Architectural technician for conversions or extensions in Scotland: Check out this new Edinburgh business
With decades of experience of conversions and extensions this new architectural associate practice is ready to help you make your house your dream home.
Having building work done can be a daunting prospect – not only the disruption to family life and the mess but the overwhelming planning, paperwork and project management that goes into bringing it all together.
That’s where people like Steven Gray come into their own. He’s the man behind a new company Gray Architectural Associates, who brings with him over two decades of experience in the field and a further background in hands-on construction.
And, as a keen drummer and current member of two bands, he is used to multi-tasking – and will make sure your project doesn’t get snared up in red tape.
Open up the possibilities with an extension or conversion
Whether you need an extra bedroom, a home office or hobby room, or a bigger living area to suit a growing family or changing lifestyle then converting or extending your home can be a cost-effective way to achieve just what you need without the upheaval of a house move.
Steven, who is skilled to take on domestic as well as commercial work as a certified architectural technologist, has worked for himself, other businesses and a private employer since qualifying 25 years ago.
Working in and around Edinburgh he is familiar not only with the types of houses and local architecture, but with planning rules and regulations, building regulations and permissions and of course, has built up an enviable contacts book within the industry and with builders and contractors who can ultimately carry out the work, once all plans are in place.
“Getting through the process of getting plans approved can be a bit daunting,” says Steven, who can handle all the paperwork from drawing up plans to planning approval, warrant approval, getting all the paperwork ready for builders, giving a realistic idea of timescales and finding and appointing a building contractor.”
Taking a project from start to finish
Most architectural technicians will draw up your plans, and get all the paperwork and permissions in place and hand over the drawings and materials list to the builders. But Steven’s business can go the extra mile
“Getting good contractors and getting a good relationship with reliable construction teams is vital and something I’ve worked on. This means I can also put work out to tender and can check for quality control. Then once the contractor has finished I can arrange for the completion certificate, which will be needed when and if the property comes up for sale in the future.
Big and small, from East to West
Whether it’s a straight-forward loft or garage conversion, building a simple single story add-on room, right through to more complicated full building conversions, Steven has the expertise, and can handle and all the potential permissions that go along with old buildings, conservation areas and listed building consents.
“In the past few years I’ve worked on projects as diverse as a large steadings conversion, transforming a Grade A listed building to eight flats through to drawing up plans for a very basic square room extension with a very low budget.”
“I have a lot of experience with older buildings, and traditional construction techniques and materials, and the challenges of bringing them up to modern standards.”
But he’s just as comfortable working with modern materials and designs.
“What people want will depend very much on their circumstances, the building itself and ultimately I’ll work with their budget and what is achievable,” he said.
The man behind the kit
When not at work, it’s family, home and music that takes up much of Steven’s time. Having moved from a flat to a house in Edinburgh it not only gives him space for a home office, but means he can practice his drumming without annoying the neighbours!
Back in the late ‘80s his then band had some vinyl success with the records being picked up by the late, great John Peel, securing a Peel Session for Radio 1. The band also organised the first Scottish tour for, and supported The Wedding Present.
Music fans – particularly those who love indie rock and have fond memories of the 80s music scene – will find a kindred spirit in Steven. But all his clients will be treated to his friendly, approachable and down-to-earth attitude, giving them peace of mind to know your project doesn’t miss a beat.
Find out more
As well as working in and around Edinburgh Steven is available for work further afield from Glasgow to North Berwick and Dundee to the borders.
So, whatever your needs, just pick up the phone for an informal chat with Steven on Gray Architectural Associates or email [email protected]
Or visit Gray Architectural Associates website.