tekton23

I am a locally based architect and my studio, Catterall Franklin Architects, is in Angel. We work throughout London and specialise in private residential work, particularly the refurbishment and extension of period buildings. If you would like to speak further by phone, I can be reached on 07572 483 694 it would be good to find out a little more about your project and what you are hoping to achieve, to see if we might be able to help.

Thanks does Dulwich Wood take one year olds? Their website is unclear.

Watching with interest!

Great for soups too!

Yes, we do, they're are amazing. They have a strange appeal, found in most of the top Michelin kitchens and at the same time great for everyday use to cook humble dishes. My wife is a chef and uses it almost daily. I am lucky as I get the benefit of its use, to cook not quite as adventurous dishes. The new version leads you through recipes, which are great.

Thanks, Buds looks good but will have to be one to wait for as they only accept children from two years old. I've read some reports about the Cherry Tree and Gumboots, has anyone had recent experience of these? Or others?

Hi, We are looking for a recommended nursery in the areas above, or as close as possible. Recommendations for good nuseries much appreciated! It is for our 1 year old girl, for 1 full day, or two half days per week. Thanks, T23

Hi, Have they been paid any fee already? I'd find out at what stage the piling information was submitted to Building Control and compare it to the date you were first told about it. It is very strange that they have submitted anything to BC prior to having Planning in place. Also, just because Building Control drawings have been approved, does not mean they can not be changed (in agreement with the council) as the project progresses. Although it might be annoying now, hopefully all that has been lost is time and you have had a lucky escape. The Design and Build company approach is ok (at best) if you don't mind a one size fits all approach to your project. The approach of winning the project with little site assessment/feasibility is common, the price then only goes in one direction. However, you'll be in contract with them (probably a contract they have written or compiled), with little protection and low value added. The advice Red Devil suggests is good, an architect/engineer should be acting on your behalf, managing these issues and saving money where possible. T23

Either a good, chartered architect or good, chartered architectural technician should be suitable. With an emphasis on good and chartered! You are not obliged to appoint them for full services throughout the project. So you could just agree that they take it to planning, or to detailed design and then work on a pro-rata hourly rate when and if required. There are a lot of web based architectural technicians out there, who will have a low fee and will give you very little security in terms of the project meeting your needs, be fit for purpose, meet statutory requirements and building control. Some don't even visit the property. Stay away from these! An architect will likely be less interested in a project that you think you have resolved already. A technician will be less likely to give you a holistic approach to all aspects of the project, taking into account design, planning, detailing, building control, tendering, procurement etc. However, I am sure there are good technicians out there who can do all of this and do it well. It comes down to who you feel most willing to work with and who is keenest, most suitable for the job. I'd interview two of each and go from there. T23

Hi, Next Spring 2016, I will be looking for somewhere to work and am hoping to find a desk somewhere local. Does anyone know of something available then or what sort of price range a desk per month might be? Thanks, T23

Hi, I would be happy to have a look to see if I can help with this, I am a local (Crystal Palace) RIBA registered architect. My email address is [email protected] Thanks, Alex

I highly recommend Cooney and Co. based in Croydon and Crystal Palace. They are doing major works in our flat and are very good. Alex

You haven't seen my house

Dear Katy, I am a local architect, based in Crystal Palace. I work for a practice specialising in private residential projects and have several years experience in this area. As a consequence I am starting to take on private work, particularly if it is local. Could you let me have some further details about the existing house and what your intentions are, then perhaps if you like; we could arrange a time to meet. Best regards, Alex

HI, We paid circa ?200 from David, a carpenter and odd-jobs man who works locally....very highly recommended! PM me for details, All the best, Alex