External 3D visual of a New Build home, Aberdeenshire, Scotland by The Design Bothy Why 3D Modelling Matters More Than You Might Think… You can already imagine what a game-changer it is to see your home design in 3D. The “ahh, now I get it” moment. The excitement. The relief. The clarity. That magic feeling when your ideas click into place and your home suddenly feels real. But beyond that spark of connection to your future space, 3D modelling is quietly working behind the scenes in some very important ways. Because let’s be honest—your gut instinct is right. Visualising your home early on doesn’t just help you feel more confident. It also helps your designer, your builder, your planner, your budget—and, in the end, your entire project. Here’s why: IT HELPS THE DESIGN KEEP MOVING FORWARD Design is a process. A beautiful, creative one—but a process all the same. And one of the quickest ways to stall momentum is to be unsure. Or to be or feel misunderstood. 3D visuals act like a shared language. They make it easier to make decisions, avoid misunderstandings, and keep the whole project flowing. They help you say, “Yes, that’s it,” or “Hmm, not quite”—and that clarity moves the energy surrounding the project forward with purpose. IT MAKES LIFE EASIER FOR PLANNERS Planning departments are busy. Really busy. And when a design comes in clearly presented—with well-considered visuals showing context, proportions, and material choices—it helps planning officers do their job better. 3D visuals take the pressure off the imagination and let the design speak for itself. It’s a more persuasive, accurate way to communicate what’s proposed. And that can make all the difference when it comes to getting things approved. IT HELPS BUILDERS COST ACCURATELY Before any builder starts pricing a job, they need to understand what’s being asked. If the design is still fuzzy or open to interpretation, the quote might be, too. With 3D visuals, your builder can see the intent. The shapes, the heights, the openings, the materials. That understanding leads to more accurate pricing, clearer conversations, and fewer “surprises” later on. ITS FOR EVERYONE – BUT ITS ESPECIALLY FOR YOU 3D visuals are practical. They’re one of the most effective tools available for keeping everyone - from planners to builders - on the same page. But they also do something just as important: They help you stay connected to the heart of your project. When the process gets technical or the to-do list feels long, having a clear image of where you’re heading keeps the energy high. It reconnects you to that first spark—that feeling of yes, this is it. It can be the anchor that carries a project through the detail, the decisions, the dust. And that matters just as much as anything on the drawing board.   Check out the 3D models + visuals section of my website here All the best, Hazel Owner - The Design Bothy

image Courtesy of inigo.com via pinterest Brandi Carlisle sums up the desire of many kitchen table owners or soon to be owners nicely, in her lyrics from her song “Crowded Table”: "I want a house with a crowded table And a place by the fire for everyone Let us take on the world while we're young and able And bring us back together when the day is done" If we dream of a crowded table where we all come together after a busy day, week, month or year, we will want a table big enough to fit our crowd. Secondly, we will want to position it well – by a fire is one incredible option, but there are many equally great locations. I like positioning kitchen tables next to kitchen islands, or near to garden windows and doors, or in the middle of kitchens, in a farmhouse style, or against walls and corners. The location of the kitchen table is heavily dependent on how each home owner wants to use their space and also the space available to use. HANDY TIP: work out your main “thoroughfare” – this is most likely the route walked between the main door into your kitchen / living space and out the other side (to your back door or utility) If you only have one door into your kitchen, it might be from this door to the garden patio doors, or this door to the sink, or this door to the utility room. Once you know your “thoroughfare”, a 1.4m wide route past your kitchen table is a good rule of thumb This beautiful kitchen interior shows a 1.4m thoroughfare between the island and kitchen table out to the garden, This gives the kitchen "flow". Flow is a key element of "feel-good" design. (photo courtesy of indigo.com) Image courtesy of inigo.com via pinterest There are so many great options when it comes to kitchen tables, and I’ve found time and again that its hard to go too wrong if you bear a 1.4m thoroughfare past your dining table in mind. This might mean opting for a slightly narrower kitchen table, or a built-in dining area against a wall, or cutting an existing kitchen unit back or relocating furniture. If you are already looking to purchase a new set of kitchen units, it could mean taking the opportunity to create a whole new kitchen layout. The power of the 1.4m rule, is that all important flow. These kitchen tables show design layouts that avoid the common pitfall of obstructing the "thoroughfare". If you would like more tips and tricks on designing your perfect kitchen layout and kitchen table, or on any other home design element, get in touch - hi@thedesignbothy.com, I'd love to hear from you. Check out the "projects" section of my website https://www.thedesignbothy.com/projects Best wishes Hazel Owner at The Design Bothy, Huntly, Aberdeenshire (Scotland)

