Martin and his team were engaged well in advance of the extension project and were with us every step of the way .They provided help advice and recommendations as well as keeping us updated and informed about each stage of the design and planning process as well as introducing tender bids with builders.
Subsequently they engaged with the builder and the project at appropriate intervals offering sound advice and providing a crucial interface between us and the builder as well as advising and arranging the necessary compliance with building standards /control and submissions with council etc.
They were always available and provided a consistently good service and we could not have done without them.They are very experienced and knowledgable and the fees were clear from the start.
I would highly recommend Karen parry architects and for us they were able to provide whilst not a full on project management service for us it was as good as a project management service which was a massive help on such a project.
- Paul
From the the beginning when we were planning our project until completion, Martin and Andrew provided a first class service. I had my own ideas of how I would like the space to look and this was respected.
I am fair chuffed of the space, light and overall quality of the extension.
Karen Parry Architects would be a must if I was to ever do this project again.
- Karen Mcginnity
Martin and Shelley from KPA were brilliant.
From discussing our initial requirements through to developing the design they were very helpful and worked flexibly with us to get everything we needed.
They were also invaluable during the tender process including providing a shortlist of builders with a proven track record. This was crucial to the success of the project.
I couldn’t recommend them enough.- Robert Cullan
I was delighted with my architects KPA. Their attention to detail, communication and support from design stage through to the build itself was excellent.
– Fiona MacInnes
We are extremely happy with the service provided to us by KPA in the design of our extension – from the initial discussions and draft sketches to the newly created bright cheerful living area that we now have. KPA provided advice on builder selection, took care of planning permission, building warrants etc. and most invaluable was having Martin’s input and suggestions at regular progress meetings with the builder.
After outlining our ideas for a new open plan kitchen/living space to the rear of our property, we selected our preferred design from a number of options which also took into account the reconfiguration of the existing building. The redesign of the original house has enabled a larger bathroom, provided a separate shower room and utility room along with much needed additional storage space.
As the rear of the property is south facing it was important to us to maximise the amount of light and Martin’s design certainly doesn’t disappoint! We’re delighted with the tall window facing the hallway entrance, the large rooflight and clerestory window, and the three Velux windows in the coombed ceiling over the kitchen, all of which flood the area with natural light even on a dull day. Of particular importance are the bi-fold doors leading onto the decking - we are now truly embracing the indoor-outdoor living concept with this area in daily use.
The extension is much admired by visitors who generally ask “who’s your builder?” when it really should be “who’s your architect?”!! (both matter of course).
Thanks to Martin and all of the KPA team in helping us gain our new light and airy contemporary space.
– Callum Macallum
Simply put, KPA has transformed the way we live within our home. With a limited footprint to work with, the team devised a creative solution that maximised every square inch of available space, whilst acknowledging and respecting the history and heritage of our listed 18th century weaving shed.
A sensitive merging of traditional materials such as slate, stone and oak, with contemporary products and design, helped to create a kitchen extension that complements the building perfectly.
At first glance the extension may appear limited in size, but step inside and you get the full effect. The kitchen itself was the catalyst for a complete redesign of the ground floor to create a functional space that is a joy to behold. Activity flows from area to area with exposed stone nooks and walls, beautifully crafted window seats, and creative bespoke glazing, providing endless talking points for our guests.
Aesthetics and functionality blend effortlessly in a space that has been transformed from an oppressive collection of uninviting rooms to a breathtaking living area, bursting with character and charm.
Initiated by Karen Parry and developed and honed by Martin Myers and the KPA team, the complex project was handled professionally at all times, with KPA working seamlessly with contractor, Primrose Properties, to deliver an inspired solution to our brief.
– Chris & Katie
After purchasing our house we knew that we wanted to extend the rear to allow for a large kitchen/dinning/lounge area. With the house being in a Conversation Area we were conscious that we would have to find a reputable company who were aware of the regulations and familiar with the area. After looking at different options, Karen Parry Architects stood out as being very well known in the area and with a very good reputation. We had never done any alterations to any of our previous properties but from our first meeting with Karen and the team we felt confident and reassured that we would be steered in the right direction.
With KPA having done numerous different styles of extensions to similar properties in the area being able to see these examples allowed us to see what the possibilities were and consider different options. The communication during the whole process was always very clear and always open to questions if we had any. We also had KPA project manage the build and were involved in all on-site meetings with the builder.
We are absolutely delighted with our extension which has massively improved our property and would not hesitate to highly recommend KPA Architects.
– Jordanhill Extension
Working with Karen Party Architects is the first time we have ever done a project of this scale or complexity. Having bought a house we knew needed completely renovated, modernised and redesigned to fulfil our dream of being our ‘forever home’ it became obvious we needed someone to interpret our dream and turn it into drawings and tenders. Martin and the team spent the time with us to understand who we were and what we wanted. The design they presented us with was the perfect representation of our vision and our dream, both internally and externally. Their design allowed us to transform a quirky and dated 1970’s building into a visually stunning home with a brilliant mix of materials to provide warmth, contrast and character to the outside of the house. Internally the design transformed a muddled and poorly designed layout into a house that flowed from the front door all the way through to the back garden. It created the space for stunning formal rooms, warm cosy family rooms and light to provide a warmth and focal point down through the central staircase. They are an architect who can truly interpret your dream and provide you with the tools and support to make it a reality.
