To give customers some insight into what’s new, what’s here to stay and trends for the future, our director Nigel Leivers talked to Matthew Montague, the principle architect at Matthew Montague Architects.
Nigel: Since lockdown we’ve seen a strong bounce back of business, especially with housebuilders getting sites up and running. Are you seeing interest come back in the design stage too?
Matthew: Yes, however it seems to be the residential sector that is busy. We have some new projects for small housing developments, social housing, barn conversions and many home extensions and renovations.
Nigel: Do you think the recent changes to planning permission make it easier to get plans through for new developments?
Matthew: Yes, it could potentially see dis-used and decaying sites and buildings being repurposed more quickly, which would be good. Also, another plus with the stamp duty threshold change, homeowners can potentially buy and then extend easier and the reduced stamp duty can help towards those costs.
Nigel: Do you think Covid-19 will change the way both commercial and domestic buildings are designed?
Matthew: It is possibly a little too early to say. It seems home working is here to stay, maybe businesses will need smaller office premises and it may result in some business dividing and subletting larger premises. It also means that more home offices might be included in new build, extensions and garden rooms.
Nigel: Are there any new trends in architecture that are coming through?
Matthew: People are becoming more environmentally aware. We are seeing more use of recycled materials, as well as self-sustaining and energy efficient properties. We are also seeing an increase in new builds choosing a SIPs construction.
Nigel: How important is glazing in the design of properties?
Matthew: Glass is definitely more than just doors and windows. From bifold doors to glass box extensions, some new build schemes are more glass than other materials. One project that is a great example of this is Foremarke Hall dining room.
Nigel: Thank you Matthew, that’s really interesting. We are certainly seeing more interesting use of glass in buildings too.
Matthew Montague Architects
In 1998 when Matthew founded his practice Matthew Montague Architects, he set out with ambitions for the practice that still hold true today: to deliver quality buildings, designed with real understanding, expertise and creativity, exceeding expectation at every opportunity to create a legacy in which clients take pride, and environments that the users of their buildings will continually enjoy.
The successful practice, based in Longford near Ashbourne, comprises a team of 12 experienced architects and technologists making it one of the largest independent practices in the region.
To date, the practice has been awarded more than 20 accolades and in 2020 has been shortlisted for further awards.
As well as Principle Architect for the Practice, Matthew is also a member of the Derby Renaissance Board and sits on the D2N2 ‘Places’ sub-committee.
Marketing Derby Bondholders
Both Matthew Montague Associates and Frame Fast are Marketing Derby Bondholders within the specialists in architecture, construction and property. Marketing Derby works to promote Derby and Derbyshire business to attract and support investment into the county.