Green Architects -

Fay W.

I was not in a good way when I needed an architect. It had taken nearly a year to complete a sale and purchase in the midst of all the Covid restrictions. My buyer was nervous about alterations I had made to a six bedroom flat to create a rental studio with verbal agreement only from a Council who had reassessed the property for Council Tax but who had failed to produce documentation consenting to the work. Although I had chased it up, when I came to sell seventeen years had lapsed so it was way beyond the twelve year legal threshold and should not have been a problem. It was, however and in order to complete the sale, I had to agree to apply for a retrospective licence.

It turned out to be a complicated business. The Council rejected the first set of drawings and demanded we instruct an architect to produce professional ones. Not knowing anyone, I had to resort to the internet but discovered that most companies required complicated forms to be filled in with more information than I was able to provide, for which they would charge more than I could manage. They all seemed so corporate and formal and I could not seem to get past the p.a.’s on the desk.

Then I came across Martin Clerici whom I decided to telephone. Finally, I was able to have a conversation with an architect who listened, asked intelligent questions and immediately grasped the situation. In that one conversation, he made me feel so much better. He had experience of working with local councils and took the initiative to telephone key people and establish a rapport, ensuring that he would meet their demands. Now I had an ally and some solid support in resolving the issue.

When we met at the property, Martin presented himself to the new owner in a relaxed and friendly manner so she had no qualms about leaving him alone to do his work. He produced an excellent and comprehensible set of drawings which he emailed to me first for approval. When the Council asked for an engineer’s survey on a particular wall, I referred to Martin and he organised a delightful chap who, like Martin himself, did the necessary at a reasonable price.

In seeking an architect, I was prepared for condescension, for disapproval of what I had done and for awkward dealings with a messy situation. With Martin I met none of these. He has been a delight to deal with, intelligent, efficient, totally trustworthy and genuinely interested in his work. Martin Clerici is a consummate professional whom it is my pleasure to recommend, unreservedly.