Barrie Simons and Associates
How long has BSA been running?
The company was set up by Barrie Simons in 1984, after he had gained many years of experience, and a faultless reputation, working for other firms in the area. We still have some regular clients who have been with us since the very beginning.
What services do you offer?
We offer a full range of building design services: architecture, surveying, Planning and Building Regulations applications, interior design, contract administration and project management on site. We are happy to provide as much or as little assistance as our clients require, depending on the complexity of the project in question, and we offer a no-obligation consultation in the first instance to enable us to provide an accurate and competitive quotation.
What Devon-based projects are you currently involved with?
At present these range from designing private householders’ extensions and dealing with Planning negotiations to small developers’ new-build projects, plus the redesigning of hotel accommodation and large new-build student blocks for some of our regular clients. There’s never a dull moment and we enjoy the diverse range of developments the practice is involved with.
What piece of advice can you give our readers when choosing an architect to work with?
Choose BSA! Seriously though, we always suggest that, where possible, clients research previous projects successfully completed by any professional architectural/design practice and speak with their clients. We would happily provide references from any of our customers, and all reputable practices should do the same. We pride ourselves on the high percentage of repeat business and referrals, which make up the majority of our work.
Could you share one top design tip with our readers?
Be realistic. Architectural professionals can design anything in the world for you, but ask yourself whether it is what you really need and whether the budget would accommodate your grand design. Part of our role is to understand a client’s brief and help them realise it within the constraints of site and budget.
Are there any current trends we should look out for?Â
No. Individual style is all in the eye of the beholder, ie the client. Your project should be led by your own style and requirements, not informed by trends that may not suit your property or your lifestyle.
Barrie Simons and Associates
How long has BSA been running?
The company was set up by Barrie Simons in 1984, after he had gained many years of experience, and a faultless reputation, working for other firms in the area. We still have some regular clients who have been with us since the very beginning.
What services do you offer?
We offer a full range of building design services: architecture, surveying, Planning and Building Regulations applications, interior design, contract administration and project management on site. We are happy to provide as much or as little assistance as our clients require, depending on the complexity of the project in question, and we offer a no-obligation consultation in the first instance to enable us to provide an accurate and competitive quotation.
What Devon-based projects are you currently involved with?
At present these range from designing private householders’ extensions and dealing with Planning negotiations to small developers’ new-build projects, plus the redesigning of hotel accommodation and large new-build student blocks for some of our regular clients. There’s never a dull moment and we enjoy the diverse range of developments the practice is involved with.
What piece of advice can you give our readers when choosing an architect to work with?
Choose BSA! Seriously though, we always suggest that, where possible, clients research previous projects successfully completed by any professional architectural/design practice and speak with their clients. We would happily provide references from any of our customers, and all reputable practices should do the same. We pride ourselves on the high percentage of repeat business and referrals, which make up the majority of our work.
Could you share one top design tip with our readers?
Be realistic. Architectural professionals can design anything in the world for you, but ask yourself whether it is what you really need and whether the budget would accommodate your grand design. Part of our role is to understand a client’s brief and help them realise it within the constraints of site and budget.
Are there any current trends we should look out for?Â
No. Individual style is all in the eye of the beholder, ie the client. Your project should be led by your own style and requirements, not informed by trends that may not suit your property or your lifestyle.
