Sally England

Hello! We'd like to convert our side-return into a conservatory. Could anyone who has done something similar recommend a good architect/planner? Any experiences - good or bad! - gratefully received! Thank you.

Jovaner was with us for five weeks repainting our hall, stairs and landing, often left on his own while we were away but there was never any skimping, no nicking off to another job, no covering up of dodgy bits. Instead he sorted out every tiny crack and crevice in the plasterwork after having had to sand off all the stupid boat varnish the previous owners covered it with. He started painting but still wasn't happy with the surface so started over again, and the final version is stunning. He was regularly here until gone midnight, worked over 40 hours in one go at least once that we know of, sometimes we had gone to bed and he was still at work, and most impressive of all achieved godlike status in the eyes of our cat who tends not to like strangers. He's a true craftsman with genuine pride in and dedication to his work. After Jovaner has been at work in your house, any other decorator fades into insignificance. He has also become a good friend. He is truly a star and I can't recommend him too highly. You won't get better than Jovaner!

Some months back I posted here asking for recommendations for a kitchen designer. I was contacted by Robert and Elaine, a husband and wife team, and they turned out to be the perfect people to have on board. They took plenty of time to really understand what we wanted and to offer constructive ideas, and always listened to our thoughts and went with them even if they didn't really like what we wanted (sorry Robert but I still LOVE the fish tiles even if you don't!!). The standard of work by their builder Paul and his team was excellent with any problems quickly and efficiently rectified. Attention to detail was of the highest standard as was all the work. Plus they're really lovely people. All in all I can't recommend Robert and Elaine (and Paul!) too highly. You can reach them by email at [email protected]. They are fab!

Can anyone recommend a good local kitchen designer and/or fitter? We're at the very start of our project so any recs would be very gratefully received as would any avoids! Thank you!