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

Hi, The 3m rule is normally taken from the rear facade of the property towards the garden. It is the limit for permitted development, I.e. development to your property for which you do not need a full planning application. Happy to explain further, or perhaps you have photos? T23

Hi, I am looking for a local English language tutor, if you know of anyone or are interested yourself please get in touch. Someone who can provide training for media and presentation skills would be a bonus! Thanks! T23

Hi, Look on the outside wall for any other evidence of things not looking right, cracks etc. Is there any evidence of damp to the outside wall either inside or outside? Are there any large trees within 6m of the wall? T23

Hi, Are any of your neighbours doing any building works? Or have any been carried out within the last 6 months or so? Tekton23

Hi, Just for the building works and not including any fees for architects, planning etc. You could work on ?100 per square foot, ex VAT. This is for a fairly high specification and finish. It really also depends on what sort of structure is required, steels start to get expensive for example. T23

Hi, I am a local architect and quite happy to have an initial look. Please drop me an email if you would like to arrange a time, Thanks, T23

Yes, marinated mackarel sashimi or Temari sushi as per Yuki's recipes: Yuki's Temari sushi T23

Hi, I have had migraines on and off for years, mostly during stressful times or when I have been working for a difficult company. I am a mid-thirties male. Thankfully they have mostly gone away, but when they do come back I have learnt a good trick. If you can, drop your head below the level of your heart so the blood rushes to your head. This is easiest at home, as you can lie on the bed with your head off the edge (carefully a it puts strain on your neck). If at work you can simply bend over as if touching your toes but without a straight back and try and hold the pose. I am convinced there is a huge relationship between migraines and oxygen or blood flow to the brain. T23