Design & Development Consultancy (DDC) was formed in 1991. Leading DDC is Ian Spencer, a member of the Association of Building Engineers who has 30 years experience working in commercial architecture, a formative period working with leading architects in classical, contemporary and listed building projects as well as numerous and varied projects within DDC.
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Another arm of the company provides project management. Ian Spencer is also a Member of the Association of Project Managers, together these two arms of the company serve to maintain a diverse and creative practice. DDC has a broad client base in East Anglia and the London area. DDC also undertakes commissions in the Costa Blanca area of Spain. |
The company has weathered economic uncertainty through having a sound reputation accumulated over many years of providing a quality service.
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The majority of commissions are from recommendation by clients and other professionals. DDC can provide a bespoke range of services through the design, planning, management and construction phases. DDC is adept at negotiating with planning departments with the aim of achieving the client's design yet meeting demands of local and national planning requirements. |
This is achieved by expertise and knowledge of planning processes combined with skilful use of technology when presenting planning designs. Years of experience and up to date knowledge within the construction industry allows DDC to translate design into buildings that are economical and efficient.
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Many of DDC's projects are in collaboration with local construction and building companies, with relationships built over the last ten to fifteen years. This enables DDC to recommend and work closely with a range of expert builders to achieve client's design and build briefs. |
An example of collaborative work has been the design and construction of twenty apartments on the sea front at Frinton-on-Sea in Essex with a local developer and construction company. Frinton is an Edwardian seaside resort and intent on retaining its sense of history. Therefore close negotiation with the local planning authority and residents is a prerequisite of any planning application and good negotiating and relationships are essential to win approval and work on the project to begin. Other architectural design work has included new homes, conversions, and renovation of listed buildings in some of the most prestigious areas in Essex, including Dedham and East Bergholt. Recommendations from past clients are now facilitating high quality residential projects in London boroughs.
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Project management has included the redevelopment of a petrol filling station and workshop and numerous developments of residential homes in Essex and Suffolk. Recently DDC project managed the conversion of a barn to a new nursery school for 50 children. |
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DDC also has the advantage of being involved in designing individual houses in the countryside of the Costa Blanca in Spain. Again commissions are by recommendation or further work from past clients. Clients frequently prefer English speaking professionals to interpret their ideas for their new homes or renovations. DDC then works with a Spanish architect to obtain the necessary permissions with the local planning authorities. The construction work is carried out using a combination of local and English builders and craftsmen depending on the design.
Projects have included converting a stone farmhouse to make the most of the location and views while keeping the spirit of the building; a large traditional house, use of an existing footprint of a stone building to plan a contemporary home with large glazed areas to take advantage of the spectacular views and remodelling of a villa style house on a housing estate.