Accessible Design Professionals in Devizes, Wiltshire

“Many thanks to Annie , whose knowledge and vision helped us enormously with the design for our extension. She understood exactly what we were trying to achieve. We found it very difficult to visualise the final layout, but Annie’s ideas were excellent, and her skill in a visualisation so we could actually ‘see’ the final outcome, provided us with exactly what we needed. It gave us a focus and an idea of where we were going. Planning an extension and modifying an existing layout is not for everyone; it is very easy to get it wrong, and end up having to modify a poor start! I would recommend Annie without hesitation to anyone thinking about any sort of interior design or architectural or structural changes to their house. Thank you so much Annie!”

“For some years, we had planned to extend our 3 bedroom, end-of-terrace property and already had plans drawn up and approved. However, with the passage of time, we wanted to be sure that these plans continued to suit our purposes. We invited Nick to review the proposals and he made a number of very useful observations. Importantly, he helped us to see that we could reconfigure the space and change our way of living to enjoy an improved view of the garden and across the valley in a light-filled, open-plan kitchen-diner with separate seating area. He also identified some simple changes to the layout to maximise functionality of the various new spaces, creating a separate utility room that we had always wanted, and an area for our pets. He also spotted a design simplification that would facilitate installation of a new kitchen. The proposed renovation would affect many of the spaces in the house, so Nick produced several 3D models of the whole property to help us to envisage optional layouts. His advice, supported by the different models and estimated costs, also identified elements that were not worth pursuing, releasing funds for other aspects that were more important to us. With the basic layout agreed, Nick worked with the architect, structural engineer, and Council planning officers to ensure that the agreed re-design would be approved. In parallel, he produced a very detailed specification with electrical and lighting layout and schematic for the TV, music and IT installation; this, together with architect’s drawings, formed the tender package against which 3 contractors bid a fixed price. We came to realise that this detailed document with specific references was critical to containing the price within defined limits; through the specification, the contractor was given very clear instructions on specific building works, plumbing and heating, joinery, lighting, flooring and other aspects of the project. Nick ran a competitive tender working closely with us and the 3 bidders. Together, we then selected the winning contractor and work started. In essence, whilst we lived with the building work, Nick was on site almost every day to keep an eye on developments and make decisions where required. Largely, we sat back and made cups of tea for the builders. If we spotted anything of concern, we generally raised this with Nick in the first instance and he would either explain the issue to us or, if some action was required, would address it with the contractor. Having established the principal price for the works, Nick was also keen to show us the total cost of the project including carpets, window dressings, audio equipment etc. He had also designed a number of bespoke storage units some of which were eventually fabricated and fitted. Early in the planning process we met to review decorative schemes with samples to show how each room would look and feel, along with the associated prices. He maintained a detailed spreadsheet, so that we could budget for furnishings over a timescale that suited us. The spreadsheet included a risk budget for identified risks, to help us understand the level of caution required as the project progressed. The value of the main contractor’s work was £120k + VAT (including kitchen) and the total project budgeted price was £150k + VAT (including furnishings etc). Nick oversaw the contractor’s implementation of the design. He also managed any interfaces between the contractor and other suppliers, and organised purchase of additional items such as the kitchen, carpets, blinds, and audio kit. He took us to view kitchens and appliances so that we could confirm our requirement. He then negotiated a good price for us which saved several £ks. This was another feature of working with Nick; not only did he negotiate good prices on our behalf, he also passed on elements of his trade discounts to us, and identified cost effective solutions which more than paid for his fees. We were particularly fascinated by Nick’s attention to detail and came to realise and appreciate its importance. For example, his insistence on the apparently small detail of aligning the floor level at the threshold to the French doors was simple to implement, but the contractors would have proceeded to fit a step over the threshold (because it was easy and what they always do) without Nick insisting otherwise. We now have no such trip-hazards. As the project proceeded, Nick spent more time with us and our teenagers, confirming styles and tastes, bringing samples and putting together schemes, before sourcing carpets and other fixtures and fittings. He introduced us to a number of new ideas: all of our friends marvel at our purple glass splashback and resin-worktop; the walk-in rain shower is fabulous; the music distribution system is fantastic, the wide floorboards are a real feature, and the look of our spacious, contemporary kitchen-diner is very special. He also future-proofed the property with an ethernet network in all key areas of the home. To manage cash-flow, the project was split into 2 phases. In planning for this, Nick ensured that all foundations, cabling, and pipes for phase 2 were installed during phase 1, negating the need for re-work or additional work later. In fact, during the 6 month break between phases, the contractor failed to record works already completed and paid for, and were preparing to escalate the ongoing price significantly (by approximately £8k, or 30% of the price remaining). However, Nick’s dogged determination and scrupulous record-keeping allowed us to maintain the project largely within the original price (allowing only for a legitimate inflationary increase in materials and labour). Throughout the project, we had every confidence that Nick would address any issue with the work. He produced a detailed snagging list at the end of each phase and ensured that all items were closed before the project was signed off. We are delighted with our “new” home and, having lived with it now for over a year, we find it practical as well as stylish, with plenty of functionality, space and light. Nick is a pleasure to work with. He offers fresh ideas and has opened our eyes to opportunities that we would otherwise have missed. Equally, he accepts respectfully that a client may not always be able to follow a particular recommendation. He is extraordinarily diligent and reliable and his involvement saved us money overall (to the tune of many £ks). We will certainly continue to use his services for future developments of our home and it gives us great pleasure to recommend him to others.”

