DHV Architects are featured on Houzz

What is it really like to work with an architect? Find out more on https://www.houzz.co.uk/magazine/heres-what-its-really-like-to-work-with-an-architect-stsetivw-vs~135800121

DHV Architects are working from home

Please drop us an email on info@dhva.co.uk and we will get back to you

YTL Arena Bristol receives planning consent

Bristol will finally have an Arena! Planning consent was granted for the new TYL Arena in Filton on 4th March 2020. The historic Brabazon Hangars will be re purposed to house the UK third largest arena. It will be so exciting to bring back life into the amazing hangars in which all British Concords were built. It is a great honour to be involved with such an fantastic scheme. DHV Architects provided the heritage support for Grimshaw Architects.

DHV Architects are hiring

We are recruiting for a qualified architect with the ability to manage projects at all RIBA
work stages. Experience in historic building conservation is desirable but not essential:
Interest in good architecture and the historic environment; enthusiasm and a willingness to
learn are crucial. The ability to produce clear, legible and imaginative documentation is also
required.

We have a growing portfolio of design-focussed, residential, community, ecclesiastical,
conservation and cultural projects in the southwest, often involving a combination of
feasibility, new-build, adaptive re-use and repair elements. A large proportion of our
projects involve heritage sites and historic landscapes, but we also have a growing sector of Passivhaus and developer-led projects.

We have a friendly, focussed office of six architectural staff (plus admin staff), close to the
Stokes Croft area of Bristol. We are Mac and AutoCAD-based.
Salary is dependent on experience but will be commensurate with RIBA salary survey levels.

Please reply to info@dhva.co.uk with a summary CV, some examples of work including
technical drawings, and a brief covering email explaining your motivations in architecture
and some of your influences. All applications will be treated in strict confidence.

Elke and Pablo are featured in the Guardian

Elke and Pablo talk to the Guardian about their experience as EU citizens living in the UK

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/12/politically-we-dont-count-eu-citizens-fear-for-future-in-uk

DHVA Charity Walk in Aid of Curzon Cinema Clevedon

Thank you to everyone for coming or contributing to our rather wet charity walk in aid of Your Curzon Charity #Clevedon to Oldbury-on-Severn. Morgan Structural Limited

For more information please check out: https://www.thebiggive.org.uk/s/campaign…

Planning consent for infill house in Bristol

DHV architects have recently obtained planning consent for a new build, 2bed house in South Bristol. The plot comprises the street-facing, bottom end of our client's garden. The client (not a professional property developer) spotted the potential and asked us to assess the viability of getting planning consent for a new, self-contained unit.

In this case the best option is to start the process with a pre-application enquiry. There is no set format for a pre-app, submissions range from a few simple sketches to a full set of planning drawings including a written statement. If the project is contentious it is worth enclosing good quality drawings (key plans and elevations) and attractive 3d visuals to illustrate the visual impact of the new development. Hand sketches (to suggest that the scheme is still 'work in progress') at this stage might be better than fully developed CGIs.

Infill developments have to fit their context and reflect the scale and proportions of the neighbouring buildings and the local urban grain. In this South Bristol project the design references elements of the local interwar housing (gable elevation, timber cladding, hip roof) and re-interprets them in a contemporary, crisp volume.

As well as a comprehensive set of drawings, we always submit a thorough Design and Access Statement explaining step-by-step the design rationale from first principles down to the finer details. Small infill developments are often contentious and most applications are turned down due to poor design and impact on the amenity of the neighbouring properties. 

After obtaining planning consent the clients decided to sell the plot at auction to maximise the financial returns. These plots are very sought after, as builders like to have a project “on the side” to keep their workmen busy during quieter periods. The auction was a success with the plot achieving 35% over and above the guide price.