Neil helped us gain planning permission for an extension to our rural cottage in Norton Saint Philip. Because of his commitment to the project he was able to successfully argue with the planning committee that it should be allowed against all the odds. This was in part due to his plans for a highly sympathtic project which used traditional materials and building techniqes to allow the new work to seemlessly blend with the old.
Mike Kann
We chose Neil to help with our project because he really understands Listed buildings and we had an
unusual brief, to add a modern glass and oak extension to our quirky 17thC house. Neil came up with
a solution neither of us had considered, it worked out well and we’re really pleased with the end
result.
Alice and Ben Tollworthy, Norton St Philip
We came up with several ideas to turn our garage block into a detached annex to be used as
a holiday home.
Neil’s patience and understanding, coupled with his vast experience and knowledge has
given us a wonderful result.
Everyone who has stayed has given nothing but positive comments to the design and quality
of finish.
To cap it all, we obtained a EPC rating of ‘A’ which we are immensely proud of.
Mark & Teresa Webb
Neil has completed three projects for me, one to remodel my former house in Freshford,
one to enlarge and remodel my current house in Bath, and one a new pavilion for Freshford
Football Club. In each case Neil discussed with me at length our requirements and came
back with great original and practical thoughts way beyond anything we dreamed possible.
Neil made himself available at all stages of the projects including all the building work.
Ken Birleson.
The reinvention looks effortless, and the original lines of the house are virtually invisible.
There is little or nothing to suggest the house had ever looked any different. It was not easy,
however; the roof required some clever structural gymnastics in order to resolve joining
existing timberwork to the new upper storey.
What was once a fairly workaday and clumsy affair is now a home that draws light in to all
the spaces that need it, while taking notice of its setting. Doors open directly on to the
newly landscaped garden and each room has proper regard for size, proportion and
orientation. The success of the project can be put down to the same thing that characterises
many of the projects described in this book: an open- minded client who has a positive and
trusting relationship with the appointed architect. Typically, the solution to the problems
suffered by this house did not present itself in a sudden flash of insight; rather answers
were arrived at in stages. Birleson even remembers enjoying the process, ‘ it was quite a
laugh’, he says.
Extract from ‘ HOME, Investing in Design’ by David Littlefield