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26th June 2025

Looking Back at Grand Designs Live

  • Design
  • Innovation
  • Planning

One Month On: Looking Back at Grand Designs Live

It’s been just over a month since Grand Designs Live, and I’ve finally had a chance to reflect on what was a full-on (and genuinely energising) few days.

If you’ve ever been, you’ll know it’s a bit of a pilgrimage for anyone dreaming of building or transforming their home — a mix of inspiration, advice, and the occasional oversized bath. For us as architects, it’s a rare and welcome chance to connect with people at the very beginning of their design journey.

Honest Conversations, Early-Stage Insights

I was lucky enough to be invited to speak on two panels hosted by the RIBA and CIOB, alongside Stuart Barr and Kevin McCloud (who really does have a metaphor for every situation — and they’re usually brilliant).

The first session focused on setting your project up for success. We talked about the importance of clarity, early collaboration, and aligning your team before the drawings are final. It sounds obvious, but it’s where so many projects go wrong. Get those foundations right — budget, roles, expectations — and the rest tends to follow.

The second panel was all about appointing the right team, and it really drove home the idea that architecture is a relationship, not just a service. Whether it’s a home or a workspace, you need to trust the people guiding the process. And ideally, enjoy working with them too.

From Big Ideas to Real Questions

On the Saturday, I joined the Ask an Expert area — and this was where the weekend really came alive. I spoke to dozens of homeowners: some with land already secured, others still in the “we’re just thinking about it” phase.

The questions were thoughtful, practical, and often personal:

  • Do we need planning permission for this?

  • What will it cost?

  • How long will it take?

  • Are we crazy to even try?

And honestly? These are the questions everyone has — whether you’re building your forever home or fitting out your first office. That’s something we see across our work in both residential and commercial design: at every scale, the key is starting with the right support.

Some Shared Truths (That Still Hold a Month Later)

Reflecting back, a few messages from the weekend have really stuck with me:

✅ Build your team early — Architect, contractor, QS… get them involved before you make big decisions
✅ Be open about your budget — It’s not a limitation, it’s a design tool
✅ Trust your gut — If something feels off, speak up
✅ Use qualified professionals — RIBA-registered architects, CIOB-affiliated contractors… it matters
✅ This is personal — And it’s OK if it feels overwhelming at times

Where We Go From Here

At Atelier Ellis Architects, these are the principles we build into every project — whether it’s a modern family home, a workplace fit-out, or a commercial scheme that needs to balance form, function and future-proofing.

We don’t just design spaces — we guide people through the process, help them make confident decisions, and make sure the final result genuinely reflects how they want to live or work.

If you’re at the start of your own project journey — even if it’s still just a sketch on the kitchen table — we’re always happy to have a chat.

📩 Drop me a message
📸 Follow our work at @atelierellisarchitects
🌐 Or visit atelier-ellis-architects.co.uk

Here’s to creating spaces with purpose, and building them with care.

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