Journal402 posts, 2017 to 2026

The design and build journal.

Every job teaches something. This is where it gets written up. Planning, basements, costs, finishes and the people who build them.

Page 517 pages

More from the archive.

  1. Extensions5 min read

    Kitchen extension pricing factors: what drives the cost of high-end kitchen extensions

    What drives the cost of a high end kitchen extension. Materials, design choices, labour and groundworks, and whether 40k is enough to start.

  2. Extensions3 min read

    Ten things to settle before you build an extension

    Ten things to agree with a builder before an extension starts, from who draws it to what the quoted price actually includes.

  3. Extensions3 min read

    Key traits of London’s modern kitchen extension companies

    What separates one London kitchen extension contractor from another, and the traits to look for before you sign. Design, cost control and site management.

  4. Loft conversion4 min read

    London loft conversion companies: 10 checks before you appoint

    Comparing London loft conversion companies? Ten checks on structure, planning, party walls, head height, services, finish and aftercare.

  5. Extensions4 min read

    London kitchen extension companies: 10 checks

    Comparing London kitchen extension companies? Ten checks on structure, glazing, planning, party walls, drainage, services and finish.

  6. Interior design3 min read

    London joinery companies: 10 checks before you commission

    Commissioning bespoke joinery in London? Ten checks on drawings, survey, materials, finish, lead times, installation and who carries defects.

  7. Design and build7 min read

    Residential fit out contractors in London: 10 checks

    Ten checks to make before appointing a residential fit out contractor in London. Accountability, evidence, cost plan, programme and aftercare.

  8. Design and build6 min read

    Choosing an office fit out contractor in London

    How to choose an office fit out contractor in London. Delivery models, Cat A and Cat B, MEP, cost control, programme and the questions to ask.

  9. Home renovation3 min read

    Why London keeps choosing NU Projects for design and build

    In prime London, demand follows reputation rather than advertising. What that reputation is built on, and why the work keeps arriving by word of mouth.

  10. Home renovation3 min read

    How to choose a design and build company in London

    How to compare design and build companies in London. The three routes on offer, and eight checks to run before you appoint anyone.

  11. Home renovation4 min read

    Why most design and build projects in London go wrong

    Six reasons design and build projects go wrong in London, and what the projects that run to plan do differently from the start.

  12. Architecture3 min read

    N2 London, the hidden risks and planning traps behind Billionaires’ Row

    N2 and Billionaires’ Row looked at honestly. Why super-prime values are not guaranteed, the planning traps, and where value sits.

  13. Design and build3 min read

    NU Projects, discreet design and build for N2

    How NU Projects works on N2 property. Design and build as one responsibility, discretion, and what protects long term value on a street like this.

  14. Architecture3 min read

    Owning property in N2, what nobody tells you at purchase

    What agents, architects and planning consultants leave out about owning a house in N2, and what it actually takes to change one.

  15. Home renovation2 min read

    Why clients choose NU Projects for design and build

    Why private clients, advisers and developers keep coming back to NU Projects. Consistent delivery, senior involvement and one accountable team.

  16. Construction3 min read

    Why N2’s largest mansions sit empty, and what unlocks their value

    Why some of N2’s largest houses sit unoccupied for years, what actually blocks a scheme there, and what turns a dormant asset into a home.

  17. Home renovation3 min read

    Chelsea luxury home trends for 2026

    Current design trends in Chelsea homes. Daylight and open plan living, classic mixed with contemporary, greener materials and terraces.

  18. Design and build3 min read

    NU Projects design and build process, concept to completion

    Discover NU Projects’ design and build process from concept to completion for premium residential projects. Learn how we ensure quality and accountability.

  19. Construction3 min read

    Why NU Projects is not the cheapest, and why that matters

    Why NU Projects does not price to be the cheapest quote on the table, what a low number usually leaves out, and what that costs later.

  20. Home renovation3 min read

    West London design and build services: a complete homeowner guide

    Planning a West London renovation, basement or extension? See how integrated design and build improves control, cost visibility and delivery.

  21. Home renovation4 min read

    London renovation companies: 10 checks before you appoint

    Comparing London renovation companies? Use these 10 checks on evidence, responsibility, cost control, programme, quality and aftercare.

  22. Interior design4 min read

    London interior designers: 10 checks before you appoint

    Choosing a London interior designer? Ten checks on evidence, scope, fees, purchasing, coordination, site involvement and aftercare.

  23. Basements3 min read

    Basement ideas for 2026, the future of luxury living in London

    Where London basement design is heading in 2026. Wellness rooms, cinemas, work studios, daylight and lower running costs.

  24. Home renovation3 min read

    Private family estates in London, what the owners value in 2026

    What the owners of private family estates in London ask for in 2026. Privacy, wellness, multi generational living and back of house.

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