MH ArchTech

15/10/2026

This is a project I've recently picked up where things were looking awry with the layout. It's a barn conversion; old stone walls, generally not straight, working within the confines of an existing structure.

The trouble is it's easier to draw straight lines on AutoCAD. Moreover it's easy to make things look right when they're not. The problems arise once you have planning permission and you try to build it.

This original layout not only doesn't comply with the Building Regulations, it simply doesn't work. I've shown a red dashed line which denotes the general internal build-up you need to insulate a barn to meet current regs. Look at the impact on the door openings. I have issues with the flow of the building as well but let's stick to factual elements. The toilet is not wide enough, the stairs are not wide enough and the clear landing at the bottom of not sufficient. It's also not straight.

Slide 3 shows the reality of the barn. There are enough differences there to have a major knock on effect with the layout.

Slide 4 is my revised layout. Yes, the central wall has moved at the client's request but ithe scheme now fully complies with the Building Regulations in terms of layout, and it just flows so much better. It's coherent.

The concerning thing is the original design was produced by an architect - someone qualified and trusted to deliver a workable scheme. They achieved planning permission for something which could not be built. The client deserved better.

Please note this is not a criticism of all architects; I work with some excellent ones. But this isn't the first time I've come across this issue and it won't be the last. The details matter. My role here should have simply been detailing the approved scheme. It has needed re-working from the ground up.

The client-architect's dad on Grand Designs made me chuckle a couple of weeks ago. “The thing with architects is that they focus on design and they're not too bothered how you're going to build it.”

04/10/2026

Profit or Place: What Does Value Mean to You?

What do I mean by that? It’s a conversation I’ve had before and will no doubt have again: clients asking whether proposed work to their property will increase its resale value.

The latest example involves a small kitchen extension to a Victorian terrace with the modest rear yard typical of many such homes. I once lived in one myself: a beautiful house I genuinely loved, but with very little garden.

The yard is reached from the back lane through an old, weathered garage door. Its rear wall was once set back by about eighteen inches to allow a car to turn. As the clients never intend to park there, they plan to return the wall to its original position and rebuild it in stone, creating an attractive outdoor seating area.

As in this case, a client may ask how the work will affect resale value. It’s a fair question, but is it the right one? Resale value matters only if you plan to sell. Personally, I hate moving; they’ll be taking me out of my house in a wooden box. More importantly, was this feature what attracted the client to the property in the first place? In this case, the answer was no.

If resale value is not the immediate priority, what value does matter? Consider what the changes could add to your home and daily life. Would you rather look at the back of a metal door - perhaps softened by a trellis - or have a secure stone wall enclosing a comfortable outdoor nook?

I faced the same question on a replacement dwelling last year. The client genuinely loved the design, although it sat at the upper end of their budget, and asked whether they were ever likely to recoup the cost. Quite possibly not. But if you have no intention of selling, should resale value be the driving factor, or should improving your quality of life take centre stage?

Only the client can decide. You can help by asking what they ultimately want the project to deliver: profit or place. In both these instances, the clients thanked me for the insight, and it helped them consider the decisions they were making. Designing a house is easy – you can do it on The Sims – but designing your home needs consideration and, ultimately, that’s what we’re here for. As Architectural Technologists and Architects, we’re here to help you see the right kind of value for you, and to help you develop that into what you want to achieve.

03/09/2026

A quick jolly down to London to undertake the final inspection on a property in Kensington. I said I'd be there at 11am and even with travelling the length of the country I was there bang on 11am. That's the MH ArchTech Way - if we say we'll be there, we'll be there. 😉

On the train heading home now. It would have been nice to stay a day or two to see the sights and take in a show but such is life.

18/08/2026

In this video, I explain why a fabric first approach really is, in my opinion, the most efficient way to improve the energy efficiency of your home.

In this video, I explain why a fabric first approach really is, in ...

10/08/2026

It likely comes as little surprise that a blockwork wall (even an Ultralite one) is heavier than a stud partition but, when necessary, it can be worth knowing the actual figures involved.

The blockwork wall is by far the simpler construction but being 1.5x the weight may just be the block that breaks the camel's back.

03/08/2026

Three months into MH ArchTech Ltd and jeepers… what a whirlwind it’s been.

We’ve had the privilege of consulting with fantastic practices up and down this (currently very sunny) island, and we’ve taken on some brilliant local private clients when the project has appealed. It’s been busy - far busier than I ever anticipated - and that’s a very good thing.

There’s been no shortage of luck either. Good timing, good people, and some excellent early contracts in Barrow that brought capital into the company and eased that early stress of “where’s the next paying job coming from?”. That breathing room allowed me to build a solid foundation, and it’s made all the difference.

My aim from day one was to become a robust technical partner for architectural practices, and I genuinely feel we’re on the right track. Not every quote has been accepted, not every contract won… but losing out brings lessons too. Where can I improve? What should I target next? Growth isn’t just about wins - it’s about learning.

The biggest lesson so far? Pacing myself. Time management. Not everything needs doing today, because there will always be more to do tomorrow. Take time. Enjoy the work. Yesterday (yes, on a Sunday) I sat down and just played with a scheme in the Lake District - and it reminded me exactly why I love this job.

And then there’s home. Being present. Seeing parenting milestones I would have undoubtedly missed in my previous role. I saw my son crawl for the first time - literally as I walked in from a long day of inspections. I heard his first “dadadadada… DADA!”. Today, he fed himself Spag Bol. Some of it even made it into his mouth. These moments are priceless.

Forming MH ArchTech Ltd has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I’m excited to continue growing this young company into a trusted, established architectural consultancy.

I look forward to strengthening existing relationships and forming new ones as MH ArchTech Ltd continues to grow.

01/08/2026

Playing with sketch options for a proposal to maximise the lake views whilst rationalising the existing annexe to a beautiful arts and crafts property in the Lake District.

Genuinely excited to work on this project and really looking forward to developing it.

Irrespective of how high tech the technology gets in architecture with CAD, 3D modelling, digital twins, point cloud scans and VR, it all tends to start the same way; a pencil and some tracing paper.

14/07/2026

Pleased to share that MH ArchTech Ltd has been appointed to provide Building Regulations compliance and submission support on a private-residential project in Kensington, London.

It’s great to see our reputation for clear and robust compliance continuing to grow - even beyond our usual geographic reach. More and more clients are looking for that structured, technically‑grounded support when faced with the Building Regulations journey, especially if there is no clear starting point.

If you’re in that position - even dealing with historic works, missing documentation, or a complex set of conditions that need to be discharged - MH ArchTech Ltd can help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.

03/07/2026

MH ArchTech Ltd are excited to announce we have been appointed to undertake designs for works to a beautiful 1930s Arts and Crafts house in the Lake District. This is an exciting project with stunning views out across the lake and we"re really looking forward to progressing the scheme.

29/06/2026

It's always nice to see a scheme starting to take shape. These are only the initial proposals but with lots of client liaison to ensure the finished design is something everyone is satisfied with.

This is a mixed-use scheme incorporating child-care, residential and an integral garage, and comes with lots of design challenges. Not least of which is the lower ground floor accessed from the back. Marrying client needs, compliant design and keeping sympathetic to the wider street context has been an interesting balance. It's a really exciting project though and it'll be great to see it develop.