As part of looking at creative industries, I have been introducing my son who is now starting GCSE prep, to how the world works. It was a remarkable experience and a pleasure to have been given the opportunity to visit Nick Steward in the GALLIVANT workshop/studio in Dalston. GALLIVANT is a multi-award-winning independent perfume range, founded …
Master midcentury modern design principles with this simple and snappy interior design handbook. Do you love rich and vibrant timeless design? Are you on a budget and planning a project based on this hot trend? Are you excited to find out how to create the look for your home, hotel or motel? Architect, interior designer, …
Interested in a free Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of my interior design book out next month? I’d be thrilled if you’d like to put it in a story, and/or to review it. It’s a concise illustrated handbook called “Midcentury Modern: 15 Interior Design Ideas.” An easy read ebook, only 72 pages, colour photos on every …
This sounds like the title of the kind of English composition you had to do when you were 11. Actually I did feel like I was 12 again during lockdown when being at home felt neverending, that you’d never grow up or leave the cage. I lost 6 projects, the designs of which I had …
If anybody remembers ink on Vellum I’d be gobsmacked. While decluttering and clearing out my office, I just found my old drawings (bathroom details, 1:5) from when I first started my practice. Nostalgia “awwww” moment. Drafting/draughting was a way of understanding an entire building from beginning to end – like writing a book. You can’t …
I am working on a very interesting live-work unit space with the working areas in the front of the building and the living space at the rear. It has to be a flexible, informal area because there might be guests or collaborative colleagues, and there might be entertaining. At the same time, when there are …
It is not the language but the 5000 year old culture that is challenging because it is the very antithesis of European culture. 1. If someone pays you a compliment you do NOT say thank you. It is deemed immodest, crass and a conversation killer. You return the compliment straightaway by giving a camaraderie act of humility with a …
This is a good list to pin or tape up to the tea making facility area in your site hut (file under Site Notice and Contact Numbers). It will really help your site communication if you can make an effort. You also want to understand what they are saying amongst themselves. It has taken me …
It’s not for everyone, but it helps to know the lingua franca. If you have the local accent, even better (“bet’ah”). Innit. CHIPPY (sl.): Not the Chinese takeaway cum fish and chip shop, but a slang for carpenter. eg “Yeah. We’ll ge’ th’ chippy knock owt tha’ stud wall.” SPARKY (sl.): electrician. COURSE: a horizontal row of bricks. eg …
Extensions An addition or extension to your house is generally considered to be permitted development. Different rules apply to flats and maisonettes, which if you are extending, you will require PP. If your house is in Conservation Area or is a listed building, chances are there may be restrictions specific to your area or property, …
