Bluelime Home Design

Very happy with the service, and the architect came up with some interesting ideas
Apr 13th, 2023

I came across Bluelime by chance last year when on a mission to do an almost full rebuild/extension project with all the bells and whistles. Initially we met in January 2022 and I insisted that I had to have this done during the summer this year. Bluelime have been honest and professional it was almost mission impossible. However, we agreed to go ahead with the drawings and planning permissions, and I took the risk of it being approved, whole progressing with the selection, internals designs and planning. By April-May all the planning was approved and Bluelime have put forward a few trusted construction companies that might have availability for a last-minute project. Eventually I decided to go ahead with Alan Tutton and this was the best decision I made. Project begun in August and in November we are now moving in. It wasnt cheap, but worth to have a builder/PM you can trust not many left up there! Thanks Bluelime and Alan!
Nov 22nd, 2022

REVIEW REGARDING THE DARTFORD BRANCH: (Disclaimer - We have only just applied for planning permission, so I will update if this experience changes, we still have a long way to go) We had a compartmentalised house with small rooms and an awkward layout. After mulling over whether we needed an Architect or just a builder to follow our designs, we opted to go for a Professional Architect (rather than an architectural technologist + Interior designer). My wife and I had completely different ideas on how we should change the layout and eventually went for an architect to be able to agree on the final layout. We had Mark who came out and he was very well versed with designing (though not an architect himself) - this is the reason he has been sent out initially due to his impressive skills - very good way to attract a client. As pointed out in the last 2 reviews, by John & Jessica, we did not get a choice of an architect. Whilst we were not looking for something as radical in design (as those shown in TV serials like "your home made perfect") we were looking for some inspirational ideas but these were not forthcoming by our allocated architect. Eventually, we did arrive at the final layout, pretty much with a design constructed by us. To be fair with the architects, it probably is a difficult balance to achieve in getting the clients what they want; versus a design they they want to give us. I would also suggest to any prospective clients to ask for a second opinion from another architect in the firm, if you do not agree with your own architect's design. For example, we had to get Barry from Bluelime involved when our own Architect insisted on "fire-doors" in an unusual configuration, rather than a sprinkler system (Barry's idea), which was much more acceptable. It is not very apparent that you only get 3 goes at changing your plans and if you want to change them changed after this, you have to pay the Architect by the hour. Even if this was mentioned somewhere, it is not something we "heard" and found out the hard way that any further changes need to be paid for. It is not that expensive, however, to change the plans and I am happy that we decided to do some changes, albeit at an expense. (We got mis-directed by a review by T.D. 2 years ago, which mentions that they agreed on final plans after 10 changes - we assumed that one can change plans till these go to design submission). My advise to future customers - do not "provisionally" agree to a design for submission till you are entirely happy with the full layout. Clearly (& thankfully) we do not have another Architect to compare with and overall, I found this Company very professional so far. Designing a reconfiguration is very stressful business and it is comforting to note that there is a Professional Company looking after your back. Would I hire them again? - YES. In fact, I have recommended them to a colleague, who was going to go for a smaller firm and another 2 of my friends, who are looking to do similar work as us. Thanks Darren, Barry, Mark & Team.
Apr 27th, 2022

We are currently in the process of our drawings being submitted for planning permission. The service provided by Matt has been fast and efficient, and we are very pleased with the designs. Thank you.
Feb 17th, 2022

We are at planning permission submission at the moment for a dormer loft conversion and other changes to the internal layout. There is a wealth of information provided which is very helpful, and they are ready to answer any queries that you could have. Having thought about works for a long time, we had watched many programs about home design. We expected to get a choice of architect as they may have different ideas on how to approach the project. We didn't get a choice however, Matt who has been our architect has met the brief fully and we are pleased with the design. We had the gold package and were provided with the VR Experience in the deal. It was very useful, giving us a good perspective on the space in the new rooms, we made a slight change following it, which we may not have otherwise. We are looking forward to the next stages.
Feb 14th, 2022