Amber Harper
Founder/ Director of Plan & Design
Hello, I’m Amber, and my passion for creating exceptional homes runs deep. For me, good design isn’t just a job; it’s my primary focus.
To me, a home is more than just walls and furniture; it’s a canvas for beautiful memories with loved ones, a sanctuary to recharge, and a foundation for achieving life’s ambitions. I firmly believe that good design can elevate your quality of life in ways you never imagined.
I’m excited to get to know you and understand your lifestyle because, together, we can create a home that aligns with your needs and aspirations.
Let’s embark on this journey together and craft a living space that truly supports and inspires you.
Amber’s Story
With an education in Construction, Architecture and Planning, I ventured to London with a burning passion for interior design. My journey led me to work for a prestigious interior design firm, immersing myself in the high-end, exclusive world. This invaluable experience honed my design process and expanded my repository of ideas.
This made me realise that good design shouldn’t be a privilege for a few but an accessible delight for all.
Over the last 7 years, I made it my mission to bring first-class design to everyone at an affordable price.
“a mission to bring first-class design to everyone at an affordable price.”
Navigating the Planning Process with Expertise and Dedication
At Plan & Design, my unwavering dedication lies in mastering the intricacies of planning process.
Here’s how I can help you achieve your ideal project:
- Impressive Track Record: With a proven history in domestic planning, particularly in Surrey & London.
- Unwavering Commitment: Your dream project is my top priority, and I’m dedicated to ensuring your success by liaising with the council on your behalf.
- Reduce Costs: Spotting avoidable third-party report requests, I help minimize additional expenses.
- Crafting Complex Schemes: I specialise in designing regulation compliant plans for new residential units, ensuring council preferences are carefully considered.
- Optimal Pathway to Success: From permitted development applications to full planning permissions, I guide you through every step of the process.
- Preserve Conservation Areas: Through careful alterations and extensions, I can work with the council to protect the charm and character of conservation areas.
- Save Time and Effort: I review local authority correspondence, suggesting strategies that save you valuable time and effort.
Introducing Phil
A Master in Streamlined Solutions
Phil has invaluable experience and a proven track record of having completed building regulations drawings throughout his 30 year plus career. He is well-versed in adapting to ever-changing regulations and guidelines.
One of Phil’s key strengths lies in his keen eye for identifying design changes proposed by builders that may not truly benefit our clients or comply with building regulations due to his technical proficiency. His extensive experience enables him to expertly navigate these complex situations that can arise.
Driven by a passion for simplicity, Phil’s approach benefits all parties. He ensures that builders find it easy to comprehend and execute the drawings, clients enjoy straightforward and cost-effective design solutions, and building inspectors appreciate the clarity and compliance in the plans.
“Driven by a passion for simplicity, Phil’s approach benefits all parties.”
Celebrating Plan & Design’s Triumphs – Success Stories
Take a glimpse into our portfolio of projects:
- Unlocking Hidden Potential in Kingston-upon-Thames: Persistence paid off as we navigated a complex three-year journey for a new residential unit tucked behind a commercial premises. Meticulously negotiating Kingston-upon-Thames requirements, guiding the client through multiple requests, and strategising designs to appease initial reservations, we presented a robust scheme. Our determination resulted in the ultimate approval of the project, transforming an inconvenient location into a resounding success.
- Taming Green-Belt Challenges: In a particularly difficult green-belt application located in Banstead, we deftly tackled the maximum percentage additional volume rule. Our expertise allowed the clients to maximise their space while adhering to regulations. This resulted in a stunning transformation featuring a two-storey side extension, single-storey rear extension, and a garage conversion that significantly elevated the footprint of the detached house.
- Converting Space into Value in Morden: Our success extended to a remarkable house conversion comprising three flats in Morden. A strategic two-storey side extension and a loft conversion were executed to exacting council standards, meeting the minimum space requirements for new flats.
- Conservation Area Elegance: We are thrilled to have obtained various approvals for loft conversions, alterations and extensions within conservation areas. Preserving the area’s unique charm while adding extra functionality to homes has been a notable achievement.
- Front Extension Appeal: In a contentious battle, we secured a significant win for our client with a successful appeal for a front extension. Armed with an in-depth understanding of local planning policies, we crafted a compelling argument that overturned the council’s initial refusal. Leveraging a national policy, we highlighted the lack of rear amenity space, justifying the extension to the principal elevation. The independent inspector wholeheartedly agreed, granting our client the much-desired extension.
These stories reflect our unwavering commitment to excellence and the joy we find in transforming ambitious visions into tangible reality.
We have the pleasure of helping families out-growing their homes, first-time buyers, value-adders, home-workers, multi-generational families, property renovators…
Our Process
From formulating the brief to designing and the submission to the council. You can read all about the process including the services we offer on our Services Page.
