MWS Associates (Yorkshire) any experiences?

[pboae]

I'm looking for an architechtural firm to project manage the refurb of our 1890's stone built house. This firm http://www.mwsa.co.uk comes up in the ad listings on this site, but presumably they are just paid ads, not recommendations.

If anyone has used them I would be interested to hear your experiences (on the board or PM). Or if anyone had used a different firm that they would recommend, that would be helpful too. We are based in South Yorkshire.

Thanks.

 

[Nemesis]

None at all, sorry - but it doesn't seem to major on period buildings on the website, so maybe you should contact the firm and ask to see a portfolio of work and see what you think? Also ask if there are any satisfied customers you could contact.

A few pertinent questions about any specific conservation expertise and interests may also help you decide.

 

[dandrew]

I used the owner for a diagnostic survey on my cellar. He stayed for about an hour and a half, took various readings, some pictures, some measurements, found some dry rot that we didn't know was there and wrote a report. He also answered about 30 min worth of questions that I had once I read the report. Cost was £250, which was worth it considering the dry rot looked like it was spreading fast.

His advice was sound and he seemed to know what he was talking about, as some solutions were dismissed as not being approriate for a period house like ours (1862 villa). I have no experience of his project managing, but based on his survey I would have no problems in recommending him.

 

[Schoolmarm]

Ooooh Hello 8)

 

[pboae]

ello Schoolmarm you prodded me into action!

Thanks for that dandrew, at least I know they are generally sympathetic to, and knowledgeable about older buildings. A lot of the original features have already been removed from this one, and I don't want to do anymore damage.

Thanks Nemesis also, I think I will drop into their offices next week and see what references, etc they can provide.