Testimonials
We look forward to working with you
If you happen to be in the area, please don’t hesitate to drop in to our offices – we’d love to find out more about you and your project aspirations.
The kettle is always on….
Read what some of our other clients think about our services:
Andrew Annison, Allestree, Derby
“Initially we purchased a 1960’s chalet style property on a large plot. We didn’t particularly like the house when we purchased it, but knew there was potential. We didn’t know how to go about maximising the potential so we engaged Justin Smith to look into it for us. Justin assessed all available options including extending and modernising the current property. However, he made us realise there was significantly more value and scope in knocking down the original house and re-building from scratch. Due to the large plot, he advised us to sell part of the plot to fund the build process and explained the financial benefits, such as the vat savings. Justin then proceeded to design our dream home; dealing with all aspects of planning and building regulations; recommending the right design team partners and was available throughout the process to guide us. The end result is that we have a home which is far better than we could have imagined; is bigger in size than we though was possible and was economical to realise. We would like to thank Justin and his team for making this possible.”
Tammie Annison, Cuco Hair Salon, Derby
“Starting a new business is a big step for anyone, particularly a hair salon. We knew that having the right look and feel would be instrumental to our success. However, we needed someone to advise us on all the technical aspects of making this possible. Thankfully, we knew we could turn to Justin and his team to guide us. They advised on all aspects on layout and design; planning, building regulations and other statutory legislation; supplied key contacts and were available throughout the process. We now have a great Salon which provides our customers with the ambiance they deserve. We would like to thank Justin and his team for all their input and advice.”
Mike Shepperson, Willover Limited, Derby
“We have commissioned Justin Smith Architects on several projects across Derby. They have a professional 'can do' approach coupled with superb attention to detail. Justin's expert knowledge of and good contacts within the planning and building inspection systems helped navigate the projects in the early stages, and allowed us to evaluate various schemes. They have a tremendous work rate during the design phases and produced quality and creative designs, even against our changing requirements. They helped push the finalised scheme through the tender process resulting in a range of price and build options for the construction phase. We would have no hesitation in recommending them.” .
Simon & Linda Garwood, Weston on Trent, Derbys
“When we looked for a local “Self Build” Architect, Justin was far more interested in what we wanted than others and good references were provided. The concept was collaboration, with important features being contributed from both sides. The drawings provided were very detailed. Each time a question was asked by builders, the answer was always on the drawings. This saved us thousands of pounds as there was never a need to undo something and start again. Justin was on site frequently to explain finer points. We absolutely would use an architect again. The cost is significant, however, we believe that it is more cost effective to use an architect overall. We absolutely would use Justin Smith again. We always felt the Project was ours. Self Build is all about what the client wants and Justin understands that.”.
James Hurdis, Canopy Leather Goods, Derby
“When we decided to buy 43 Sadler Gate we hadn't envisaged the problems that a project like this one can create. Fortunately, taking advice from a friend we started working with Justin. His work on design, planning, environment agency and conservation area consent were absolutely essential to the success of our store opening. Thanks to Justin's attention to detail throughout the design and project management we were able to get the job completed on time and on budget. Needless to say we were delighted with the result and have on numerous occasions since the completion of the work recommended Justin Smith Architects to others.”
Anne & Colin Halliday, Duffield, Derby
“We are delighted with the room you have helped create. It is light and airy and really complements the rest of our Edwardian house. You listened to our brief and came up with a number of alternatives which helped us make the right choices. You clearly explained the various stages of the process and in conducting the tendering process enabled us to find a good builder. You were able to realise your and our vision.”
Sarah Wakefield, Burton, East Staffordshire
“Please accept our sincere thanks in respect of all your work and involvement in creating a wonderful extension at our home. We are all very pleased with the outcome. Our many visitors have all commented on the amount of light and space created and this is all thanks to your vision.”
Ian Clemson, Derby
"Justin, just a few words to express our thanks for your help with our recent house project. Having looked at a few Architects, we chose to use your company as the portfolio included many examples of work in the same style as we had in our minds. The brief we gave you was quite open from a design point of view, but restrictive due to our requirements for the inclusion of many features. It was made all the more difficult, we thought, by the fact that Mandy & I had differing views on how the property should look and what the internal ambiance should be like. We were amazed to see that you'd somehow captured the essence of what we both wanted in the very first design, amalgamating our opposing views, and presenting us with a design that we both instantly loved. Indeed, as you're aware, apart from a few minor changes (mainly imposed by the Planners!!) the property has been constructed in accordance with the initial design. Now that we've moved it's fair to say that we love everything about it and everyone that visits is absolutely amazed."
