Let’s face it—most of us don’t really know what we want. We might say, “I’d like to have a good time,” or “I want to be more confident,” but when asked to elaborate, we often struggle. Yet, we all know that clear goals and precision are essential to achieving desired results. This applies whether you're trying to lose weight or develop a property. A clear vision of the end result, down to the tiniest detail, is crucial.

Gaining planning approval is the most critical step for every project. It can literally make it or break it. If the project doesn't pass planning, all the grand ideas and aspirations are for the bin. This experience applies to star projects like those skyscrapers in our cities and the tiny little extensions in your neighbour's courtyard.

It's about thoughtfulness. Elegant architecture focuses on a building's essence, proportions, relationship with its surroundings, and well-designed interiors.

Let's explore the characteristics and elements of elegance and how they enhance architectural and interior design projects.

Building a dream home is supposed to be one of the most exciting and fulfilling experiences for every family and yet, often, it turns into the worst nightmare ever imagined to be possible. The statistics show that 1 in 10 couples get divorced during or just after the construction project they undertook for their home.

And here we are - the kids have left the nest and you feel lost in that big house which was full of life just until recently. You are wondering if you should swap it for something smaller but then you fear you’ll only see the kids for an occasional lunch as they would not have a room to sleep in… No one can predict the future, but right now you have the space and time for yourself - two things you have been missing badly at times. Let’s look at what you could do with that space and time:

If you want to prove your design ideas' viability, 'Kill your darling' might be your first call to action. This approach involves proposing the opposite of what you consider your best idea to date and challenging it. Here is how it works.

Triangle relationships have never been easy, regardless of the context and position of the participants. If it’s about love affairs, friendships or working teams: groups of two or four seem to be easier, clearer and more manageable. And yet there are situations, like in a construction process, where three is the number we are stuck with and need to deal with.

Those three parties are tightly connected in contractual relationships from start till completion of a project and how good this relationship is, determines to a large degree the success of the work.

So let’s see how this triangle engagement can work from a design and construction point of view.

You’ve been dreaming for ages of that large refurbishment and extension you’d like to undertake to your property. You have some good savings sitting in the bank and the house is due to be remortgaged soon anyway. But you read the news and all you hear is interest rates are rising and the market is playing crazy. So what to do?

We kicked off September with a visit to the beautiful city of Munich to attend the Monocle ​Quality of Life Conference​. What an experience! The city was gorgeous in the late summer sun, with a blue sky sprinkled with white clouds and a friendly, typically Bavarian atmosphere.

Let’s suppose you still need to determine the details of your project due to funds, or perhaps a challenging location, or particular planning requirements. A feasibility study is a great way to explore your existing situation and proposed options before fully committing to the project.

The reasons why neighbours complain when construction work is about to begin next door are multiple. But the number of complaints is exceptional and surprising, with the result being much the same every time.

Maybe you are wondering if you can save cost and skip the measured survey. This article will show you why is it better to commit to that step and to do that at the start of the project.

In the middle of the autumn season, we'd like to have a closer look at architectural photography. In this time of the year, nature turns our surroundings into an impressive set of dominant colours. This is an excellent occasion for taking pictures of buildings and interiors using the soft light of the changing nature.

What is the usual project trajectory?

A construction project can feel overwhelming and confusing, regardless of its size and purpose. The RIBA Plan of Work sets out a project plan in 7 stages, but for the sake of simplicity, some of the stages can be combined, and many projects run through fewer stages than seven.

Once you've decided you will need an Architect to assist you with your project, the question becomes how to choose one. Each project is unique and not every Architect will be the right choice. Here are five steps that will help you to identify the professional best suited to you and your property.