Mark McTernan | Residential architectural designer
I am Mark McTernan, BA (Hons), MArch, an architectural designer based in Solihull. I design new homes, extensions and conversions, alongside small housing developments and major changes to existing homes. My clients are based across Solihull, Birmingham, Warwickshire and the Cotswolds.
You work directly with me through the drawing stages you commission. The person you discuss your home with is also the person developing its design. During reviews, you can ask me why I have arranged the layout that way and discuss what you want to change.
I have worked in this area for over 15 years and submit 20 to 30 projects to local councils each year. For your project, I consider the planning route as the design develops and explain the drawings and submission information it calls for.
From commercial practice to designing homes independently
After university, I worked in a commercial practice, mainly on nightclubs and hospitality projects. I now work independently on residential projects, from the first conversation through the final drawings within the agreed commission.
I enjoy getting to know families and finding out what they need from their homes. You may know which rooms no longer work for you without knowing what to build. That gives us a starting point for discussing the design.
For a new home or development, we start with what you want to build and what the site could accommodate.
Reviewing your layout with me in 3D
I review how the proposed changes affect the whole home. An extension can reduce daylight in an existing room. A loft staircase takes space from the floor below. We look at those relationships as the design develops.
At a design review in your home, I normally show the working 3D model on your television. We can follow the route between rooms and look towards the garden from eye level. You can ask me to show a particular part of the proposal and explain why I have designed it that way.
I can temporarily hide a roof, wall or floor in the model to reveal what sits behind it. For a loft conversion, that can show how the stair fits beneath the roof. I can show the relevant dimensions and explain why a stair, door or window needs a particular position.
We can also compare an open-plan layout with rooms that retain some separation, looking at what each option changes about movement through the home and the connections between spaces.
For a proposed conservatory replacement in Solihull, I set back part of the rear wall to create a patio seating area. A matching window seat inside connects to it through a folding window. You can see this arrangement in the proposal on the homepage.
What we review and what your quotation covers
The first conversation establishes what you want to do and the questions you need help with. A desktop appraisal lets me review your property, its location, potential opportunities, and planning history. I explain the planning points relevant to the proposal and what needs further assessment. We can also discuss a visit to the property.
Your quotation sets out the work and drawing stages you are commissioning, including the arrangements for visits and any additional services.
You can give design feedback during a review, by phone or by email. I revise the proposal within the agreed scope and review the changes with you before we agree the design for the next stage. A virtual reality walkthrough is available as a separate service.
Planning drawings describe the proposal for the relevant planning route. Building Regulations drawings develop the technical details for the building work. Agreeing the layout does not complete that technical design. The staged quote walks you through the service delivered at each stage before you commit.
Please read the process page for the drawing stages and application routes.
Browse the projects page for examples of my designs.
Away from work
I have four daughters. I sketch buildings and portraits and make storyboards with the girls. I also enjoy the gym, documentaries, thrillers and horror films, with the occasional Jason Statham film. (Please don't judge me).
Clients’ experiences of working with Mark
These clients describe the value of seeing the design in 3D, handling council queries and agreeing fees.
Thomas, Solihull: “Mark’s 3D models helped us visualise our extension and avoid costly changes.”
Neil, Solihull: “Flawless handling of council queries during our renovation.”
Sarah, Bromsgrove: “Fixed fees kept our project on budget.”
How to enquire about your home or site
Please send the property or site address and a short description of what you want to change or build. Include photos if you have them. You do not need drawings or a finished design to make an enquiry.
Use the contact form or call me on 07955 572811. I will review your enquiry and explain the next step. If I am with a client or on site, please leave a message with your contact details.
