Francesca (the client) posted her project to Design for Me looking for a talented interior designer to design her new Shoreditch apartment. After registering her project with just a few key details, we matched her with the best candidates and she received interest from a number of interior designers. Francesca’s project description I… Read more »
Posts By: Design for Me
Seven Building Materials that Stand the Test of Time
Sponsored post Long-lasting building materials are highly sought after. Nobody wants a home, office, or property extension built from materials that aren’t made to last. Aesthetics are one thing but as materials start to wear away, the structures themselves become compromised. This isn’t just an expensive problem to fix, it also poses a significant health… Read more »
Do I need an architect for a renovation?
In short, no – there’s no legal requirement to engage an architect for a renovation project. The key consideration is the value that a design professional could bring to your project. A skilled home design professional can help you optimise your project, offering advice on budget allocation, navigating regulations, selecting a builder, and overseeing their… Read more »
The Impact of Colour in Living Room Furniture and Design
Colour influences how we feel. It is a basic design element; our moods and feelings are deeply affected by the colours we see. Therefore, selecting the right colours for your living room is a project where you need to put in some effort. Vibrant hues like red and yellow can energize and uplift your spirits…. Read more »
Which type of survey do I need?
Different surveys do different jobs — some check a property’s condition, others provide valuation, and some produce the measured drawings your architect will need for design. Use this simple route-finder (with examples) to pick the right one for your situation. Quick answer Buying a modern home, low risk: HomeBuyer Report (Level 2) + Valuation… Read more »
Building regulations for a house conversion
Where a house renovation results in a ‘material change of use’, there are requirements for upgrading certain building elements and meeting standards that go beyond what is required for a typical house renovation. Thanks to Nick Paley at Assure Building Control for their assistance with this article. Assure Building Control provide a fully licenced independent… Read more »
Home Office Makeover: Designing a Productive Workspace You’ll Love
An efficient home office is essential for fostering productivity and raising general job satisfaction. As remote work becomes more popular, the value of a well-designed workspace cannot be emphasised enough. A well-organised office not only meets the particular requirements of your job but also shows your own style and enhances the good environment. Examining your… Read more »
How to Build Your Own House
A Simple Guide to Getting Started Self-build projects have been known to be expensive and intimidating, although over the last few years, building your own home has gotten a lot easier. There are over 6 million people in the UK who want to build their own home and over 1 million in progress, according to This Is Money. Now… Read more »
Can I replace or add windows without planning permission?
Planning permission is not required to replace windows if they are similar in appearance to those used in the construction of the house, unless your property is listed, in a designated area or has a relevant Article 4 Direction (see the exceptions below). Can I add new windows and doors without planning permission? Most*… Read more »
Can I apply for planning permission before I buy a property?
Short answer: yes. You don’t need to own a property to apply for planning permission. If you’re not the owner, you must notify them as part of the application process (complete the correct ownership certificate and serve notice). Before you spend time and fees on a submission, consider an impartial, architect-led pre-purchase appraisal — for… Read more »

