What our residential client say
“At the first try Daniel absolutely nailed it.”
Daniel Harvey was introduced to us by mutual friends as a young but enthusiastic architect, with the strong recommendation that we should at least explore his ideas for our project. Our brief to him was simple – “make the most of the sea views, build it strong to withstand the weather, a beautiful bathroom and dressing room, and our classic cars sharing our home.” I defined the desired style as “seaside architecture, like all the houses I remember from my childhood – big, white, black windows and a turret.” (You just gotta have a turret!)
At the first try Daniel absolutely nailed it. We engaged him without hesitation to develop the detailed plans and to project manage the entire process. Now the house is complete, we are in awe of his ability to have seen right from the start exactly what we wanted (probably clearer even than we did) and then to bring it to pass; our decision to place ourselves in his hands has been entirely vindicated. He was determined in the face of our doubts, he resisted budget cuts when we started to lose our nerve, he explained things to us at all stages, he was confident without being arrogant, and he never faltered once in his vision of what was needed to make the most of the fabulous site overlooking the North Sea.
Newly starting his own practice in York, Daniel was untiring and conscientious from the start, working closely with our builder Rob Davies (Oak Construction). Although two completely different characters, Daniel and Rob bonded quickly and complemented each other perfectly; it was heart-warming to watch their professional relationship, friendship and mutual respect develop during the build.
Daniel’s capacity for detail seemed endless. His project management and resource finding skills were exemplary throughout. He sourced all major elements from the best suppliers in the most cost-effective way. Such was our confidence in Daniel that from foundations level onwards we left him and the builder to it, spending our time travelling the canals of England on our narrowboat. We spoke regularly on the phone and visited on site just one day each month to make decisions on Daniel’s proposals and to check progress. This proved a supremely workable solution for all concerned and saved us from all those costly mind-changes that clients are prone to introduce.
Above all else, we enjoyed working with Daniel. Always positive, unerringly enthusiastic, a constant ball of energy, nothing was ever too much trouble for him. Daniel rarely if ever brought us problems, he was always ready with the solution to any challenge before we even knew of it. But the biggest test of all – would we work with him again? Absolutely. He’s a very clever man and a consummate professional.
We were complete novices to building and I know we couldn’t and wouldn’t have achieved our aim of creating our dream home – this dream home – without Daniel. We thank him unreservedly.
Martin Smith MBE and Jo Wise – “The clients” Poet’s View, Whitby
“I wouldn’t use any other Architect.”
Studio DH is the practice that I would use for everything from a domestic extension to a larger commercial project. We have used them for a large commercial project which is currently under construction. We also have a domestic garage design by Studio DH in the planning process. As Daniel said, I will design you the best garage you’ve ever seen. He didn’t disappoint. The garage is on modern extension to a large Edwardian property. Daniel 3D modelled the property and came up with an incredible design which far exceeded all my expectations. The price was also very reasonable for an Architect of this quality.
I wouldn’t use any other Architect.
Oliver Farm client, house extension and larger commercial work
“He was always on top of the little details…”
My wife and I have always said how lucky we were to have found Daniel through a simple internet search for local architects. People who are innovative, experienced, dedicated and extremely personable are often much harder to find.
Daniel took us step by step through a whole house renovation from a property divided into 10 bedsits to our dream family home that contains some really inspiring architectural features. The new kitchen, built where some derelict outbuildings once stood, has an all-glass roof with criss-crossing aluminium beams and Crittall style doors that bring in some fantastic light and shadows, and afford a panoramic view of the clouds and the garden.
The ceiling in our master bathroom was raised to its full height of 15 metres and long vertical skylights were installed, again to create a fascinating display of light and shadow. I don't think we would have had the courage to go through with these ideas without Daniel's experience of the use of glass in windows and doors, and his encouragement to pursue the ideas that would really bring us lasting pleasure and not always feel like a compromise.
I imagine that a lot of architects are interested in the most creative side of their projects and lose interest in the more mundane aspects. We can't say that of Daniel. He was always on top of the little details that, if left unconsidered, can bring a project to a standstill.
In addition, I believe his fees were very reasonable and in line with what RIBA recommends. I have no hesitation in heartily recommending him to anyone.
Burton Stone Lane client, York
“Incredible multi-talented team – a brilliant bunch!”
The architectural team we worked with at StudioDH is truly second to none. Not only was Daniel and the team incredibly talented and brilliant in their designs, but they also brought a vibrant energy to our project.
Their approachable nature made our project effortless whilst giving clear communication and always ensuring they listen to our specific needs. Their expertise is evident in their efficiency and the quality of their work from start to finish, especially when things got tough! They not only created us a superb home but working felt like a collaboration and was genuinely fun. Their experience combined with their personable approach makes them a standout choice.
Incredible multi-talented team – a brilliant bunch!
Matt Richards, house extension and refurbishment, the Barn
“He really listened to what we wanted…”
Daniel was wonderful in creating a design that worked for us and our aspirations. He really listened to what we wanted our life at home to be like and focused on how the different design features would make the way we wanted to live a reality. Wheelchair accessibility, a child-inclusive space and light, open-plan living were our priorities and Daniel's designs gave us that.
