We work on an “efficient going on hysterical” principle, as sensible planning of the workload is impossible – there are too many random impediments and influences that can pop up in any project. I wield the soft pencil and high anxiety, and Principal Associates for Quantity Surveying and Estimating, and for Technical and computer input are invaluable in giving matters detailed scrutiny.
There is a large network of trusted consultants, who offer wise and economic counsel – Structural Engineers, Historical and Archaeological, Heat-Loss, Environmental, services, etc, Artists, Interior and Lighting specialists. One of the benefits of having been around a long time is that one discovers invaluable support and experience.
We recognise, as a fundamental principle, that good cost control, project management and Contract Administration are as vital as good design and detailing. It is important to establish realistic budgets, for both clients and ourselves, otherwise one wastes time and money. It never fails to be frightening to assess real costs, and one must be prepared to compromise, either in financial or aspirational parameters.
We are something of an anachronism these days, as we start the magic of the building process with a pencil, with a drawing, and then go through levels of refinement and analysis with the computer as a tool rather then as the master.
Being a Small Practice, and working hard, fast, flexibly and diligently, we keep our costs and overheads low and competitive. When a comparative assessment of our fees is made, we are confident that when quality of information is considered, we represent exceptional value and cost-effectiveness. Cheap fees obviously require cheap work, and this is s false economy for clients & ourselves.
Much of our work is within the Dartmoor National Park area, and we are known to Local Authorities throughout the South-West. We have a track record, and the quality of our work has (even) been commended by the Planning Authorities, and we have been awarded various rosettes and awards.
We have worked in conjunction with SPAB, English Heritage, and Conservation and Planning Officers, and have taken on board the delicate arts of negotiation with these virtuous, sometimes very opinionated, powerful determinants. Much of our work is on Listed Buildings and/or Conservation Areas, refurbishments, conversions and adaptations, but we are increasingly working on new and “Ecological” buildings, with the Concomitant Technological analysis that such approaches require.
We use skill, experience, intuition, best endeavours and expert advice to grasp the issues of the particular building and client. Each situation demands it’s own approach, but we have a passion and appetite to achieve attractive, efficient buildings and successful projects.
We aim to work economically (for the client), efficiently (for us and the bank), diligently and humanely, and intend that our buildings are respectful of their surroundings, sympathetic with their required functions, are a pleasure to look at and be in, and are within the realistic established budget.
We have the empiric and pragmatic understanding that the investment in time, thought and design DOES help to achieve success for the client and the project – satisfaction for us, and the POINT.
Over the past 28 years, we have a project list longer than most arms – project value is usually £100K - £800K – where our input can best be fruitful, and where the depth and breadth of thought is relevant.
Barry Marmot – Partner
The Picture Gallery is obviously only a taster of the more than 500 projects we have done over the past many many years.