About

My name is Rick Mills & I graduated from the University of Greenwich in 1986 with a degree in Building Surveying. Shortly after, with an interest in design & construction, I decided not to follow the conventional building surveying route but instead to set up my own practice, initially designing small extensions but soon larger and more complex ones, and I have never looked back. For a couple of years I ran a small building company which has given me vital experience and insight into 'on site' construction.

I soon realised that designing home extensions well is quite a niche market. Plenty of people have a go, ranging from unqualified draftsmen to high end Chartered Architects, but it is a very personal and considerable undertaking for any home owner to embark on an extension to their most precious and valuable asset, & it needs a skilled approach.

It is an expensive, disruptive and often stressful process so I aim to be a guide through from feasibility to commencement of the build, offering a friendly, professional service covering design, planning, Building Regulations, advice on budget costings for the build & all other aspects of the building process, as well as offering the preparation of a detailed written schedule of works should this be required.

I work from personal recommendation & often work alongside a project manager for those who need help with interior design and managing the build, as well as with structural engineers, town planners, energy consultants & builders. I carry Professional Indemnity Insurance.

I have a special interest in period & historic buildings, and in conservation. I have won a couple of Awards for the design of traditional shop fronts

It has often been commented by builders that the plans I produce are highly accurate, they work (!) and are easy to build from.

So that's me, I am very fortunate to have found something that I enjoy doing and am passionate about and hope that this is reflected in the website.