Shear Architectural Design has been named Which? Trusted Trader of the Month for August 2023.

Based in Shoreham-by-sea, West Sussex, the hardworking team consists of the founder and five key freelancers.

We spoke to Darryl Shear, Director and Architectural Designer at Shear Architectural Design, to find out more about the business and the benefits they get from being a Which? Trusted Trader.

Stand out from the crowd and become a Which? Trusted Trader today.

Passion leads to performance

‘Architecture was a passion of mine from an early age,’ says Darryl, ‘[it all] started with the idea of being a Lego designer.’ 

This passion fuels the creation of visually pleasing, harmonious designs for buildings with functionality that serve the community and environment.

Darryl says he’s proud of the business: ‘I started it from nothing. We offer outstanding service and detailed drawings, the reviews speak for themselves.’ 

He goes on to explain that the business is ‘driven by a vision to democratise architectural excellence. We steadfastly believe that superior design and robust planning should not be luxuries, but accessible necessities within the reach of all.’

Shear Architectural Design has excellent Which? Trusted Trader reviews, with a 5-star overall rating, 5 stars for customer service and quality, and 4.9 stars for value.

‘Darryl picked up my commercial development project after two other architects had started work and then let me down,’ says a very satisfied customer from West Sussex in a review posted earlier this year. ‘He stepped in quickly, and has given the project all the support and expertise required to bring it to a successful conclusion. Liaising with fire safety, structural engineers, building control and the developer, his input has been invaluable. Highly recommended!’

Building charitable links with the community

The Which? Trusted Trader judging panel was impressed by Shear Architectural Design’s commitment to helping their local community and charities.

‘I really like the community focus they have, with charity donations and working with schools to give aspiring designers better opportunities,’ said one judge. ‘They also prioritise sustainability and making the industry more accessible to people, which is great to see.’

The business sponsors a local football team, Shoreham FC, reciprocating the support received from the community. 

Shear Architectural Design is particularly active in helping the education sector, having completed a project for a special needs school in the local area, and waived all fees. Additionally, the business purchased and donated a scroll saw to another school, to help the teaching of practical skills. 

Shear Architectural Design also collaborates with several nearby schools to offer work-experience opportunities to designers who are just beginning their careers. 

Which? Trusted Trader endorsement demonstrates integrity

Darryl sought Which? Trusted Trader endorsement for his business as he recognised the value, credibility and reputation for quality that it brings.

‘As a firm deeply committed to transparency, quality, and client satisfaction, aligning with a brand that is renowned for championing these very principles made perfect sense to us,’ he says.

‘Throughout the assessment, we found the team at Which? to be fair, professional, and dedicated to ensuring only the best traders receive the endorsement. While it was an intense process, it was an excellent opportunity for us to reflect on our operations and strive for continuous improvement.’

Darryl  finds that customers appreciate their endorsed trader status: ‘[They] view it as a solid guarantee of our dedication to quality service and ethical business operations.

‘Moreover, this endorsement provides an additional layer of protection to our customers, knowing they are partnering with a company that adheres to a trusted code of conduct and is held accountable to a reputable and nationally recognised entity.

‘The feedback we receive from clients consistently underscores the added value and peace of mind this endorsement brings to their experience with us, clearly illustrating their appreciation for our Which? Trusted Trader status.’

Darryl has some advice for any traders considering joining the Which? Trusted Traders scheme: ‘If you believe in yourself and the service you provide, why would you not sign up?’

Congratulations to Shear Architectural Design for winning August 2023’s Which? Trusted Trader of the Month award. 

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