In the early 1990s, I moved to Norwich and fell into building, initially bringing back to life property that had been neglected but then moving into domestic construction with over 20 years of building experience — much of it on period properties and hands on.
From 2000 to 2005, I served as a councillor on Norwich City Council’s Planning Committee, gaining valuable insights into the planning process — understanding how planners determine planning applications but also how elected councillors contribute to the decision-making process by scrutinizing applications and weighing the various factors to reach a decision.
Concerned about sustainability in construction, I began to focus on building projects that aimed to minimise environmental impact and developed relationships with similarly minded architects.
My hands-on experience has not only provided me with a solid practical background when designing spaces but coupled with my involvement on the planning committee gives me a unique perspective on the planning and construction process.
In the early 2010s, after working at a number of architectural practices, I began to transition away from construction to helping homeowners design their home extension and improvement projects, guiding them through the planning process and obtaining Building Regulations approval, and creating aesthetic but functional spaces.
– North Yorkshire Moors