StudioDH

Daniel Harvey was introduced to us by mutual friends as a young but enthusiastic architect, with the strong recommendation that we should at least explore his ideas for our project. Our brief to him was simple – “make the most of the sea views, build it strong to withstand the weather, a beautiful bathroom and dressing room, and our classic cars sharing our home.” I defined the desired style as “seaside architecture, like all the houses I remember from my childhood – big, white, black windows and a turret.” (You just gotta have a turret!)At the first try Daniel absolutely nailed it. We engaged him without hesitation to develop the detailed plans and to project manage the entire process. Now the house is complete, we are in awe of his ability to have seen right from the start exactly what we wanted (probably clearer even than we did) and then to bring it to pass; our decision to place ourselves in his hands has been entirely vindicated. He was determined in the face of our doubts, he resisted budget cuts when we started to lose our nerve, he explained things to us at all stages, he was confident without being arrogant, and he never faltered once in his vision of what was needed to make the most of the fabulous site overlooking the North Sea.Newly starting his own practice in York, Daniel was untiring and conscientious from the start, working closely with our builder Rob Davies (Oak Construction). Although two completely different characters, Daniel and Rob bonded quickly and complemented each other perfectly; it was heart-warming to watch their professional relationship, friendship and mutual respect develop during the build.Daniel’s capacity for detail seemed endless. His project management and resource finding skills were exemplary throughout. He sourced all major elements from the best suppliers in the most cost-effective way. Such was our confidence in Daniel that from foundations level onwards we left him and the builder to it, spending our time travelling the canals of England on our narrowboat. We spoke regularly on the phone and visited on site just one day each month to make decisions on Daniel’s proposals and to check progress. This proved a supremely workable solution for all concerned and saved us from all those costly mind-changes that clients are prone to introduce.Above all else, we enjoyed working with Daniel. Always positive, unerringly enthusiastic, a constant ball of energy, nothing was ever too much trouble for him. Daniel rarely if ever brought us problems, he was always ready with the solution to any challenge before we even knew of it. But the biggest test of all – would we work with him again? Absolutely. He’s a very clever man and a consummate professional.We were complete novices to building and I know we couldn’t and wouldn’t have achieved our aim of creating our dream home – this dream home – without Daniel. We thank him unreservedly.Martin Smith MBE and Jo Wise – “The clients”Poet’s ViewWhitby

The architectural team we worked with at StudioDH is truly outstanding. Not only was Daniel and the team incredibly talented and brilliant in their designs, but they also brought a vibrant energy to our renovation project.Their approachable nature made our project effortless whilst giving clear communication and always ensuring they listen to our specific needs. Their expertise is evident in their efficiency and the quality of their work from start to finish. They not only helped us create a superb home but working with them felt like a collaboration and was genuinely fun. Their experience combined with their personable approach makes them a standout choice.Incredible multi-talented team – a brilliant bunch.

For 20 years we loved living in the glorious extension room at Isgaerwen. We knew when we downsized to Ruthin we wanted again some of Daniel’s magic. We’ve got it! An imaginative use of space has transformed the internal flow. A re-design of the living room takes full advantage of the mature gardens & rolling hills. The indoor/ outdoor connection is delightful - so happy & grateful. Michael & Rolande & family.

Daniel was wonderful in creating a design that worked for us and our aspirations. He really listened to what we wanted our life at home to be like and focused on how the different design features would make the way we wanted to live a reality. Wheelchair accessibility, a child-inclusive space and light, open-plan living were our priorities and Daniel's designs gave us that.

Daniel provided an excellent service on a residential project, converting a large lower ground floor into a new living and kitchen space that opened up to the garden. Having previously worked with Daniel on a number of commercial work projects in the past, I was really pleased to be working with him once again.

I highly recommend Daniel and StudioDH. Having first met with an extremely dry local architect who was the opposite of inspiring, Daniel was recommended to me by two separate friends and described by one as ‘a visionary’. I found him to be very helpful and empathetic towards my needs regarding remodelling my family home. Always prompt to respond to any queries which alleviated any anxiety I had about the project and a patient problem solver. Loved his energy and obvious love of architecture!

We are main contractors in York (Adie’ Construction), working with Daniel on one of his incredible residential projects. I’m brimming with pride after they won the best architectural award for Poet’s View in Whitby. Congratulations, that project looks outstanding what an incredible house! I also wanted to mention how much everyone at Adie’s Construction respect and admire the values you have. Humility, passion, enthusiasm, excellence, kindness, drive and creativity are but a few we have identified. It has been a pleasure working with Daniel and his team and fantastic to be able to share in their achievements and success. That award is a testament not just to the design but to everything Daniel brings with it. We look forward to working with Daniel on many future projects to come.

My wife and I have always said how lucky we were to have found Daniel through a simple internet search for local architects. People who are innovative, experienced, dedicated and extremely personable are often much harder to find.Daniel took us step by step through a whole house renovation from a property divided into 10 bedsits to our dream family home that contains some really inspiring architectural features.The new kitchen, built where some derelict outbuildings once stood, has an all-glass roof with criss-crossing aluminium beams and Crittall style doors that bring in some fantastic light and shadows, and afford a panoramic view of the clouds and the garden.The ceiling in our master bathroom was raised to its full height of 15 metres and long vertical skylights were installed, again to create a fascinating display of light and shadow. I don't think we would have had the courage to go through with these ideas without Daniel's experience of the use of glass in windows and doors, and his encouragement to pursue the ideas that would really bring us lasting pleasure and not always feel like a compromise.I imagine that a lot of architects are interested in the most creative side of their projects and lose interest in the more mundane aspects. We can't say that of Daniel. He was always on top of the little details that, if left unconsidered, can bring a project to a standstill.In addition, I believe his fees were very reasonable and in line with what RIBA recommends.I have no hesitation in heartily recommending him to anyone.

We’ve been working with Daniel and his team on an innovative accommodation project for the past few months. Daniel exudes positivity and excitement, which is accompanied by unrivalled level of professionalism, skill and experience. We appreciate Daniel’s in-depth understanding of our requirements and ambitions. It’s very refreshing to find someone you can trust completely to have your best interest at heart and have full confidence in them.

Daniel and his creative team of architects designed us an incredible house on our land in Thailand. We loved it so much we have built 2 more since! The builders in Thailand told us they were the clearest and most detailed construction drawings they have ever seen and love the design. Daniel has also helped us to re-imagine our house in the UK, transforming it with an impressive new extension and clever internal reconfiguration. We want to thank Daniel and his team for a most excellent service, we highly recommend StudioDH to anyone who wants a knowledgeable, professional and personable team to find the most imaginative architectural solutions.