Elki Shaw, house extension York
“… a most excellent service…”
Daniel and his creative team of architects designed us an incredible house on our land in Thailand. We loved it so much we have built 2 more since! The builders in Thailand told us they were the clearest and most detailed construction drawings they have ever seen and love the design. Daniel has also helped us to re-imagine our house in the UK, transforming it with an impressive new extension and clever internal reconfiguration. We want to thank Daniel and his team for a most excellent service, we highly recommend StudioDH to anyone who wants a knowledgeable, professional and personable team to find the most imaginative architectural solutions.
Simon Abraham, House design in Thailand
“a visionary.”
I highly recommend Daniel and StudioDH. Having first met with an extremely dry local architect who was the opposite of inspiring, Daniel was recommended to me by two separate friends and described by one as ‘a visionary’. I found him to be very helpful and empathetic towards my needs regarding remodelling my family home. Always prompt to respond to any queries which alleviated any anxiety I had about the project and a patient problem solver. Loved his energy and obvious love of architecture!
Sarah Amil-Smith, house extension York
“Humility, passion, enthusiasm, excellence, kindness, creativity”
We are main contractors in York (Adie’ Construction), working with Daniel on one of his incredible residential projects. I’m brimming with pride after they won the best architectural award for Poet’s View in Whitby. Congratulations, that project looks outstanding what an incredible house! I also wanted to mention how much everyone at Adie’s Construction respect and admire the values you have. Humility, passion, enthusiasm, excellence, kindness, drive and creativity are but a few we have identified. It has been a pleasure working with Daniel and his team and fantastic to be able to share in their achievements and success. That award is a testament not just to the design but to everything Daniel brings with it. We look forward to working with Daniel on many future projects to come.
Matthew Adie, Adies Building Contractors, York
“…we wanted again some of Daniel’s magic. We’ve got it!”
For 20 years we loved living in the glorious extension room at Isgaerwen. We knew when we downsized to Ruthin we wanted again some of Daniel’s magic. We’ve got it! An imaginative use of space has transformed the internal flow. A re-design of the living room takes full advantage of the mature gardens & rolling hills. The indoor/ outdoor connection is delightful - so happy & grateful.
Michael & Rolande Williams & family, contemporary extension, Wales
“We felt fully in control of the design process…”
We felt fully in control of the design process and the computer generated visuals allowed us to visualise our extension vividly. Our building presented numerous problems for Andrew. He came up with a bold innovative design, then modified it with equal aplomb when planning issues arose.
Air TV client, house extension
“…really pleased to be working with him again.”
Daniel provided an excellent service on a residential project, converting a large lower ground floor into a new living and kitchen space that opened up to the garden. Having previously worked with Daniel on a number of commercial work projects in the past, I was really pleased to be working with him once again.
David Warren, basement extension
“Communication was always clear…”
Daniel and Andrew did a great job helping us find the right configuration to make our house work better for our young family. They spent time with us and understood our key requirements well. Communication was always clear and drawings were delivered on time, culminating in the selection of one option that stood out as the one we needed.
I have already recommended StudioDH to others and look forward to working with them again in the future.
Stephen Rowley, house extension, York
“Daniel is a real architectural talent.”
Daniel is a real architectural talent. Innovative designs that meet our needs. Excellent communication and productivity. A pleasure to work with.
Ash Scott, Dryderdale Hall gate house renovation and extension
“Daniel is the best at what he does.”
Daniel is the best at what he does. Commitment, creative and we loved his design for our stables development. Would highly recommend.
Malcolm Tuck, new house design to replace existing stable house
“…it has been worth every penny”
We were recommended StudioDH by friends and we have had a very positive experience. The team are very friendly and professional. Daniel communicated clearly and promptly and responded to any and all queries. The concept designs were creative and yet not unrealistic.
Ignius was extremely dedicated and precise in his measurements and it was clear that both work to the job, not the clock. Reassuringly, the team remained mindful of our budget but also were open to discuss many options and ideas.
They were very upfront about all their costs and how these were calculated - there were no hidden costs. Whilst we were unsure at first about the expense, we can happily say that it has been worth every penny and the quality of the designs and proposals is extremely high.
We were glad that all our ideas were heard and that we were able to be excited throughout the experience to the planning application.
Chris & Lauren Charlton-Matthew, house extension and reconfiguration, York
“20 years on & we still feel joy…”
20 years on & we still feel joy every time we step into this room! Thank you Daniel, thank you.
Michael and Rolande Williams – Private extension, Wales
“Thank goodness for Daniel!”
This year we bought the worst house on the best street and became overwhelmed by the renovation task ahead. Thank goodness for Daniel! He understood our needs as a family and brought creativity and extraordinary vision, creating a beautiful design that was functional and cost effective.
Hayley and Richard Harrison Del Sanderson, private house extension, York