Design Storey

Lydia & lawrence truly impressed us with their ability to translate our vague ideas into a cohesive and stunning design. They listened attentively to our needs and preferences, incorporating them seamlessly into a vision that exceeded our expectations. The design process was collaborative and transparent, with the team providing insightful suggestions while always respecting our input. Their communication skills were exemplary, promptly addressing any concerns or queries that arose during the process. This level of engagement and dedication set them apart from other architects I have worked with in the past. I wholeheartedly recommend Design Storey to anyone seeking a professional architect with a keen eye for design, a commitment to sustainability, and a passion for bringing clients' visions to life.In summary, working with them has been an absolute pleasure, and I cannot recommend them highly enough for their exceptional architectural expertise and unwavering commitment to client satisfaction.

Having spent probably too much time (!) looking at architectural practice content on social media and in real life, Design Storey's work stood out to us for their ability to reimagine how space is used, to design contemporary architecture and interiors that appreciate the context they're set in, and for their attention to detail (in both the design and appreciation of how it will be built). Ours is an 18th Century terraced stone cottage within the Cotswolds AONB. We've just submitted a planning application for an exciting two storey contemporary rear extension with significant internal reconfiguration, together with an annex and garage. We're excited for the plans that have been submitted and the experience of working together has been brilliant - a true partnership. We're now looking forward to the detailed design phase. We couldn't recommend Lydia, Lawrence and the team highly enough for developing bold yet practical designs in historic and sensitive areas and for making it a very rewarding process.

We used Lydia and Lawrence to help us in both the design (& planning permission) of our extension and the implementation of the build (managing the tender process, monitoring the builder and checking/approving invoices). Having entered the process slightly sceptical about value for money, we've exited feeling it was money extremely well spent. The design process was full of helpful suggestions that properly reflected our design brief, but without being pushy, and we've definitely ended up with an extension with a look that exceeded our original expectations. We also ended up with a builder from their contact base that was just brilliant, and the relationship they had definitely eased the whole building process. Communication was very good throughout between Design Storey, the builder and us as customer. Design Storey's input and involvement gave us, being somewhat unsavvy in building technicalities, huge comfort that the quality of implementation wasn't in any way compromised (and indeed suggested numerous tweaks that improved it further), and that costs were being properly managed. I'm not sure I'd ever call building an extension stress free, but it was certainly as stress free as it could have been, and that in a huge part was due to Lydia and Lawrence's technical capabilities and their constructive and friendly personalities.

Lydia and Lawrence have provided excellent architectural services at all stages of our project. Communication has always been very easy with them suggesting all kinds of good ideas to help along what started as quite a daunting project.

We cannot recommend working with Design Storey highly enough. We contacted them with a very high level brief that we wanted to improve our kitchen layout, increasing the views and light to the garden. Design storey came out to take a look, and we knew very quickly we wanted to work with them. They understood exactly what we wanted to improve and had lots of ideas on how to do that. We loved the designs. All through the process Design Storey provided us with options on design, yet gave us clear views on what they thought. This was so helpful, as we really valued their experience and expertise. Design Storey put significant effort in to ensuring that a detailed design was locked down. This investment of time up front set us up for smooth delivery of the project. Design Storey ran a thorough tender process to ensure we were able to source a high quality contractor. They then remained closely involved in the project throughout, with regular site visits and ongoing regular communication with ourselves and our contractor. They made everything very low stress for us, and had an amazing eye for quality and detail throughout. We absolutely love the end result. We highly recommend Design Storey.

Ford Construction have collaborated with Design Storey Architects on several projects over the past year. The team are a joy to work with throughout each project - the perfect balance of approachable and professional - and they clearly work incredibly hard to ensure excellent relationships with both us as a contractor and their clients. Their attention to detail and swift communication is second to none, from the initial designs through to on-site finishes, and ensures that we can really focus on progressing the build without any hold ups or queries. We would highly recommend Design Storey to anyone looking for an impeccable architectural service that offers a personal approach to innovative building design.

Delighted with the service offered by Lydia and Lawrence. They envisaged exactly what we were trying to achieve in the first meeting making all subsequent planning sessions easy and exciting. They are thorough, prompt and keep the project moving forward even more than we do as their clients! It’s the perfect service. They have connected us with other excellent professionals, all of whom have, independently, helped with the project and saved us time by being so reliable and efficient. I would recommend Design Storey to anybody taking on a self build / house design project in a heartbeat.

I chose Design Storey because I had come across their work featured in a magazine. Their careful thoughts on how to retain the integrity of a listed cottage appealed to me and it seemed to me that they could be imaginative without being intrusive. Having met Lydia and Lawrence I was sure I had made the right decision. Lydia saw at once all the value of the features I wished to preserve in my own cottage and came up with clever ideas to minimise any challenge to the sense of history still here. As well as being highly professional and efficient - the least one would expect - they were enthusiastic, interesting, intelligent and creative - artistic even. And all this while being kind, thoughtful, down to earth and fun. I came away from every meeting feeling excited and positive. I cannot recommend them highly enough. Thank you. Peggy

We've enjoyed working with Design Storey. Came to us by recommendation and was our first experience of working with an architect. Lydia has listened to what we wanted and been patient with our questions and queries helping us find the answers. And has also trod the fine line very well between putting our views first as the client but also giving us her input as the professional around the table. Communication from the team has been timely and informative. We have all worked together as a team with our local planning officer and planning consultant. Keeping our fingers crossed that the planning department agrees! And looking forward to planning the build once permissions are through.

I have found both Lydia and Lawrence great at listening to my preferences, while at the same time leading me to effective architectural solutions (and avoiding potential pitfalls!). All very critical advice when the implications of certain design decisions have great significance. Sensitive design solutions and great detail in the planning process. All in all, a very happy client!

Lydia and Lawrence have been positive, responsive, professional and personable throughout the design and planning phase of our project. They have listened to us carefully and been really proactive, keeping things moving forward at a good pace. We have enjoyed working with them and we are really pleased with the plans they have put together for us.

After buying my very beautiful but in need of total renovation, grade 2 listed building in January 2019, I began looking for architects to guide me through the very tricky and unpredictable process of planning permission for listed buildings. Very luckily I found Lydia and Lawrence at Design Storey. From the initial phone call, through planning and design, I could not have been in better hands. Their professionalism, communication and enthusiasm for the whole process is exceptional. A total delight to work with. I would highly recommend them. Julie