Most homeowners begin a renovation with ideas about what they want to change; a larger kitchen, an extension, more light or simply a home that works better.
But the solution isn't always the obvious one.
With more than 30 years' experience, I help homeowners understand the potential of their property before they commit significant time and money.
By looking at how you live, what isn't working, planning considerations and opportunities within the existing building, we can make informed decisions about what your home really needs.
Good design doesn't begin with drawings. It begins with understanding the problem.
BEFORE THE DRAWINGS
The right project starts with understanding your home.
WHO I WORK WITH
I typically work with homeowners who are:
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Considering an extension
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Looking at accessibility adaptations
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Renovating an older property
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Exploring retrofit opportunities
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Unsure whether planning permission is required
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Trying to decide whether to move or improve
WHY CLIENTS COME TO ME
Experience brings clarity.
100% PLANNING SUCCESS RATE
30+ years of experience across Lewes District, the South Downs National Park and wider Sussex.
EARLY-STAGE
SPECIALIST
Helping homeowners make the right decisions before committing significant time and money.
LIVED RETROFIT EXPERIENCE
First-hand experience of deep fabric-first retrofit through my own 1930s home in Seaford.
“Carol listened to what we envisioned our home to be, offered her expert knowledge and helped us refine our plans.”
Jennie Whalley
Accessible family extension project
MY APPROACH
Careful design informed by experience.
I believe the best homes are not necessarily the biggest.
They are homes that work beautifully for the people who live in them.
Good design is rarely about adding more space; it is about making space work harder, feel better and support everyday life.
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Creative design thinking
Planning expertise
Technical understanding
Buildability and cost awareness
Retrofit and sustainability principles
Careful attention to detail
My approach combines:
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I believe the most successful projects emerge when creativity is supported by technical understanding, planning insight and a realistic appreciation of budget and construction.
The result is design that not only looks good on paper but works beautifully in practice.
A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE
I’ve lived the journey too.
As well as helping clients improve their homes, my husband and I are undertaking a Fabric First Approach, deep retrofit of our own 1930s house in Seaford.
This ongoing project has reinforced many of the principles that underpin my professional work.
Careful planning
Attention to detail
Long-term value
Rigorous sequencing
Thermal comfort
Resource efficiency
Most importantly, it has reminded me that improving your home is never simply a construction project.
It can be an emotional journey too and clear professional guidance becomes incredibly valuable when you're living through the process yourself.
It is a personal journey that deserves care, understanding and clear professional guidance.
SERVICES
Residential Design, Planning & Retrofit Advisor
From an initial conversation through to technical design and retrofit guidance, support can be tailored to the stage your project has reached.
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Initial design & planning consultation
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Feasibility & concept design
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Technical design & build coordination
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Home potential & future-ready review
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Planning & design package
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Future-ready homes & retrofit guidance
PLANNING EXPERTISE
Planning insight built over three decades.
Early planning awareness often shapes the success of a project long before an application is submitted.
With a near 100% planning success rate, I understand how intelligent design, careful preparation and clear communication can significantly improve the likelihood of securing planning consent.
From extensions and remodelling projects to accessibility adaptations and retrofit improvements, every proposal is developed with a clear understanding of planning policy, Building Regulations and long-term value.
“Carol came up with a design that both suited our needs and contained interesting architectural elements which elevated it beyond the ordinary.”
Andrea Puddefoot
Victorian house extension
READY TO MOVE FORWARD?
Start with a conversation.
Your home is likely your most valuable asset.
Before committing significant time and money, gain professional guidance that helps you understand what is possible and how best to move forward.