Alasdair Robertson Architecture

We bought a delightful, run-down stone cottage which had location and potential on its side - but needed vision and inspiration. After battling with ideas, we searched for an architect who might share our enthusiasm and add creativity to the mix... and after interviewing many over Zoom (during covid) we instantly clicked with Alasdair. We asked him to measure up for what we thought would be a fairly routine two-storey extension. But his creative input fired our imagination and within a short time we had beautiful drawings for a loft conversion with three dormers - and hip-roofed sunroom which fitted wonderfully on the side of the cottage. Thanks to Alasdair, a project that was at risk of being ordinary turned out to be spectacular and we now have a gorgeous house with a top-floor suite which is generous, even sensational - and has the views over town rooftops to rolling countryside that our architect promised. Together we have really done justice to a tired old building and created a comfortable, workable home that also turns heads. Alasdair excelled with vision, ideas, attention to detail and knowledge of local techniques, traditions and materials. He was friendly and flexible and never tried to upsell his services. After settling on the design we did our best to manage the project with the builder - but he was there for us whenever we needed his creative or technical contribution and actually proved significantly more cost-effective than any of the more corporate-style architecture practices we initially spoke to. We were delighted with our choice. If you want an architect who listens, understands - thinks and works like an individual and becomes a friend and partner in your project - speak to Alasdair.

Selecting Alasdair to work on our project from the start through to the end made the process very efficient and enjoyable, resulting in a high quality and aesthetically pleasing building and within budget!!. With his professional, but friendly approach, he was able to guide us through the conceptual stage of the design and then liaised with our oak frame specialist and our builders, to turn it into a high quality and stunning final design. This then meant when work started in the oak fabrication yard and then move on site, everything ran smoothly and all elements came together effectively and all parties had a great working relationship on site. We always felt everyone was working together for us to produce a high quality end result. He demonstrated a great understanding of the needs of the National Park planners and the local building control, and clearly has a good professional working relationship with both at an individual level and an organisational level. So we now have a building that we are so proud of and enjoyed all the steps along the way, thanks to Alasdair. So thank you Alasdair. (I have a professional background in large infrastructure projects and so know how things can go badly wrong if not managed well from the start)

I worked with Alasdair, in my role as Client Advisor, on a new residential project in Taunton. I would not hesitate to to recommend him as the Architect on future projects. His design was well conceived with clever use of materials, yet was sensitive to the site and its environment. The contemporary design complimented the Victorian houses on either side, in the townscape location, utilising the same design elements in a new refreshing manner. The information flow to the contractor was of a high quality and reflected a keen attention to detail. Alasdair was always willing to visit site to clarify queries and to check quality. His working relationship with the Council Building Control office also ensured that the project was completed successfully.

I am a Chartered Surveyor in Minehead and have used Alasdair on my own projects and recommend him to clients. I have received excellent feedback on Alasdair and consider him to be a specialist on properties in the Exmoor National Park.

We were looking for an architect to guide the design of major extensions (kitchen-diner, master bedroom with ensuite, hall and utility remodelling) to our cottage in a rural setting. Alasdair's ideas for the house and setting were sympathetic and helpful. Unlike some other architects we contacted he was willing to challenge our ideas and build on them. The result was a better solution. We used Alasdair during the build to help with issue resolution, which will occur in renovations, and to manage meetings. His professional and even balanced approach has helped the process and resulted in a lovely, practical home.

Our original idea was for a large conservatory but on reading an article in the Exmoor magazine about an extension Alasdair had designed we invited him to visit to discuss ideas. We are both delighted with the end result which is so much more than we had envisioned. In addition to the design, Alasdair managed the planning application (including bat surveys and a structural engineer), prepared the contract for the builder and was on hand to provide advice throughout the build. We would not hesitate to recommend Alasdair.

Having already seen several of Alasdair’s completed design projects I was confident when asking him to design and oversee my barn conversion. Alasdair has shown the professional know-how and experience needed to see the project successfully through the complexities of planning paperwork. He remained calm and respectful at all times, and was creative and patient when dealing with my request for extra storage! His understanding of the use of natural light, even in small amounts, has transformed this old working barn into a light and beautifully open living space.

Alasdair has advised, overseen and project-managed several projects in our 200 year old cottage over the last ten years. Insertion of half dormer window to match six other existing windows. Re-designing a jaded 1960s bathroom into a bathroom with a WOW factor. He is very creative in his use of space, knocking down walls and creating new doorways to improve the flow of the cottage. He pays great attention to detail and ensures that any alterations will be in keeping with the character of the house.

Mr Robertson was worth every penny! He was instrumental in guiding us through many hoops when it came to renovating our listed cottage. He was able to give us good ideas and took the heat out of all the overwhelming paperwork that was essential for the job. He liaised with Exmoor Park and was able to deal with any hiccups in a calm and professional way. He was always polite and explained things to us in layman terms when necessary. Mr Robertson worked to our finances and was always "on the case" as it were. Without him, the cottage would not look as stunning as it is today.