State of Design Ltd

As State of Design’s architect, Sabin provided a very creative early design stage that allowed us to explore the full potential of our development. We chose 1 of 3 designs which we felt was both unique and practical. The overall design maximised the use of the available space and natural light and really enhanced the connection between house and garden.

Sabin recommended a building contractor whom they had worked with on numerous projects prior to ours. They were selected on their experience and ability to work on more challenging projects. Sabin was very hands on during the tender process, planning and development. The collaboration between Sabin, the builder and ourselves was enjoyable and very beneficial in achieving a successful outcome. The end result has exceeded our expectations.

Sabin has a very keen eye for detail and finishing and the build quality and materials used have ensured the house continues to perform well under the pressures of family living.

Several years after the completion of our project we continue to enjoy and appreciate the great design and flow of our house.

We would highly recommend Sabin and State of Design for their creativity and professionalism. More...

The plan devised by Sabin was extremely ingenious, and it produced a far more effective increase in usable space than the scheme proposed by the other architect whom we consulted.

The presentation of this complex project to us was also very clear and effective. Once we had decided on the overall design Sabin produced meticulous sets of tender documents and schedules for the contractors which later helped to secure very good value for money.

During the works, the thorough, regular inspections and detailed recording of the progress of works on site through minutes and photography, resulted in the programme being completed to the standards that we had agreed. The work was also completed on budget; we spent less than 2 percent of the contingency funds that we had allocated for the project.

We found the project website, and particularly the many files of photographs, to be very useful for monitoring the works when we had to be away from the site for longer periods of time. We also greatly appreciated Sabin’s immediate availability when dealing with our queries.

Overall the project has been a great success and has been much admired by all who have visited us. It has transformed our house and made it much better to live in; we also
expect that its value will have been increased. More...

I commissioned State of Design, with Sabin as the architect, to work on an extension to our Victorian house in central Cambridge. State of Design produced the initial design, obtained planning permission, produced detailed designs, managed the tendering process and worked with the designated contractor to bring the design to fruition.

State of Design demonstrated skill, passion and dedication in this project, resulting in what my wife and I consider an excellent outcome. Some examples of these attributes were demonstrated in liaising with neighbours, to overcome various sensitivities, dealing with conservation area issues, meeting predicted schedule, achieving a vision and the quality within a tight budget, working well with myself and contractor and ensuring we avoided any significant contingency costs (10% contingency allowed for, but only ~3% needed).

As a private individual, who was unfamiliar with the construction/building industry, State of Design's professionalism and commitment to myself the client and the commission left me with the opinion that I had made a excellent decision to use them on this project. More...

I write with reference to Sabin from State of Design, who undertook our design and refurbishment project in Cambridge city centre. From his initial presentation and subsequent appointment right the way through to completion and beyond, Sabin demonstrated a work ethic which was equal to his design skills.

The focus and delivery of work was very much in line with our desire to achieve spectacular results within a tight budget. Sabin also project managed the works which was a welcome addition to his design. This undoubtedly saved us considerable money by avoiding delays to completion and ensuring that his designs were implemented as per drawings, with no deviation.

In short Sabin was a huge success. A pleasure to work with and effective. More...