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in mind
Whatever it is, it’s important to start with a
clear vision, get the right experts on board and
create a plan for the best results.
If you have no expertise in the area, the
potential of making any big changes can seem
daunting. The idea of form filling, planning
permission, work schedules, juggling budgets,
managing ideas can just seem too vast, so I
spoke to Mark Butler of WD Harley for some
pointers. WD Harley are multi-disciplinary
project consultants working in Glasgow and the
Loch Lomond and National Park who can help
with project management, design development,
planning and building warrant applications and
contract administration.
Mark gave me a really useful outline of the
process to follow that will help anyone thinking
of making changes or renovations to their
property. Firstly, define a brief. Mark explained,
'By writing a "project brief" before you contact
any designers you can come to agreement about
the most important parts of the project to you
and agree key spatial and aesthetic outcomes.
The project brief can then be developed and
amended as the project progresses but you
will always have this to guide you and others
through.'
Once you have your vision clear in your mind
and an outline of how you want to pursue it,
then you need to think about how you take it
forward. Mark advises, 'If the project is small
you may only need a single designer (architect
or interior designer) but in more complex
construction projects you may need to employ
other designers such as structural engineers,
and involving a builder at an early stage can also
be a helpful way ensuring a smooth transition
from the design stage of the project through to
the construction stage.'
It's then vital to consider who manages all
of this. The role of project manager is key and
this decision can be the make-or-break of any
project. Think very seriously and honestly
about your skills and limitations here – can
you really juggle the multiple trades required
or do you need to hand this over to an expert?
It will depend on the scale of the project. Mark
said, 'In most larger construction projects,
alongside designers and builders there will be
an individual employed as a "project manager".
This individual is often vital to the success of
the project and although it is possible to employ
somebody to fulfil this role, in most renovations
this role is carried out by you.'
The next area to consider is planning and
building warrants. You may have an architect
or designer to help you with this, but make
sure you are on top of it at an early stage –
no-one wants to have to rip apart wonderful
constructions because of a gap in paperwork
and ticked boxes. So make sure that you are
clear what permissions are required in the first
place. Mark’s advice here is, 'Although internal