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BEYOND THE BUILD
Personal reflections and professional insight on what I think helps design homes that work beautifully for everyday life, family routines, and the future.
With two decades of experience in property development and family-focused design, I’ve learned that creating a home goes far beyond bricks, beams and square footage. As an architectural designer, and also a wife, mum, and someone who’s lived through many of the same decisions my clients face, I know how much thought goes into making a house feel like home. So I'm here to help you - by sharing some of my personal reflections and professional insight on what i think it really means to create a home that supports real life - not just now, but for the years ahead, hopefully it will help you with your home renovation project!
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I did a thing...
So… I’ve finally done it. I’ve created a course. This is something I’ve wanted to do for years, but honestly? I didn’t have the guts. The thought of sitting in front of a camera made me want to crawl under the sofa. That's just not me. But with a bit of a push (more like shove), I got it done. Here’s why. Every week I hear from people who just want to know the basics. Where do I start? How much will it cost? What should I do first? And the truth is, there’s so much noise out
Kristina
Oct 192 min read
Autumn: the season to reset
For me, September has always felt like the real new year. Once the children are back at school and the summer chaos has eased, I find myself looking around the house with fresh eyes. The mornings are cooler, the evenings a little darker, and home suddenly shifts from being somewhere we pass through between days out to the place we want to feel cosy and welcoming. It’s a natural pause point, a chance to reset before the rush of winter and Christmas begins. And I think it’s the
Kristina
Sep 73 min read
What quality or finish should I aim for in my home extension?
It’s a question I hear so often: “Do we go for the simple option, or do we spend more on higher-quality finishes? Will it really make a difference?” And the truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your budget, your priorities, and what you want your home to feel like at the end of it all. But I do know this. The choices you make around quality and finish aren’t just about looks, they shape how you use and enjoy your home every single day. When we talk
Kristina
Aug 42 min read
Can a small extension really make a big difference?
Absolutely. I know when people first picture a home extension, they often imagine something big like a huge open-plan kitchen-diner, a sweeping rear build that doubles the ground floor, maybe even a two-storey addition. And while those projects are wonderful when they’re right, the truth is that even a modest extension can completely change the way a home feels and functions. Sometimes it’s just a matter of a metre or two. A little side infill where there used to be an awkwar
Kristina
Jul 172 min read
Should we extend or move? The big dilemma...
Weighing up the pros and cons of moving versus extending your current home.
Kristina
Jun 92 min read
How to plan a home extension that adds real value...
When people set out to extend their home, the motivation is often part personal, part practical, and part financial. You want more space, of course - maybe a bigger kitchen, a home office, or a family snug. But it’s also perfectly normal to wonder: Will this actually add value to my property? And the answer is: it depends. Not all extensions deliver the same return, and a thoughtful approach from the start can make all the difference. The trick is to balance your own needs w
Kristina
May 22 min read
10 Questions to ask before planning your extension in Surrey
A helpful checklist of ten key questions to consider before planning a home extension in Surrey - covering budget, layout, permissions and lifestyle.
Kristina
Apr 83 min read
What kind of planning application do you actually need?
Navigating the various planning permissions - find out if your project needs permitted development rights, full planning or a lawful certificate.
Kristina
Mar 32 min read
Can I build an extension without planning permission?
In many cases, yes! But there are some important rules (and a few exceptions) to be aware of.
Kristina
Feb 122 min read
How to design a home extension that feels like it’s always been there.
A great extension should feel like it’s always belonged to your home - a seamless, natural part of the story.
Kristina
Jan 172 min read
Garage Conversions: Making the most of the space you already have...
With thoughtful design and the right planning advice, it can become one of the most loved and lived-in parts of your home!
Kristina
Dec 9, 20242 min read
What to expect when you’re extending...
Equal parts of excitement and chaos, especially if you’re living through it while the work’s going on. If that’s your plan, then don’t worry, you’re in very good company!
Kristina
Oct 7, 20242 min read
5 things most people forget when planning an extension (and how to avoid getting caught out)...
Remembering these five things can help make sure that when the build dust settles, you’re not left thinking, “Oh, I wish we’d thought of that!”
Kristina
Sep 12, 20243 min read
What’s the best time of year to start your extension?...
It’s a question that pops up a lot, and usually around early spring, when the days get a little longer and everyone starts thinking about...
Kristina
Aug 9, 20242 min read
How much does a house extension cost in Surrey?
The truth is, costs vary a lot, but the more you understand the moving parts, the easier it is to plan with confidence and avoid the “hidden extras” that can creep in if you’re not prepared.
Kristina
Jul 22, 20242 min read
Downsizing doesn’t have to mean compromising...
Whether it’s part of retirement plans, a desire to slow down, or simply a sense that it’s time for “less house, more life,” downsizing can be the beginning of something wonderfully liberating.
Kristina
May 7, 20241 min read
Understanding conservation area rules...
Living in a conservation area doesn’t mean you can’t extend, but it does mean you’ll need to be a little more thoughtful, a little more patient, and ideally, well informed.
Kristina
Apr 2, 20242 min read
Top 7 myths about extending your home (and what’s actually true)!
The reality is often a lot more straightforward (and exciting!) than the horror stories suggest. The key is getting good advice early, asking questions, and working with people who care about making the process smooth and enjoyable.
Kristina
Mar 19, 20243 min read
How to talk to your neighbours about your extension plans...
A bit of kindness and clarity now can make the whole journey smoother for everyone involved.
Kristina
Feb 6, 20242 min read
What is the Party Wall Act and do I need to worry?
If you’re building near their property (like on or close to the boundary line), then the Party Wall Act might apply.
Kristina
Dec 5, 20232 min read
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