“I have asked the Woodhouse and Law team to help me with several design projects for both the interior of my home and my garden over recent years. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with such a friendly, creative and professional team who commit the same level of care and attention to detail for each project, regardless of budget size. Even some of the smallest details and suggestions from W&L have transformed my home in ways I could not have imagined myself and I view the W&L team as trusted partners in making my home somewhere I truly love to live. Their help and advice has been invaluable to me and I recommend their services without hesitation.”

“Had a fantastic experience working with Nina the last 5 months on a renovation project in central Bath. Nina did the initial concept for the whole project (90 sqm 2 bedrooms split level flat), paint colour consultation, sourced carpets, blinds, tiles, furniture and decorations. We also had a professional photoshoot which Nina acted as stylist for the day. Not only is Nina extremely knowledgeable, she also understands our requirements very well, she's conscious of our budget, and tries to add value where it created most impact. I'm sure we saved £££ due to her great furniture sourcing skills. She's also a lovely person, very approachable and friendly. It was honestly a pleasure to work with her. I'd recommend her to family and friends and will definitely work with her again.”

“Clayton & Co have been designing our show homes for almost 10 years. Their designs are creative, current and stylish and really help to present our homes looking their best. The team at Clayton & Co is professional and a pleasure to work with. We can’t wait to see our next show home come alive.”

“I have worked with Verity Woolf on a number of occasions in London including designing and building my main home…. Creative, hard working and a fine eye for detail. She has also worked on projects for friends which have all thanked me for the introduction..”

“I wanted to convert a very dull and crowded spare room/playroom into a relaxing 'sanctuary' for myself and guests; Mandy immediately saw where I was coming from and was in on the project from the start. With an eye for details and a real feel for the person, she carefully put together two different scenarios of environments where I've felt most relaxed - a beach theme and a mountain theme. The mood boards she created were beautiful and I found it difficult to choose between the two themes, though the mountain room she envisaged gave me the restfulness coupled with the cosiness that I wanted. Mandy then measured up and carefully observed how the natural light fell, as well as coming up with clever suggestions on how to deal with elements of the room that couldn't be changed - e.g. the dormer window and the sloping ceilings. From here she worked up a floor plan with soft shapes and functional, but relaxing furnishing ideas. Never forcing her thoughts on me, I had plenty of free range to add my own touches and she showed me how to use colours and the way they can work together. I was much more adventurous than I have been before! It felt like we really worked together as a team to achieve the finished results. So, my 'sanctuary' includes a bed (so we can still welcome guests), a seating/TV/gaming area (where the big kids can still relax, but their paraphernalia is low key/hidden), a reading area with a comfortable chair and footstool, and coffee table (reclaimed and painted). There's a variety of textures and soft colours using mainly greys and dusky pinks and other natural colours. My favourite part is the main wall featuring a mural of a mountain range in silhouette in soft dawn tones. I absolutely love it - as do my guests and kids! I highly recommend Mandy and her work. Her designs are beautiful, thoughtful and functional; whilst she provides plenty of her own ideas she is keen to incorporate your own too. I'll definitely be using Mandy again.”

“Top quality workmanship. 100 % reliable. I am a regular client since 1993, always happy with the result. Modern, classic or anything you want, your imagination or your budget are the only constraints 6 Kitchens and counting, several dressing rooms, many minibars , a bar, a reception desk, a coffe table , amazing modern Macassar bed etc etc.”

“We were living in a tiny one bed flat and with the arrival of our baby girl needed to find a way of making the space work for the three of us. Steph drew a design of how we could lay out the flat and gave us ideas for furniture we could buy. We were really happy with her work and she made it possible for us to survive 9 months of lockdown there before we were able to move home. Highly recommend Steph, she is professional, friendly and very good at what she does. Will definitely use her service again and recommend her to friends.”

“Heidi has been a joy to work with, and her ideas have helped make Kings Weston House great again. She is always professional and thorough. We have worked together for over 4 years now, and I would have no hesitation in recommending her design and styling services”