– East Kilbride Refurbishment
From initial contact, through the design process and to the completion of the fabulous new extension to our home we were very impressed with everyone we had contact with from Karen Parry Architects.
Our ideas and hopes for what we were trying to achieve were carefully listened to, developed, adapted and delivered to our great delight.
The new spaces have greatly enhanced our daily lives. We particularly enjoy the high ceilings and the wonderful light flooding into our new kitchen - a complete contrast to the previous low ceiling and rather dark space we previously cooked in.
Additionally, the new dormer (which the Planning Department had to be persuaded of by our Architect) was a complete blessing during the COVID Lockdown, as prior to this our son’s bedroom was a dark gloomy room with poor ventilation. We now have large picture windows, which are easily opened and the room is full of natural light.
Finally, the exterior of our extension is quite beautiful in its simplicity, entirely sympathetic to the original building and unique to us.
Our aim was to achieve an extension to our home which was light, airy and which would future proof out home as we grow older and Karen Parry Architects have helped us achieve this in magnificent fashion.
– Victoria Park Extension
From the initial consultation to project completion the team at KPA we’re a pleasure to work with. The clever design for our extension has ready opened up our internal space and made better use of it for family life. Their attention to detail and support during the build helped everything progress so smoothly and has left us delighted with the end result!
– Gavin Boothroyd
We required an extension to create more light in our existing kitchen and to provide extra dining and living space, plus a wetroom. Karen’s team listened to our requirements and incorporated our ideas into their stunning design which is ideal for our family. KPA also project managed the build well and raised any issues on our behalf. We would definitely recommend the KPA team of architects.
– Gary Sibbet
From the initial survey visit, through the design stage and then managing the project we were delighted with the service given to us. A few minor issues were quickly dealt with and a solution found. Martyn and his team were very helpful.
– Ronnie Campbell
We would like to thank Karen, Martin and the team for the excellent service and support provided whilst embarking on the development of the fairy retreat skye through to completion. This site was a challenge in terms of the size, location and gradient. The site layout which is separated into two parts over 4 acres with the road running through it posed many challenges (roads department, Scottish water, septic tank sewerage, permits etc).
With KPA this full planning application went through smoothly which could have been a potential minefield as there was so many elements to this application. The site comprises of a new build house which was designed by KPA and ourselves, an outbuilding and 6 holiday cabins .
We thoroughly recommend this company to anyone embarking on a house building or glamping project or indeed any building work. first class.
Thank you
Fairy Retreat, Skye
We purchased a 1930’s 2 bed bungalow in September 2020 that required a considerable amount of refurbishment, upgrading and re - modelling. Not the best plan for two people in their mid 70’s, but a house that suited the needs of an elderly couple; only two bedrooms, all accommodation on one level, no steps to front or rear gardens, flat garden area, no hills to climb around the property, near bus stops and train station, convenient for local shops and close to grandchildren.
We quickly realised that this was a project that we could not manage ourselves and a friend recommended Karen Parry Architects as a company that would take us through such a project from start to finish. They have indeed done this for us in a most impressive way. They set out clear stages in the plan, with costs, timescales, responsibilities and expectations, legal aspects etc.
Some of the key stages in the process:
- Initial discussion about our aims for the refurbishment and renovation. What we could afford to pay. A timescale for completion. Martin Myers was assigned to us and in this respect we had won a watch. He has been simply fabulous all the way through. The plans drawn up have cost almost what we had agreed and this during a time when building material costs were escalating.
- Drawing up plans. Site visits. Discussion of options. Helpful suggestions. After all they had experienced many other projects and we were benefitting from this.
- Plans agreed and progressed through planning. All done with little input from us and successfully. This was no mean feat as it was hampered by lockdown restrictions; planners, architects, structural engineers, solicitors all working from home.
- KP then sent out plans to several building companies for tender. This was not easy as building materials were in short supply and some builders were not working during the restrictions. However KP know the market. Which builders are reliable and are good.
- Then on to obtaining a building warrant. All done by KP. Structural Engineer found by KP.
- Discussion about tender and possible ways of trimming costs carried out between KP and chosen building company. Detailed scope of works to be carried out agreed, and contract with builder drawn up by KP.
- A problem with wide spread damp discovered in parts of the property. Resolved by a company known to and recommended by KP. How could we have coped with this had we tried to do everything ourselves?
- Regular on site meetings with builder, Martin and ourselves were really helpful and informative. Builder had huge spreadsheet of work schedule and Martin and builder worked well together to stick to the plan.
- Martin also adopting inspectorial role during building work. Great to benefit from his oversight of the work.
- Throughout the building work we were kept informed of progress and offered options of alternative materials, other ways of doing things where they were possible.
Now project almost finished on time and close to budget. Couldn’t have done this without KP and in particular, Martin Myers.
– Iain Duncan
