REFERENCES
RUTH TREASURE-SMITH
‘We were introduced to James by a friend who is also an experienced architect. How pleased we are to have trusted her professional judgement.
Our brief for James was to design and acquire planning permission (with some complexities) for an additional building on the plot of our home in North Somerset.
We interviewed three other architects before we met James, but he became our first choice very quickly as the most experienced, understanding and skilled to work with us on our project.
James has that rare combination of precision and fine attention to detail whilst being an excellent communicator and attentive listener. He is at all times honest and thoughtful about every aspect, however small or tricky. He has a very keen eye for aesthetics but also thinks practically about so many details we would never have thought of ourselves. Nothing is ever too much trouble and we have always had a deep sense that he will work on our behalf until each detail is right. He is able to communicate with all parties and trades in the same clear and respectful manner and is universally liked and appreciated by everyone he deals with.
Endlessly patient, he is good humoured, resourceful, and responsive. Not only is he a fabulous, creative designer with excellent and innovative ideas but also a really lovely human being. The collaboration with James has been a very enjoyable and rewarding experience.
We have no hesitation in thoroughly recommending James as a first class and talented architect.
Ruth and Peter T-Smith’
SIMON GIBSON
We were introduced to James early in 2023. We had just bought a barn that was converted into a house in the 1980's and we were keen to make structural and decorative changes as soon as possible including adding new windows and a spectacular entrance which was a reinstatement of an original feature of the barn which had been demolished in the earlier conversion. James came to see us for an initial meeting and we were immediately comfortable with his manner and obvious experience. Working together James produced some excellent drawings which were very detailed for the remodelling of our home and he prepared the planning application quickly and concisely. He cautioned that we were asking for a lot of changes, some of which may not be approved. It was clear he knew the planning pitfalls very well. In fact we ended up getting our planning with no element being refused or compromised thanks to James's direct contact with the planning officer and responding to and dealing with their comments and feedback. Indeed the planning officer commented positively on our plans and whole approach which was thanks to James. James also recommended and liaised with the engineer needed to provide the technical drawings as well as building control. In summary we soon start the work on our barn with full confidence that the end result will be exactly what we hoped for.
PAUL RICHARDS
"We have been working with James to remodel and renovate our 1960’s house in Wrington, North Somerset. We are modernising and improving the layout, look, feel and use of our home and outside space so that it meets our future needs. James has been great. He met with us extensively and spent time to really understand what we were both trying to achieve, balancing our differing ideas and views, and advising on the art of the possible. He went away and came back with a concept and design which we loved from the minute we saw it. We have since refined the proposals and have now got the precise scheme in place which we are going with. Since then, James has helped us secure planning permission, has converted the concepts into detailed designs, secured engineering and other technical inputs and helped us to go to the market with a contract to find a builder. James is easy to work with, responsive and always available. Whilst the project is still to be completed our experience to date is one that means we would highly recommend him."
JONATHAN LIVINGSTON
"James Ellis designed, and project managed the construction of a bush lodge in Mjejane Game Reserve, Mpumalanga, for my wife and I in 2010/ 2011. We travelled together between Johannesburg and the lodge on a regular basis through the duration of the project. This was initially to survey the property, then later to meet potential contractors, specialist subcontractors, select finishes and products and finally to conduct construction inspections and have discussions with the contractor. James takes pride in his work and resolved a design that worked well for us. He also managed the contractor liaison and formalities in a professional manner. We enjoyed working with James through the process and were very happy with the finished product. We have nothing but praise for the work he did for us."
AUSTIN MCDONALD
James designed (from scratch) and project managed the build of our home in 2003/4.
We were extremely happy with the results. James designed a wonderful home, which, inter alia, incorporated our lifestyle and the surroundings perfectly. It featured in a few home magazines.
James was also very easy to work with. When necessary, he pointed out where our suggestions were impracticable or were simply poor ideas, but he did so with a light touch - i.e. no airs and graces. Furthermore, he was exceptionally committed to the project, which meant that despite his rigorous focus on quality, the project was still completed on time and within budget.
I thoroughly enjoyed the entire process.
CHANTELLE TOMLINSON
"James is brilliant! He helped me from A-Z, he is very thorough and I would never consider doing another development project without him."
LESLEY MILLS
"What a fantastic experience! I will never hesitate to use him again."
GRAHAM RIFFEL
"James has been the backbone of my project and I don't know how I would have done it with anyone else."
COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL REFERENCES
ANSALDO
REFERENCE
JONES & WAGENER REFERENCE