Ecclesall Design

We were recommended Eccleshall Design by friends who used them a year before. Our experience with Sue and Donatas has been excellent and they have been particularly understanding and flexible around unforeseen circumstances from our side (resulting in a delay of proceedings for over 18 months, for which they would have had every right to get a bit annoyed at us!).We particularly valued the variety and thought that went into different proposed options (about 6 initial designs). As we went into the process of commissioning an architect we thought we knew what we wanted design-wise. On at least one of the other quotes we obtained it stated the offering was only for 1 design to be drawn. Had we gone down this route we would not have resulted in the design we eventually arrived at, which draws on different aspects of the initial options. We’re really happy with the end result.The communication is great with Sue and Donatas, they are always responsive and very professional. Thank you both, we would have no hesitation in recommending you.

Excellent. We approached Ecclesall Design 2-3 years ago seeking advice on dealing with defects to our house, exacerbated by a very exposed location. The prepared solution involved significant building work. They obtained Building Regulations approval and provided an upgraded specification that went beyond Building Regulations requirements in order to better address the exposed location. We had lots of questions and Sue Humphreys answered all our emails promptly with detailed answers and advice. Then covid hit and the building work was delayed until 2022 due to the backlog of work it created for our builder. Once it started we quickly encountered a problem with the Councils Building Control who were now asking for an approach to an aspect of the work that we felt would compromise the objective. After struggling with this problem for a few days I contacted Sue for advice, not really feeling I should have much expectation as it had been a couple of years since she completed the task we had hired her for. Sue responded immediately, holding discussions with the builder and Council over a couple of days and agreed a way forward satisfactory to all parties. We were delighted. Sue even thanked me for giving her the chance to help.Ecclesall Design have provided an excellent service throughout our project.

Only got as far as a query re a quote, and was blown away at the level of detail, knowledge and commitment to getting a successful planning application. Our situation changed so we didn't go ahead with this, but she is first on my list when we do need this again!

Having dreamt of an extension for several years, we felt that we had a clear idea of how we wanted it to look and, to an extent, considered the architectural part, somewhat of a formality necessary for planning permission. How wrong we were! After doing some research, we found Ecclesall Design and it became clear from the impressive and creative designs on their website and social media, that engaging them would add so much value to the project with their innovative concepts and design ideas.We first met Sue and Donatas for the on-site survey and we instantly knew that we had made the right decision. Professional, lovely and immensely knowledgeable, they asked questions and allowed us to share every idea and expectation we had for our project. They absolutely recognised this was a large financial and personal investment for us, and they shared our enthusiasm for creating a more functional and aesthetic home.The most exciting part by far was the presentation meeting where Sue and Donatas presented and explained three different and expertly designed ideas. These ranged from our original more conservative idea to increasingly more adventurous and contemporary designs. To say we were blown away is an understatement. We had chosen the 3D modelling package and have to say, it added such a lot; we could instantly see what our new home could look like, making it much easier to make decisions. We really felt Sue and Donatas had ‘got’ us, they even solved problems (such as bike storage and security) we hadn’t even thought about as being part of the project.Not only were the quality and expertise of the plans second to none (Donatas is frankly incredible and I don’t think there is anything that Sue doesn’t know about planning and design/materials!) but the level of service provided as standard at Ecclesall design is more on par with a ‘platinum package’ elsewhere. Having compared the offer from many architect firms, I can honestly say that their 1:1 extensive consultation, presentation and advice is the USP of Ecclesall Design. Having talked through every element of the plans, and picked Sue and Donatas’s brains till we had no questions left, we were given time to think about which designs we would like to proceed with. This was the tricky part- we loved them all!If, like us, you haven’t got any experience in engaging architects, but do know that you want someone to really listen to you, create excellent designs and build a fantastic working relationship with, I would highly recommend Ecclesall Design.

