Business Profile
Mathewson Waters Architects - Portfolio built on a solid reputation
14th February 2008
WHILE too many property stories are filled with gloomy predictions, for Mathewson Waters Architects, one of the high profile architectural practices in the region, business is booming as this successful company’s reputation precedes it.
“Being well-located in the Lambourn Valley means we are just the little bit outside the cluster of architects in Newbury and ideally located to serve clients across the region. We are very proud our portfolio has been built on referrals,” explained Duncan Mathewson.
“We are behind 50 to 60 planning applications that go to West Berkshire Council each year, and a similar number in other planning authorities around the country. It always surprises people that we are that busy being quietly successful for our clients, and as I said, that encourages people to refer us and gradually our reputation has grown among those in the know.
“We have been very successful in getting difficult planning consents granted, often in conjunction with planning consultants, and the success has attracted clients to us who have more challenging ambitions. Similarly, planning policy has led to many more obvious sites being developed, which does leave the ‘marginal’ sites that require a more subtle approach – something we relish.”
It is little wonder that many planning consultants and leading estate agents recommend this company.
Paul Oakley, from Oakley Planning and Conservation, said: "As an experienced local planning consultant, my practice works on a wide range of private and commercial development projects, both for individual domestic clients and developers. I value the opportunity to work with a team of like-minded professionals where experience in different design disciplines can be used to best effect in producing successful schemes. I therefore regularly recommend and work with imaginative architects such as Mathewson Waters Architects.”
Mr Mathewson said: “With people uncertain of the market they do look to changing their home. Also, when people find the right place to live they often settle for a house that is may not be ideal but is in the ideal location. However, we can help turn that property into their ideal home. Right now we are working to update a 1970s home into something altogether more contemporary.
“Another recent example was a client who has been in their house for 27 years and had finally had enough of people visiting, turning either left or right into the south facing rooms and exclaiming ‘what a fabulous view’ and not ever ‘what a fabulous house’. With our help that will soon change and please understand it is more than a ‘new suit of clothes’, our bespoke service involves re-imagining the space to achieve the very best for our clients.
“We apply the same dedication to a multi-million pound commercial project as an extension. We will invest the time and care to make the most of the project, actually introduce architecture and make it something to be proud of.”
Mathewson Waters Architects
Tel: (01488) 73131
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