"Professional Building Maintenance and Improvement Solutions
A New Concept.
The Design Workshop and Sketchbook.
Affordable architectural cad drawings and information without the fuss.
Affordable Building Design Consultancy Services
About House Doctors
Oliver Bridge Architect started House Doctors in 2008 to help clients kickstart their building and home improvement projects quickly and easily.
We offer affordable, high-quality design sessions and workshops focused on improving your property and adding value to your home.
An experienced building and design professionals I provide front-end design and construction advice, helping you get your project off on the right footing before you even appoint an architect or builder.
Whether it's a side extension, a loft conversion, a garden room, garage, improving the thermal performance of or re-planning your existing spaces, we provide an inexpensive and unique way to progress your project.
About the Design Workshop Concept
Our Design Workshops provide expertise without heavy fees or binding contracts. Using SketchUp 3D software, we create visuals that show the true potential of your space in just a few hours and issue dimensioned sketches which your builder can use to help price the work.
Working collaboratively, we bring your ideas to life on the spot ensuring your vision is accurately translated into a feasible design, just as you imagined it.
By the end of the session, you'll have a detailed understanding of your project's potential, empowering you to make confident decisions about the next steps whether that be talking with builders, planners, neighbours or architects.
We have carried out many Design Workshops on site but increasingly clients are choosing online sessions as familiarity with Zoom and Teams portals is becoming more widespread.
About the Design Workshop
During a typical design workshop, we will:
- Listen and Understand: We start by listening to your initial ideas and asking questions to fully understand your requirements and expectations.
- Take Measurements: We take measurements of your existing space to ensure accuracy.
- Create 3D Models: Using advanced 3D modeling software, we create a model of your existing space.
- Explore and Visualize: We work collaboratively with you to explore and visualize options and ideas for the new space.
- Provide Visuals: At the conclusion of the workshop process, we will issue a Design Sketchbook which summarises the design work carried during the session including typically plans sections and elevations as well as perspective views with dimensions where necessary. and key specification
- Address Concerns: We answer any questions and concerns regarding buildability, budget, planning, procurement and timelines.
- Explain Next Steps: We explain your options for taking the project further, providing you with clarity on the steps ahead.
About the Design Sketchbook
The design sketchbook is a comprehensive representation of the design process and decisions made during the design workshop.
Plans: Detailed layouts of the proposed design.
Sections: Cross-sectional views to illustrate the internal structure.
Details: Specific construction details to guide the builder.
Specification Notes: Descriptions of materials and finishes.
Dimensions: Precise measurements for accurate construction.
Demolition areas are highlighted in red to clearly indicate areas to be removed or altered, new works are illustrated in green to show the proposed changes and additions.
This tried and tested presentation method ensures all parties fully understand the scope of work from the outset.
In conclusion the Design Sketchbook represents the commencement of construction documentation enabling your builder to accurately commence the pricing of the work.
House Doctor Low Carbon Clinics
Looking to create a greener home?
We can assist you with that as well. Whether you are renovating, expanding, or aiming to be more environmentally conscious, we can advise you on improvements and additions to reduce your home's carbon footprint.
In our Low-Carbon Home Clinics, we will assess the current carbon footprint of your space and provide recommendations to enhance both sustainability and energy efficiency.