Shear Architectural Design Limited

I would like to thank Darryl (& Debbie) for the great work in completing the drawings for a front boundary wall and then the persistence and significant efforts in overcoming the challenges of getting it through planning and gaining approval. Friendly and helpful though out, Darryl and the team were very supportive at all stages of the process.

We have just completed an extension to our home. From the very beginning Darryl executed the brief to transform our property whilst maintaining a feeling that it was part of the original design. We are delighted with the result and I have no hesitation in recommending Shear Architecture to anyone considering a similar extension. Very happy with everything.

I don’t usually write reviews, but I want to share my positive experience of Darryl and his architectural practice. Darryl recently designed a lovely garage conversion for me, and he expertly guided the project through the planning process. Throughout the project he demonstrated a high level of professionalism and attention to detail. He has also been highly responsive, ensuring clear and transparent communication. Working with Darryl and his team has been a very enjoyable experience, and I am very impressed by the quality of the work and the value provided. I highly recommend Darryl for his excellent work and service.

Very happy with the plans was always helpful and on call when we needed him or any questions to ask we will continue to use for all our up and coming projects

Darryl helped us redesign our 1930's bungalow to help create a lovely home which now flows perfectly. He also helped us with planning permission and building regulations for a rear and side extension. Darryl was patient with us through our design process, as material costs increased, we had to adapt and think about what could be realistically achieved within budget, which meant a couple of redesigns. All these changes were made very quickly and helpfully. Darryl stayed in contact until our building contractors were in place, who he also recommended and they have been great. We've not quite finished our project and we are hoping to enlist Darryl's help again for the final stage.

We called Darryl with a question looking for advice and an initial discussion. He called in to see us and the bits we were thinking of changing. Gave us some good advice, told us honestly that he was already busy on a few other projects and since ours was simple, we probably could finish off ourselves the drawings we had started. Gave a bit of further advice to help us - all for free. Would be a first stop for any larger works.

We chose Shear Architectural because they are a Which? Trusted Trader and we received a 5 star service from beginning to end. Everyone we dealt with at Shear was knowledgeable and efficient. Nothing was too much trouble. We would not hesitate to recommend them and now have both planning permission and building regs for our extension in record time.

We received good service from Darryl and co from start to finish and we are very pleased with the advice and drawings provided. There was a difficult challenge along the way, which was resolved effectively and amicably by Darryl. I am not experienced at evaluating the cost of this type of work, so it is difficult for me to rate on value - but the costs were as I had expected.

Daryl was great and give us plenty of ideas always very helpful and his team will be using again for certain for sure with his good knowledge. Fantastic work and plans we are so happy, also he recommended a fantastic builder as well which was great.

Darryl picked up my commercial development project after two other architects had started work and then let me down. 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!

Darryl has been enormously helpful and a real pleasure to work with. He produced fantastic plans for our conservatory and was really good at keeping in touch throughout. Excellent service from start to finish. We can't recommend him and his company highly enough.

Very happy with Daryl from the start always on hand for us for questions and helped through all processes and building regs we will be using again for sure for future projects.

Darryl and Shear has been great to work with. He really took his time to understand what we were looking for with the addition of space to our 1930's bungalow. Drawings and modifications were turned around very quickly and we found hime very responsive to all questions.

We had an outline plan in our minds of how we wanted to maximise expanding our house whilst maintaining its cottage feel. Darryl personally visited us and showed us how we could substantially increase volume upstairs to add 3 bedrooms and an ensuite within the footprint, under permitted development. Darryl arranged for his surveyor to call around followed by an engineer and all went to the timescales we were given. Although the local Planning department imposed untenable restrictions, Darryl used his initiative and contacts to reason with the case manager and swiftly agreed to submit full planning. Once again, planning let us down but Darryl immediately got into this and achieved the desired result we needed. It was comforting to deal with a proactive professional who understands how planning officers think and work. So not only were we given a fixed price and a step by step plan of action but when there were frustrating problems with the local authority, Darryl’s experience and abilities to deal and solve planning problems came to light. We have another project in mind and we will definitely be using Shear Architectural Design Ltd for this.

Darryl has an excellent sense of design and can easily translate ideas into technical drawings, and incorporate structural and electrical elements into his design. He is easy going, with a calm and relaxed demeanour, and a focused mind which sees tasks completed on time. He can quickly adapt his designs and workload, and does so competently without any stress or pressure. He approaches the challenges of his work with an unfazed attitude, and is good with communicating his ideas, thoughts and plans. A great guy who gets the job done to a high standard!