We found Ecclesall Design via a Google search and decided to go with Sue and Donatas based on their initial response to us in comparison with that of another architect we approached. We haven't once regretted that decision as at every step they have gone above and beyond, and made the process so much easier and more enjoyable than it might have been. As new homeowners, we had no previous experience to bring to our desire for an extension to our little semi, and Sue/Donatas have fielded an unending stream of questions from us about how everything works which has been invaluable. In terms of the design process, they really listened to what we wanted, in great detail, at the start and during the presentation meeting, and ultimately have come up with something that we are really happy with and are excited to take forward to the next step. They also took great pains to explain why things wouldn't work or why some things would work better than others. And through it all their enthusiasm for our little project and the effort they have put into it has been fantastic. Highly recommended for anyone considering an extension to their house.

We have been extremely pleased with the service that we received. Sue and Donatas drew up the plans for our two-storey extension based on our brief and even suggested alternative designs which we had not even considered. They allowed us to make multiple alterations as we kept changing our minds, and the end result is a space that we could only have dreamed of. Sue always went above and beyond and was brilliant at helping in the early stages of the project with builders quotes etc. She was always on hand to help should we need it and using her vast wealth of experience in the building trade. We would highly recommend Ecclesall Design to anyone wanting a professional service and extremely good value for money. We would definitely use them for future projects should we need to.

Sue and Donatas drew the plans for our single storey extension and provided a great service. Sue was very quick to make requested changes to the plans. We started the process when they were part of Millhouses and throughout Sue has been great at overseeing the building project, efficiently and patiently dealing with queries and asking helpful questions when trying to decide on aspects of the build. We've almost finished the building project and we're delighted with how it's all coming together. We are pleased to recommend you and wish you every success with Ecclesall Design.

This is an early review as we are still going through the process, but we have just had our initial proposals presented to us.I would like to say how happy we are at this stage. Nothing has seemed too much trouble, even though we seem to have a had a very long list of demands that really didn’t think would work on our plot. We are planning for an annexe for a family member, and a large renovation to make the rest of the house work for our family.The best thing was being presented with 3 quite differing proposals, and the 3D images really helped us to understand the scale or the proposals, it was also nice to have some features that we didn’t like (as we didn’t realise till we saw them). We are now on to the next phase where we are selecting the best bits of all 3 options, and will see where we get.We have had countless questions along the way (and will have a ton more no doubt) and Sue and Donatas have always been very helpful and patient with us, we are so glad we chose to go with them.Once we get to planning, and hopefully building, we will endeavour to update or leave another review.

My home is a period property in a conservation area, needing a particular approach to extend it whilst maintaining its character and feel, to achieve planning permission. Sue and Donatas at Ecclesall design have a good deal of experience and a personal approach which worked really well for me, as this is my first project.They visited my home twice to get an initial feel of what was required, following this they presented a variety of options and helped me to choose. All revisions and queries were handled really promptly. As a first timer I needed a bit of help with the process of planning permission, building control and structural report. Sue was really helpful in talking me through this along with good advice on selecting the right builder. My build of this project isn't yet underway but I'm confident that Sue at Ecclesall design will keep things on track

We have for some time considered both extending our property into the loft space and a kerb appeal project inclusive of a new garage and more storage space internally. We engaged Ecclesall Design after talking to many different Architects…you know when you get a good feeling. What you get with Sue and Donatas is a wealth of knowledge, experience and brilliant design flair aligned with a very honest approach.Taking a brief from us was done professionally, giving opportunity to get our ideas across. This included an extensive survey. The presentation of 3 options, ranging in complexity was really exciting and inspiring! They had understood our requirements perfectly and interpreted the designs using the 3D visuals which meant we could instantly see the benefits of each design option.The difficulty was picking which option we preferred. Once we had chosen, modifications and revisions were completed quickly and accurately.We are so pleased we decided to work with Sue and Donatas. We are not quite there yet but excited to get the work started this spring.They are a formidable partnership, and I would highly recommend.