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!

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. Rarely do I feel compelled to write a review of this nature, but I would not want others to experience the same ongoing stress and impact that we have had. Their own terms state “we reduce the stress by being the first point of call for any queries or problems on site” – this is totally the opposite of what I have personally found. I am without a completed home well over a year on and have only had added angst and problems on site given their lack of diligence, plus inadequate communication and accountability.

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.