In Simon’s previous practice he was the lead consultant and contract administrator for the construction of a new synagogue in Cambridge. The project was recently completed and this week, Simon was invited by the committee to visit this amazing new building.
Due to the rapid growth of Devlin Architects we are excited to announce that we are now officially a limited company. This is an important step in our development and we look forward to further growth in the future.
We are excited to announce that due to an increase in funds we have reevaluated the design for our Devlin Architects’ office. Initially, it was envisioned that we would build a stand alone office at the foot of our residential premises. However, after careful consideration, we have decided to build a ground floor extension at the back of the property. This will involve the removal of an existing conservatory and will result in a full width extension of a mid terraced house.
The size of an extension dictates what type of permission is required from the planning office. For a mid terraced property, no permission is required for an extension that is less than 3 metres in length from the original wall of the building. Anything between 3 and 6 metres will require a neighbour consultation. Beyond 6 metres requires full planning permission. We envision that our extension will be around 4 metres.
It will be important that the design of the extension maximises the light into the existing rooms of the property. This will be done with a clever use of roof windows. However, their position will also require that neighbours will be unable to view inside of the extension from their bedroom windows.
Given the proximity of the neighbours’ property to ours, it is crucial that the extension does not overshadow their lounge windows. After an analysis of the orientation of our house, and the times of day the light hits sections of our property and that of our neighbours, a carefully designed roof will ensure that there is limited or no overshadowing.
The extension will contain two rooms. The first will be an office space that in future could be converted into a double bedroom. The second room will be a light and airy yoga studio that opens out onto a terraced area.
For more information, please see our project page https://new.devlinarchitects.com/projects/double-studio-extension-on-mid-terraced-property-devlin-office/
We are pleased to announce that we have an exciting new project in Kimbolton. Our client would like to reconfigure the interior of their property so that they can better enjoy the space and rooms in their home. This will be a ground floor reconfiguration and could potentially involve some slight external alterations. The flow through the downstairs rooms will be improved, as will the light, and the overall mood and feel of the property.
For more information on this project, see https://new.devlinarchitects.com/projects/ashfield-kimbolton/
We have recently joined Pinterest.
What’s Pinterest?
Pinterest is a website where people can share photographs of their creations and ideas. It allows users to ‘pin’ images of styles and designs that appeal to them. Clients will now be able to share their vision of what type of building, brickwork, doorways, window styles – in fact anything – that they would like to see incorporated into their project. This can be done on a hidden board that only we and the client can see and use. It will be an exciting opportunity to exchange ideas and to explore creative possibilities.
We also have our own board on Pinterest where we pin architectural designs that inspire us. Take a look and see what you think: https://uk.pinterest.com/devlinarchitect/
We have acquired an exciting new project in Kimbolton. The site is unusual in shape and orientation and therefore to maximise the potential of the property, it will require a unique approach and design.
We are currently completing a feasibility study, which includes three very different designs for the double extension. All of the elements of the clients’ wishlist have been incorporated. This will enable us to examine how the client intends to use the space so that we can develop the final proposal.
For more information on this project, see https://new.devlinarchitects.com/projects/aragon-place-kimbolton/
At Devlin Architects we are often surprised at the amount of people who advertise themselves as architectural designers, architectural technologists, design consultants or who claim to offer architectural services. Whether these people aim to mislead potential clients is unclear, but what is clear, is that not all of these people will be architects.
The title ‘architect’ is protected by law and the only way to ensure that you are contracting with an architect is to check the Architects Registration Board (ARB) website. This site lists those people who are qualified, experienced enough and legally allowed to use the term. If you employ the services of a person to carry out architectural services and they are not registered on the website, that person is not an architect. Simon can be found on the ARB website by typing his registration number (073650C) into the appropriate search box.
Architects should also be willing to provide references from previous clients and from other professionals in the construction industry with whom they have worked. Simon is always willing to provide the details of referees should this be required.
If you are unsure about the background of someone with whom you wish to appoint to undertake your project, do not be afraid to contact them in order to explore their experience and qualifications. Simon’s architectural background can be found here. If more detail is required, Simon will be happy to provide this.
We have been asked to undertake a new first floor level extension for a property in the picturesque Norfolk village of Thornham. The property is traditional in appearance and is situated on the border of the Thornham Conservation Area.
We have recently completed some initial feasibility sketches for the project and are now in the process of formulating the scheme and documents to take forward to planning. We will publish the project as soon as we can, but as a sneak preview see some of the initial ideas and sketches.
For more information on this project, see https://new.devlinarchitects.com/projects/ravens-court-thornham/
After some delays due to funding issues the designs for the pre-school have finally been submitted for planning permission.
Following the results of the pre-application received in October, all of the queries raised by the planning officer have been addressed. In preparation for the planning submission we have organised a tree survey and aboricultural assessment, completed a public consultation and finalised the documentation and design. We can expect a response from the planning officer in 8 to 12 weeks so that building work can commence on site by summer 2015.
For more information on this project, see https://new.devlinarchitects.com/projects/eaton-socon-pre-school/
We have been given a massive boost in funding for Devlin Architects Office and aim to begin building in the new year. A huge thanks to Anne Marie Devlin and Sharan James of Sharan James Stained Glass for the generous contribution!
We are working on the parameters of creating a building that works within the current surroundings at the bottom of the garden. The building is flanked on two sides by two neighbouring gardens so will form their new garden boundary. The main street elevation will also need to be secure and work as an entrance point to the house and office.
New concept sketches have now been added to the ‘Devlin Office’ project page and more renders and drawings to follow over the festive period!