Harry Hopkinson, Team Leader, Built Environment, Derby City Council
“The newly completed shop front certainly made a dramatic contribution towards the historic character of the area around the Cathedral and was favourably commented upon by many people. The success of the new shop front does deserve my compliments to both yourself and your Architect, Justin Smith”.
Tim Denning, Planning Officer, South Derbyshire District Council
“The house is absolutely stunning” Tim Denning, planning case officer for our project at Etwall, Derbyshire, commenting on the completed project.
Mick Ottey, Building Inspector, MFA Building Control Ltd, Derby
“We have administered numerous building regulations applications submitted by Justin Smith Architects during the last few years. We can say that the drawings, documents and information submitted are always of high quality and consistent. Building regulations ‘plans approval’ is usually issued by return, without the need to request extra information. As a result, it has made administering the building regulations applications a straightforward process”
Peter Heath, Duffield, Derbyshire
“Justin’s work came recommended to us and it was a recommendation that stood the test of time, when time was very much an issue.
Our property was originally built as a modern contemporary dwelling in 1970, but had now become a bit of an ugly duckling along a road of established period houses. Justin took our design ideas and went from an initial site survey to planning application request in less than 4 weeks. That is not to say the design was simple – the simple option would have been to demolish the property and start with a blank sheet of paper. However our budget did not allow for that, so Justin had to find a way in that short period of time to make all our ideas flow and stop this house becoming a mismatch of old and new, in a property that was now more than twice its original size.
This was achieved in a spectacular fashion, and any visitors to the house cannot see where old and new meet. Nor did that short time constraint mean that we had to settle for an unattractive design that we had to change via subsequent planning requests. The house is as Justin detailed on our original planning request and one that we have received numerous complements for on it’s design and how it has improved the look of the road.
The design process Justin led us through has left us proud of what we achieved, as the way Justin listened and encouraged our ideas for the property to come out, makes us feel we had a real input into the final design. Rather than being told what we could have because of our time and budget restrictions, with Justin we were able to achieve all that we could wish for.
Add this to how Justin’s approach to planning and build methods saved us time and money, it is a recommendation we would not hesitate to pass on.”
Kirstin and Phil Saynor- Station Road, Mickleover
“Justin listened to our brief and came up with a design with ‘wow’ factor. He led us through the architectural design and tender process, and the builder we employed as a result of the tender process was excellent. We are very pleased with the result: we have a living space which works functionally and is stunning from the inside and out”.
Kuldip, Pam and Neil Dosanjh, Somme Road, Derby
“To Justin and the team
We would like to thank you all for your hard work whilst planning and designing our dream home. You managed to capture all our needs and desires in a beautifully designed property.
We want to thank you all for your time and effort over the past few months. It has definitely paid off, in fact, we’re so impressed with the designs that we just can’t stop looking at them!
We look forward to meeting with you again, later in the year to begin the process of working drawings.”
Steve Kennedy, Principal Coach, Clear Coach - 28 March 2011
Justin started a coaching programme with me in 2010 and he continues to be a client and friend. One of the outcomes of a coaching programme is an awareness of an individual’s strengths. It was clear from the start of the programme that Justin has the ability to make and maintain meaningful and trusting relationships with his clients that help them through significant decisions and commitments. The foundations of this ability are his core values of integrity and competence.
Cameron Cook – The Bookcafe, Cornmarket, Derby
We appointed Justin & his team when we assigned the lease of a 150 year old Grade 2* listed former bank at 21 Cornmarket in the Cathedral Quarter, Derby.
Justin guided us through the lengthy planning process that ensued; liaising with the planning and conservation officers and our sign company, gaining us all of the relevant permissions. This allowed us to concentrate on setting up our second Bookcafé in the city.
We were pleased that the conservation work carried out to the original ceilings was recognized by Derby City Council with its George Rennie Award.
More recently, Justin’s team provided us, at very short notice, with a premises floor which played an integral part in us gaining a premises license for the property.
