions to the best use of the available space and helped us visualise the project from the start.

We teamed up with Simon when the project to develop our 19th century, poorly built and neglected family cottage was making very slow progress with our initial choice architect / project manager. Immediately the project regained its momentum. The brief was to create a modern, open interior while retaining the traditional cottage exterior. Simon presented us with imaginative plans which completely eliminated the small, dark rooms and hallway spaces of the old interior and replaced them with space which we didn’t believe was possible. At all times he listened to our ideas/wishes and came back to us promptly with ways that they might be incorporated into the scheme within our set budget. He clearly understood what we were looking for but gave us the sympathetic, professional guidance which was needed at times! Four years on and we still marvel at the home that Simon created for us and would happily welcome anyone who is considering engaging Simon to create their home to come around and see for themselves.

"Simon is one of those rare stars. He listens. He understands where you’re coming from and what you want to achieve given a particular aesthetic. At Le Grenier, mixing modern with traditional building methods, he can take my ideas and give them his full technical know-how - as well as suggesting his own thoughts that together arrive at a great creative result. It’s a collaboration and one that I’ve been very grateful for throughout - his support and skill set as an architect and human being has been much valued."

Simon designed and managed the re-build of our family home more than 10 years ago, and we have continued to use Simon's services in the intervening period to design a garage extension along with other property improvements and designs. We are now about to do some more substantial property improvements and had no hesitation in using Simon again. He is a very creative architect, and we particularly like his skills in using traditional materials (in our case oak and Guernsey granite) in contemporary structures. He is approachable, reliable and has a lovely manner, and I am always happy to recommend him to friends and family.

Simon was recommended by our contractor . We immediately felt we could trust Simon as very early on he demonstrated integrity and considered thought to each aspect of the project. I was particularly struck by his attention to detail and care to work with us to create a beautiful, light filled airy room in what was previously wasted space. It is creative, original and fits with our lifestyle. This went far beyond our dream of simply bringing the kitchen out of a dark side room and into the main area, whilst also finding ways to bring more light into a north-facing room. We always felt that Simon considered our ideas and incorporated them thoughtfully into the plan. He listens well and if he disagrees, does not intimidate but rather gently suggests how it could work better.