Landscaping companies – do I need a designer or a builder?

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Garden Patio

“Landscape Gardener” … “Landscape Architect” …”Landscape Designer” … “Garden Designer” … “Landscape Contractor” … there are so many terms for landscaping companies who might help with your garden project, no wonder you’re confused!   Can’t I just use a builder? Thinking of calling in Joe who did your neighbour’s loft extension? Although they might be competitively priced… Read more »

Interior designers in Brighton and Sussex

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Interior designers in Brighton and Sussex If you’re planning a renovation or refurbishment, finding the right interior designer or architect is the critical first step. We’ve compiled some of the best interior designers in Brighton and Sussex to give you a starting point, and hopefully provide a little inspiration too. The Sussex area is brimming… Read more »

Interior designers in Birmingham and West Midlands

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Interior designers in Birmingham

Home renovation interior designers in Birmingham and West Midlands If you’re renovating, re-decorating or re-furbishing, finding the right interior designer can be the critical first step. We’ve compiled some of the best interior designers in Birmingham and the West Midlands to give you a starting point, and hopefully provide a little inspiration too. The West Midlands… Read more »

How to store furniture during a home renovation

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Furniture storage

Renovation is both exciting and challenging. This home improvement process involves a lot of moving parts. There are many logistics to consider if you want to keep everything under control.  Whether you’re converting a part of your home or doing a major overhaul, part of the logistics is knowing where you’ll keep all your furniture… Read more »

Five reasons to hire an architect for your self-build

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Self-build inspiration

So you have finally settled on that perfect plot of land and have started brainstorming a vision for your ideal self-build. Wait a minute! Although the temptation to do as much on your own as possible is admirable, we have often found that it is risky business that can be devastating in the long run. Instead,… Read more »

Residential Interior designers in South West London

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Interior designers in South West London for your home If you’re planning a home interior design or renovation project, finding the right interior designer can be a critical first step to get right. We’ve compiled some of the best residential interior designers in South West London to give you a starting point, and hopefully provide a little inspiration too. South West London is brimming with… Read more »

Do you need planning permission for a holiday let?

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planning permission for a holiday let

Do I need planning permission for a holiday let (change of use from a house to a holiday let)? In short, there is no definitive answer here and it depends on local planning regulations. Planning permission is required for a ‘material’ change of use, i.e if you are going from one use class to another…. Read more »

Hiring a designer: important questions to ask

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Profile pics from Dean, Elisa and Liam, architects on DfM.

Hiring a designer is an important decision since this person will have a huge impact on your home and the way you live for potentially a very a long time. A good personal connection is key! Yes, of course, compare quotes. But there is so much more to the decision than this, and it’s personal. You’ll… Read more »

How Much Does an Architect Cost in the UK? [2025 Guide]

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New for 2025: Based on survey data from over 100 practising residential architects across the UK, this guide provides clear, current cost benchmarks for hiring an architect and budgeting for home extension.   What You’ll Learn Typical construction cost benchmarks for home extensions How much architects charge Typical consultant and engineer fees to factor in… Read more »