SOUTHWAY BARN

Philip's brief was to bring to reality our many years of imagining and planning. He has been able to sensitively integrate new and exiting ideas, suggestions and practical solutions with our own designs and requirements. Approachable and open to deal with, he has been invaluable at highlighting the considerations, potential pitfalls and, indeed, triumphs associated with 'self-build'. The result? We are but a few floor-boards away from 'living the dream' and Philip has been instrumental in helping us achieve that.

THE GRAY HOUSE

PDM Design has created us a contemporary family living and working space beyond our expectations. With it's contemporary design and built in a sensitive area (within a Conservation Area and over looked by a Grade I listed building), the house has provoked debate, controversy and support from all sides of the community.

The brief was to design an open plan family house, with loads of light, space for the children and adults alike that would meet with our changing needs over many years to come. To further add to his challenge, we wanted as many environmental and sustainable design and build features as possible.
We had a very tight budget and a plot with existing tin roofed buildings made from a mix of block work, and cob and stone which had to be integrated into the final design.

Designing and building a house requires a successful two way client/architect relationship. PDM Design offered really useful advise and techniques to help us identify and communicate our needs and design preferences. The design, including clear plans and a model, and the application submission demonstrated great professionalism and understanding of the bureaucratic framework that is our planning process.

We are very happy with the result and wouldn't think twice about retaining PDM Design in the future.

For us working with pdm was an extremely collaborative process, which is what we were hoping for in an architect. Phil was not prepared to be cowed by the stifling conventions of the latter day “vernacular”. Working within the confines set by the local “Preservation Society”, he was able to make bold design statements which made reference to the nautical history of the town. But he was also able to do this without creating crass hackneyed motifs.  

We had a fairly clear idea on how we wanted to proceed and at each turn Phil would steer us in a creative and functional direction which produced wonderful results. Each decision Phil made adhered to the core concept of creating space and light from a small and dark starting point. Phil has a tremendous sense of materials and works hard to ensure that the integrity of his design is enhanced with judicious and intelligent use of wood, glass and stainless steel.

We were on a very constrained budget and at no point did Phil take advantage of this, he always stuck to the original brief and was tireless in ensuring that we achieved the greatest artistic impact from ingenious detailing.

We hope that when we are in a position to do it, Phil will be given full creative license to design and build our dream home.

THE STRAND

The brief was to renovate a Grade I listed house sited within a high profile conservation area whilst adding to the living space in a contemporary way - creating excitement from the juxtaposition of old and new.

pdm Design succeeded.

The ideas incorporated into the design, the use of materials and light have a huge impact on anyone entering the building - and they were able to retain the atmosphere of my home. I would always recommend Philip for adventurous and sensitive projects.

What I hadn't appreciated before we started was how invaluable Philip would be in his astute and professional management of the building team, our neighbours, the suppliers and the local authorities - not to mention the Customer! I look forward to the possibility of working with them again.