Parkers Design Reviews 3

Hadn’t had any dealings with plans previously and needed guidance as to what would or wouldn’t be possible under LA planning dept. Met with Steve, looked around at existing property asking my aims and what I needed going forward. Initial plans were drawn up and then following a couple of discussions and a bit of thinking time on my part we came up with the final plans putting in some contingencies. Just in case to save time at a later date if tweaks were required. Really helped me through the process. Would recommend to others.

An excellent service in managing a listed planning application and resolving further information needs

This company misleads people by highlighting that their experience is “Very Similar” to an Architect’s experience. In fact their website’s FAQ section mentions this. In UK anyone who wants to be called an Architect is either accredited by ARB or RIBA. If they are not accredited by ARB or RIBA it means they are not an Architect.

They lure clients by offering unlimited revisions until clients get “Complete Satisfaction” or “Eureka” moment. They use a similar designation as Architect (they call it Architectural Technician). They will accommodate anything what clients want into the design. If you want a Dormer you get it, if you want a Velux you get it, if you want a balcony you get it. The cost to pay is “Refusal”. Planners don’t like what this company prepares.

When refusal comes the company will not be able to interpret the planning officer’s comments, and will simply say to you that planners are wrong. They are also unreachable. For a small change they will ask the clients to take long appointments. Overall if you really want a good planning architecture go to ARB and RIBA website and find local architects who will work in more pragmatic ways.