Barnes Design

We had a clear idea of what we wanted to do - the team at Barnes did a great job of bringing it all to reality - not everything was perfect but the end result is genuinely life changing for us

Really pleased with the work the team have produced for us, and the quality of service provided. I relayed my ideas about the project to Kelly Robinson who, despite the awful description from me, managed to complete the project (layout design and space reconfiguration) to a T! I would recommend this architectural and interior design practice on so many levels. Not only have they been able to implement all of our ideas and priorities, the team were so friendly and accommodating to the fact we have no clue what we are on about regarding interior design and architecture!

Kelly and the team helped us on our project from the initial drawings, through the planning process and into the procurement of builders. They were very knowledgeable and were able to provide 3rd parties to us in terms of structural engineers and build regs approval firms.

My recent experience with Barnes Design does not match that of the other reviews left below - I cannot recommend people use this firm. We have been working with Barnes, both in the role of architectural designer and contract administrator during a recent project. We received the recommendation for our builder through their tender process. During the period where the build was smooth, we were happy with the service provided, however after the builder got into financial difficulties we did not receive the level of diligence required in the role of contract administrator to protect us and support us in this situation. Most disappointing of all has been the tone and approach to dealing with some of the points we have raised to date. Despite my willingness to discuss and come to a fair conclusion, they have adopted an unnecessarily threatening and aggressive tone without being constructive or acknowledging their areas of shortcoming (and after ignoring many of my emails to highlight these issues over the last few months). This is despite them being well aware of the personal toll this project has already had on us in the last year. To name a few: - After choosing to add loft works, necessary amendments to the contract were not made in a timely fashion (did not even highlight the need to amend the contract for c.2 months) - No consistent change request process was implemented meaning we had to have retrospective discussions on additional costs that we had not agreed but that the builder went ahead with - As the client, I found myself having to check the weekly valuations delivered by Barnes as work done on site did not reflect the work we were paying for (upwards of 10 hours a week spent personally at times). We also found a £7k line item duplication that had been entirely missed! - Barnes did not respond to certain items over email at key points in the build. This resulted in errors in materials / design that needed to be rectified (more time and costs incurred by varying parties) - Barnes did not spot that cheaper or substandard materials were used in areas of the build (counter to the description we were paying for in the agreed contract) As a result we are over a year in and only just coming to the conclusion of the structural elements of the project, having been forced to terminate the contract with the builder back in December, and having incurred a series of additional costs due to their lack of diligence during site visits/ valuations. Whilst as a designer we had an initially satisfactory experience, this is a distant memory. Sadly on a build project that got into difficulties (the time you most need a strong contract administrator), they provided a dissatisfactory service whilst expecting to be paid in full for their role. We would have also appreciated more transparency about the builders previous company / past history during the tender process (which they were aware of), as this would have formed part of our decision making.

Kelly and her team at Barnes have completed a second renovation project for us and we are just as delighted this time around. Barnes co ordinated our whole project from tender to (excellent) contractor appointment to practical completion. Kelly is calm and pragmatic and has oodles of experience. She knows how to work with people and has a great ‘address book’. I am not sure we could have done it without them!

We've worked with Barnes Design on a number of projects and it's always a pleasure. As building company we worked with many architects and designers ,but working with Kelly at Barns Design on very challenging project was great experience and we and customer are very happy with what we achieved .Very professional, highly organised in their process and attention to detail. It also helps that they're clearly passionate about their work and about making the most of every project. Would definitely highly recommend to anyone thinking of transforming their existing home. We are looking forward to work with you on another fantastic project!

Always such a pleasure working with Kelly from Barnes Design. This trade can be quite demanding so its great working with a team that are thorough, know what they're actually talking about and actually work to the given timeline! Highly recommend Kelly!

We are onto our second build with Barnes Design and have liked them from the outset. Simple pricing structure, beautiful previous work, and very straightforward and responsive to work with. They were not daunted by any of our grand plans, and offered great ideas of their own, as well as advice on what each step would entail. They project managed our first build, and were great at catching all the little niggles that come with a build, helping us make decisions on things we had no opinion about, and keeping everything on track and on time. I was very sorry to leave our beautiful flat, but with a growing family we had to upsize and after much debate on what we wanted to do with our new place, we have come back round to the idea they first presented... because they really do know what they are talking about.

We have been collaborating with Barnes Design for over 10 years on numerous projects in our local area. Our doors are one aspect of their entire project and we love working with Barnes Design as their quality of work is outstanding along with the professional service that follows. Working locally is an important factor in building trust and confidence and having seen the end results after the works have been completed time and time again, we are always delighted when starting a new project with them. We would definitely recommend Barnes Design (and have done) for any projects and most importantly their office is just a phone call away and a fantastic team to work with.

From the outset Barnes Design have impressed with their flair, enthusiasm and responsiveness. I had never undertaken a property renovation / extension before but their support throughout has been invaluable and with the project due for completion shortly I have already been recommending them to others.

I can't speak highly enough of the professionalism, creative ideas and drive to help us with our project, that was displayed by Barnes Design. I only wish our little project (Small 2 bed Victorian House into 3 bed, no extension) was bigger to allow us to really utilise the ideas Barnes Design put forward as part of the planning process. Forever taking into account our wishes and ideas, Barnes were supportive on what we wanted to achieve whilst providing their own thoughts and opinions of how to utilise the space we have to their maximum potential. As an additional note, I employed Barnes Design to cover a party wall issue/award and once again, Barnes Design were superb.

Barnes Design have been a fantastic architectural firm to work with. Toby, the head designer, is attentive, responsive and really cares about your project! I have undertaken projects with other architects in the past and what sets Barnes apart is that you get a truly bespoke service, they work to your needs and your timeline and you always feel that you are being listened to. They enabled us to get approval for a very ambitious extension by being very thorough and having an excellent knowledge of the conservation area rules. I would highly recommend this firm and shall definitely use them again in the future