Powell Design Studio

26/08/2026

A closer look at how two different external cladding colours can affect the whole atmosphere of a home.

Same extension, two completely different feelings.

25/08/2026

Exterior cladding: light vs. dark

When we were designing this rural extension near Leek in Staffordshire, the house already had such a strong architectural identity to work with and be sympathetic to.

We explored both light and dark colour ways from the Millboard Envello Board & Batten+ range, using 3D renders to see how each would actually sit in situ before any decisions were made.

Neither is the wrong choice.

It all depends on the property, setting, and what the client prefers, although planning rules are worth checking before you fall in love with a colour (especially if you're in a conservation area, AONB, or somewhere like the Peak District or Staffordshire Moorlands, where the rules can be stricter).

Which would you choose? ◐

24/08/2026

You don't always need to appoint an architect to benefit from their experience.

Sometimes, a one-off conversation is all you need to move forward with confidence. 💬

You might be at the very beginning of a project and unsure where to start. You might have plans or quotes you'd like an experienced opinion on. Or you might already have an architect, designer or builder appointed, but want an independent perspective on a particular decision or concern.

That's why we offer paid, one-off consultations.

There's no expectation that we take over your project or become part of the wider team. We can simply step in as an independent consultant, look at what's in front of you, answer your questions and help you understand your options.

20/08/2026

Some architects work closely with construction, but few have run a construction business themselves.

We have. 🏗️

That experience means we understand what things really cost in practice, not just on paper. We see how a small design change can ripple 〰️ through a project, affecting other trades and the final bill.

We know how to manage budgets and programmes, and we've built a trusted network of contractors and specialists along the way.

Does it make us better than other architects? No. It just means we think a bit differently. We're not just designing for how something looks - we're designing for how it will be built, and what it will actually cost you.

That's the experience behind every project we design, and every homeowner consultation we give.

Would you like to chat about a project?

E: [email protected]
T: 01538 764028

18/08/2026

Last week, Alexandra Powell spent an afternoon at The Healthy House Podcast studio recording an episode with Aaron Worrall. 🎙️

The conversation centred around something we think every homeowner planning a project should hear → how to make better, more informed decisions before a building project starts.

Finding the right professionals, knowing what surveys and professionals your project needs, understanding what to look for in a builder, and why getting things in writing is important.

Good advice like this at the right stage can make a huge difference to how a project goes. That's something Alexandra has seen from both sides — as an architect, and as someone who has worked closely alongside construction projects for many years.

The episode goes live in a few weeks, and we'll share it here when it's up! You're not going to want to miss it if you're planning a home project.

13/08/2026

A huge congratulations to Finlay, who's been shortlisted as a finalist at the Building The Future Awards 2026!

Finlay's been recognised in not one, but TWO categories:

🏆 Young Architect or Design Professional of the Year
🏆 Young Construction Professional of the Year

Selected as one of just six finalists in each category, this is such a brilliant achievement, and thoroughly well deserved.

The awards ceremony takes place later this year, in November at the ICC Birmingham, and we couldn't be prouder to be cheering him on.

Well done, Finlay! 🎉

10/08/2026

Next week, students across the country will be finding out their GCSE results. For a lot of them, what comes next isn't clear just yet. 📃

As a family-run business, and as parents ourselves, we understand wanting the best possible path for your children.

As employers of apprentices and university placement students, and as professionals who regularly speak at local colleges and schools, we want to put T Levels on your radar. If you, or your child, relative, or friend, has ever shown an interest in construction, design, or surveying, it's worth looking into. 🚧

New research by Federation of Master Builders shows that 78% of adults have never heard of T Levels, which means your child could miss out on a great educational option.

We've spoken to T Level students at Newcastle College, and we've hosted tutors from Stoke on Trent College's T Level course in our own office, giving them a real-world look at how a working design and construction business actually operates.

So we can tell you that these are serious, employer-designed qualifications, with two years of technical study combined with at least 315 hours of hands-on industry placement. The kind of training that prepares someone for the job, and looks great to future employers like us!

The construction industry cannot recruit the workforce it needs if young people don't know how to join it. New FMB research highlights the lack of awareness around T Levels.

07/08/2026

Work experience = experiencing work

Kateryna and Kajona approached Alexandra straight after a talk she gave at their school, The King's CofE Academy.

They were curious and inspired by her career as an architect, about what we do as a team, and whether it could be a path for them.

And we wanted to show them.

With only one year left in secondary school, they'll soon be making decisions about A levels, BTECs, or apprenticeships, and any real insight into an industry at this stage can really help.

So we put them to work! For five days they learned to use industry software, thought about interior design schemes, and presented their work. All the things they'd realistically be doing if they chose a career in architecture — and hopefully it gave them a good insight into whether or not this could be the path for them.

05/08/2026

We thought this beautiful tumbled stone flooring at Acorn Cottage deserved its own moment, so here it is!

Installed by our wonderful colleague, Tom at Queen Street Kitchens and Bathrooms.

Because of design choices like this, the character of this home is really starting to come through again, with a new lease of life.

We love it when clients choose to lean into a building's history rather than erase it, keeping things like the original brickwork, the quirky shape of the rooms, and the style of windows intact.

Small details like these are what keep a building's story alive, even through renovation work. 📖

04/08/2026

Some beautiful interior decisions taking shape within the design studio for Acorn Cottage. 🌰

As part of this renovation and extension project, we're sourcing all the materials, colours, and finishing touches for the family, with real care going into the smaller details.

This rich berry-toned leaf print is one of the fabric options on the table for the living room, alongside this beautiful acorn-finial pole to tie in with the cottage's name and character.

What do you think?