M2, Manchester
DSQUARE ARCHITECTS is a Manchester-based practice with a passion for enhancing environments through intelligent, creative design. Our particular specialism is in the residential sector, but we also have expertise in the commercial, office, hospitality and industrial spheres.
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12 customer reviews
Paul
Fantastic to work with, extremely helpful and professional. A great experience from start to finish. Would highly recommend and wouldn't think twice about using again.
Chris A
We instructed David to design our loft and side return extension and to remodel some of our existing spaces. His thoughtful and creative design has resulted in a more cohesive and balanced house, and has massively improved our use and enjoyment of it. He also guided us through the various planning and building regs stages, providing invaluable advice and ensuring timely completion of all of the necessary steps. We wouldn’t hesitate to call on David again for our next project. More...
Juliet Miles
David drew up some excellent plans for me and adapted them patiently when I kept having 'another idea'. My circumstances changed and I didn't proceed with the build but I would have been very happy for David to have completed the planning application for me. I have no hesitation in recommending David - he was approachable, creative and thoroughly professional throughout my dealings with him. More...
Nicole Goh
David was friendly and approachable. He designed and sorted out the building and planning application for me. I have no hesitation recommending him.
Saeed
DSquare Architects fully understood our home improvement objectives and offered us a number of solutions in a very short period of time. One of which we selected. Very efficient and very good value. Thanks More...
Mel Hemmings
David was a great help to me and my family throughout our dealings with him. Although our project did not go ahead due through to completion as we intended due to external factors, he was always more than happy to help, easy to work with and understood our needs from start to finish.
Thanks again for all your help David!
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Craig Mckay
A professional from start to finish. Dave guided us from start to finish. His designs were excellent and functional. He liaised with our builders at every step.
I can thoroughly recommend DSqaure architect. Cheers.
Craig
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Lauren
David was very quick to respond to my enquiry about a loft conversion. He has been very professional /efficient and patient with me and my husband.
He responds immediately to any concerns or questions.
He has liaised with our builders regularly and has done an amazing job. I have already recommended him to two people on my street.
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David
Architectural Services
Quick to respond to initial query and any questions thereafter. Friendly, knowledgable and listens to us as customers offering professional advice and suggestions. Highly recommend!
Paul Walukiewicz
Loft Conversions
David is a lovely guy. Personable, professional and quickly responds to enquiries. Really happy he has taken up our project and offered at lot of common sense advice around planning and building regs. I would not hesitate to recommend
Alan Drysdale
David was recommended to us by a builder we had consulted regarding a lounge extension. He visited us at home, and after listening to our ideas advised a few minor amendments to enable us to achieve our objectives with the minimum of disruption.
David produced detailed drawings and after a second home visit incorporated a couple of new ideas. He liaised with the local planning authority and obtained quotes from other builders.
All in all it has been a pleasure to have David as our architect, he is professional, punctual and his fees are clear and reasonable.
Alan & Jackie
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Roxanne
David was patient with us from the start, helping us form a vision of how our new home may look, being indecisive this was a great help, he give plenty of options with pros and cons explained in detail.
When we did come to our decision and plans were drawn, we instructed builders.
Through the build questions came up and David was always very supportive giving advice and explaining next steps and even checking in with the builders on our behalf.
When David says he will do something, he does. His pride in his work is evident, his customer service goes above and beyond. We genuinely felt in safe and creative hands. We couldn’t recommend him enough!
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How can someone tell if their Garage is suitable for conversion?
Most garages are capable of a conversion, many without formal planning permission. The main concerns are thermal comfort and water-tightness. Besides, they were made for a car to reside in.
In terms of a thermal upgrade, walls, floors and roofs exposed to the elements will need to be insulated. In terms of keeping water out, additional weather and damp-proofing will be required. A window or two would also be necessary to enable the room to be classed as a habitable room such as a study or a bedroom.
How can someone tell if their loft is suitable for conversion?
Often the main restriction is the height of the existing loft. We recommend a minimum of 2.4 metres from the top of the existing ceiling joists in the loft (the ones you stand on) to the under side of the ridge board (the highest point). If your existing loft is less than 2.4m, the existing ceilings over your bedrooms will need to be lowered. This obviously comes at an additional expense and disruption to the house.
The most easily converted lofts have gable ends. This is where the walls extend vertically from the lower floors into the loft to meet the roof. Typically, terraced properties have this design. On the contrary, hipped roofs are more difficult to convert. This is where three or four sides of the roof slope downwards, meaning the usable space within the loft is limited. Typically, some semi-detached and detached properties have this design.
Run us through the different stages in the loft conversion process - what’s involved?
Many loft conversions can be undertaken without the requirement of official planning permission. Certain restrictions apply, but if your property benefits from Permitted Development rights, the development potential of a loft is very attractive.
As an example, we are working on a loft conversion which falls within the Permitted Development criteria, which includes the addition of two en suite double bedrooms and a small study - all within the extended loft space.
Although planning permission may not be a requirement, Building Regulations consent and often Party Wall Awards are. Architectural drawings are required for each and this is where we can help. Construction drawing packages and specifications are the final piece to the puzzle which enable the project to be accurately constructed and realised to its full potential.
What do you love most about your job?
Having spent 18 years in the world of architecture, we have learnt that no one project is the same. Every site is unique, every client has a different vision. That's what makes our job so exciting and varied.
Why should our clients choose you?
We are A.R.B. and R.I.B.A. registered architects (yes, we have spent 7 years at university for the privilege). The A.R.B. regulates the architects' profession in the UK and holds its members to high professional standards.
We are specialists in residential design. Whether it is an extension, basement or loft conversion or an internal remodelling, we have the knowledge, experience and design capabilities to help you realise the full potential of your project from day one.
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
We can provide a partial online-only service. The main reason for this is that we undertake our own measured survey of each property, to ensure that accurate drawings can be produced. Aside from the measured survey, design meetings and drawing reviews can be carried out entirely online, via video conference, email or phone call.
What changes have you made to keep your customers safe from Covid-19?
We take the current pandemic very seriously. Where we are required to visit a home or property (usually for a measured survey), we practice social distancing in line with the Government's guidelines and always wear face coverings. Aside from a measured property survey, design meetings and drawing reviews can be carried out entirely online, via video conference, email or phone call.
Architectural Design
Planning Applications
Building Regulations Applications
3D Visualisations
Construction Drawing Packages
Sales/lease Plans
Measured Surveys
Project Management