Lapworth Architects

Please describe your company and your position there.

I was the Managing Partner of Nicholas James Solicitors.

For what projects/services did your company hire Lapworth Architects?

Both my Co-Partner and I had substantial experience in employment law and human resources after both of us had worked for several large National Law Firms. However, we wanted to establish and operate our own niche Firm.

Key to our development plans was ensuring that the design of our office fitted oue brand. However neither my Co Partner nor I had any brand development or design experience

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to ensure that our vision for our Law Firm was reflected in our branding and office design

How did you select Lapworth Architects?

I searched online for Design Consultants and completed a list of 3 based on the information that they had provided on their websites. We then contacted each Design Consultant and arranged for them to tender for our project. We decided on Lapworth Architects based on the quality of their final proposal and price point, which we felt was very reasonable.

Describe the project in detail.

After we had selected Lapworth Architects - we had a series of meetings with them to discuss our goals and objectives. Within the next 2 weeks we received mock-ups and 3 initial designs. After a few further discussions with Lapworth Architects, we agreed on how we wanted the office refit to look.

What was the team composition?

At the outset we were assigned a Project Manager. However through our subsequent dealings with them, I am aware that they have a fully qualified Architects in the team and several other experienced Design Consultants, including Mike Kalam who leads the team.

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

After the office re-fit was completed and the business was launched, we took on a lot of new clients that actually exceeded our initial expectations for the business. We placed a lot of the reasons for this on the design work that Lapworth Architects had completed for us.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

I developed an excellent working relationship with the Project Manager that was assigned to us. We spoke at least several times a week and also spoke with Lapworth Architects team leader (Mike Kalam) on several occasions , as he contacted me to make sure that we were happy with everything. Overall I was very impressed with Lapworth Architects responsiveness.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We were very impressed with Lapworth Architects' overall Design Consultancy skills - the finished design of the office re-fit was exceptional.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Overall there is really nothing that we would have improved with Lapworth Architects' service.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I run a nursery.

What challenge were you trying to address with Lapworth Architects?

I wanted to build an extension of my own residential property to make it more suitable for our business.

What was the scope of their involvement?

I drew up the plans myself on paper and got Lapworth involved to draw proper plans on the computer. They then submitted the plans to Birmingham City Council for approval. They also advised on the chances of my getting permission from the council to approve these plans. Finally, they presented the plan to the council as well.

The council rejected the initial plan because it was interfering with light from my neighbor, and they warned me that it may happen but I was insistent. I’d dreamed about this happening. We changed the plans and resubmitted them. This is where Lapworth came into their own. I was quite disappointed and ready to throw the towel in but they came up with a completely new idea.

What is the team composition?

I came into contact with three people: one in the office, one who came and looked around the premises, and Michael, who I believe is the top dog there. He paid me numerous visits.

How did you come to work with Lapworth Architects?

My wife found them on Facebook through a local advertisement.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent close to £3,000 ($3,700 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working together since May 2019. We’re just about to start construction; we’ve been on lockdown for about three months.

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

They came up with solutions when my first ideas were squashed by the council. They were marvelous.

Because I’m going to manage the project myself, as well as with a friend of mine who’s a builder, Lapworth has been very informative. They give me feedback on how to go about things and what to look out for. They’ve done a bit more than I’ve hired them to do.

How did Lapworth Architects perform from a project management standpoint?

They’ve given me all the information I’ve asked for. Michael, the head man, has rung me back two or three times, as well as popped in to see me. He’s really been attentive to the project.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I like that they’ve paid numerous visits to my house to look at exactly what I want. They’ve been easily accessible, answering emails and the phone within half an hour. It makes me feel important. I’ve dealt with architects before and it’s sometimes a nightmare to get hold of them. Lapworth has been very supportive.

Are there any areas they could improve?

The only thing is that I have to get all the drawings printed off myself, but that’s because of the lockdown. I can’t really blame them for that.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Have some ideas of your own in the first place. You’re the one that’s going to use the space. Have some ideas and let them add to it. You need a mixture of both your ideas and their professional ideas as architects to get the best results.