Every project begins with a vision, especially a new build. Our client in Blean, near Whitstable, wanted exactly that – a fresh start, a home designed for modern living. They appointed a local architect they believed to be reputable. Unfortunately, what followed was less grand design, more horror show.
Through the planning process, they endured:
- Lengthy delays with no explanation
- Excuses instead of progress
- Rude, dismissive communication
- A design that left them completely underwhelmed
After planning approval, they’d had enough. That’s when they found us – and asked Blackrock Architecture to take over for the building regulations stage. The first thing we did was review the drawings. What we saw stopped us in our tracks.
The plans were, quite literally, rough freehand sketches. They looked more like a child’s doodle than the work of an experienced architect. But worse than the presentation was the content.
- Floor plans didn’t match the elevations
- The block plan showed a building 2 metres larger than the plans
- The staircase led to an area with no head height – completely unusable
- The ground floor WC was too small to function, with an inward-opening door
- No design flair, no consideration, no care
It was chaos disguised as a drawing pack.
Our client hadn’t realised the extent of the issues – and why would they? They trusted the process. Thankfully, they trusted us to put it right.
With careful thought and proper detailing, we rebuilt the design:
- A staircase you can actually walk up
- Logical, liveable layouts
- Compliance with building regulations
- A modern flow suited to real life
The transformation wasn’t dramatic for drama’s sake – it was about making a home that works.
The final result? A well-designed, functional new build our client is proud of. It still amazes us that someone with decades of experience could be so wildly off the mark. But it proves a simple truth – reputation means nothing without care, accuracy and pride in your work.
If your drawings feel more like sketches than solutions, it might be time to seek a second opinion. At Blackrock Architecture, we don’t just draw houses. We design homes.
