3 minute read
Hamptons Brighton talks to Sussex architect Mike Bliss.
Tell us about the background of Mike Bliss Architecture?
I feel very lucky: I am a RIBA chartered architect, with 25 years’ experience in the industry and love my job more than ever. Having been a director in a commercial based practice, I took the leap and started up as a sole trader in 2012. This gave me the freedom and opportunity to focus on residential projects where my real interests lay. Since then, MBA has been successful in developing schemes and projects throughout Surrey and Sussex, ranging from small extensions to one off houses and small developments. I pride myself on having an in-depth knowledge of residential design and the vagaries of planning policy and law.
What’s your customer process from receiving that initial enquiry?
My relationship with the client drives and informs the process. From receiving the enquiry, my first action will always be to meet with the client, on site, to discuss their hopes and aspirations and to develop the brief; the most important part of the whole project. I will ensure I understand what they want to achieve with the design; how they want to use the finished building and any potential limitations to the design e.g. budget restrictions, neighbours, planning policy. Following my appointment, I will then arrange for any necessary surveys to be undertaken and prepare the existing drawings. Now I can start the exciting part - the design process. This will be done in conjunction with the client, sharing thoughts and ideas as the scheme develops. Once a plan has been agreed, I will then prepare any necessary planning applications and submit to the relevant local authority. On receipt of the approval, I will work up all technical and working drawings allowing competitive quotes to be received from builders.
What characteristics set you apart from other practices?
As a sole trader, I’m with you through the whole journey as I will be personally involved in every single part of the project from start to finish. My mission from the outset is to truly understand what my client wants to achieve, working as a collaborative team to achieve a finished design we will all be proud of.
Could you illustrate an example of a residential development you worked on locally and the outcome for your client?
I have recently completed a project on a previously converted stable. The original spaces were compact with separate small kitchen, dining room and lounge. The brief was to develop a rear extension that created space for the whole family to use on a day to day basis, was good for entertaining and that related to the garden. The finished scheme met the brief and created a beautiful doubleheight, glazed, gable-ended extension that was sympathetic to the original house but that provided a modern open plan solution.
What is the most pleasing aspect of your job?
Walking away from a project and knowing the client is happy with the finished design and that it has met the brief and benefits their daily lives.
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