Hi! And welcome to The Design Bothy. Here you will find an Architectural design service who's focus is on the concept stage of your project. We begin at the very beginning, asking questions that are designed to get you thinking about what is truly important to you in your home, so that a thorough evaluation of your design aims and dreams are collected accurately. The concept stage is the perfect place to create and brainstorm ideas. It's where the foundation of the design of your project is explored and worked out. Spending time analysing, sketching, and playing around with a variety of internal floor layouts will allow you to begin to get clear on what is most important to your way of living, what the limitations of your home are, including a keen eye on budget and what your homes potential is too. Completing the concept stage correctly will give you a set of internal floor layouts for your home that will act as the blueprint for all future interior design decisions and exterior architectural considerations. The vast number of design decisions that you will make during the later technical and construction phases of your project will become less overwhelming. You will have confidence in the process because you have an internal floor plan that accurately reflects your needs. The Design Bothy is also on hand to advise you on all your design decisions throughout your project, if required. With the majority of the critical design decisions already made, you will have enough time and energy to pick your favourite finishes, fixtures and fittings, without rushing this important phase. My focus is Concept Architecture, because I believe that correctly designing your internal layout at the very beginning of your project and gaining insight into all the internal design elements of your home, is the most critical element to achieving a home that honours your way of living, a home that brings you joy and a construction process that you can befriend into your comfort zone. If you would like to work together, I offer both concept design services for new-builds and existing homes requiring a "re-organisation", design advisory services for all elements of your home project from what shower tray to buy, through to one-off stair designs, to kitchen layouts, furniture layouts, interior space planning etc. I work in sketch format, 2D computer drawings and 3D modelling, depending on your project requirements. Any interior or exterior architectural design element of your home, that you want a second opinion on or feel over-whelmed by, I would love to help. All the best, Hazel Irvine Owner The Design Bothy

The Design Bothy Customer Privacy Policy. This privacy notice tells you what to expect us to do with your personal information. privacy policy The Design Bothy Customer Privacy policy This privacy notice tells you what to expect us to do with your personal information. This notice was updated on: 12 September 2025 Contact Details Email: hi@thedesignbothy.com 1. Who I Am I operate as a sole trader providing architectural design services. This privacy policy explains how I collect, use, and protect your personal information in accordance with data protection laws including the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018. 2. What Personal Data I Collect In the course of providing architectural services, I may collect and process the following personal data: Names and contact details Home address + address of project site (if different) Photographs of your existing home Record of drawings, meetings + decisions Information submitted through the website contact form, such as your name, email address, and any message content. This information is usually collected directly from you when you: Make an enquiry directly; Submit a website contact form Engage my services; Communicate during the course of a project. 3. How I Use Your Data Your personal data is used strictly for the purposes of: Providing architectural design services under our contract; Communicating with you about your project; Issuing invoices and managing payments; Keeping records required by law. 4. Marketing Use of Project Images I may use 3D images and 2D floorplans from completed projects for marketing purposes on my website, social media, or printed materials. Before doing so: All personal identifiers (name, address, etc.) are removed. Images are anonymized to ensure individuals cannot be identified. If you do not wish any aspect of your project to be used for marketing purposes, you can opt out at any time by contacting me directly. 5. Website & Contact Form If you contact me through my website's contact form, I collect the personal information you provide, such as your name, email address, and any message content. This information is used solely to respond to your enquiry and is not used for marketing purposes. The website may collect limited usage data (such as IP address or browser type) through cookies for functionality or analytics purposes. If cookies are used, a notice will appear on the site allowing you to accept or manage your preferences, in line with relevant regulations. Your contact form data is transmitted securely and stored on password-protected devices or secure email services. 6. Lawful Basis for Processing You can find out more about lawful bases on the ICO’s website. I rely on the following lawful bases: Contract: To process and store your data as necessary for fulfilling our design services agreement. Legitimate Interests: For limited marketing use of anonymized images. Legal Obligation: To retain certain records for tax or regulatory compliance. 7. How Your Data Is Stored, Secured + Shared Your personal data is stored securely on password-protected devices and/or cloud-based services with appropriate technical safeguards. I do not share your personal information with third parties unless: Required by law; for tax or regulatory compliance. Necessary to complete project-related tasks (e.g. planning consultants, regulatory authorities or other professional consultants such as engineers), and only with your permission. 8. How Long I Keep Your Data I retain personal data for as long as necessary to: Complete the project; Comply with legal and tax obligations (typically up to 7 years); Maintain project records for reference or future work (unless you request deletion). 9. Your Rights You have the right to: Access your personal data; Request correction of inaccurate data; Request deletion of your data; Object to or restrict processing; Request data portability; Withdraw consent (where applicable); Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) – www.ico.org.uk . To exercise any of these rights, contact me at: hi@thedesignbothy.com 10. Changes to This Policy This privacy policy may be updated from time to time. The latest version will always be available on request or on my website. Home

Clatterin' Brig is a luxury new build holiday home near Huntly in Aberdeenshire. It is part of the Aswanley wedding portfolio. | DESIGN REFINED + 3D MODELLING | When the client approached The Design Bothy, both the Planning Permission + Building Warrant approval had been gained. The designers role at this point was to focus on refining the detail + help the homeowner build confidence in the design. This architecture and design service was used for both the interior + exterior. Sketches, 2D drawings, 3D visualisations, client design meetings off site and on site were all provided, depending on the clients requirements for each element. The exterior design options were explored and advice was offered for the colour of the external render finish, the size and location of the rooflights, how the exterior timber cladding could best integrate with the render, what colour options for the windows / doors / cladding / render could offer a joined up exterior, the resizing of the windows, the design of the feature arch window, external paving options, chimney pots, balcony railings + roof eaves detailing were all explored and refined. The interior benefited from a refining of the 3 ensuite bathroom layouts including advising on sanitary ware, tiling, ironmongery, + furniture. The kitchen layout was refined to maximise the function + storage options of the cabinets and ensure all appliances would fit properly in an easy to use way. It was meticulously designed to provide the exact cooking and dining experience required by the client, down to the sizing of the everhot. The main lighting layout + light fitting options were explored + chosen. Exposed beam configuration was brainstormed, the feature arch window was refined + ordered to ensure perfect proportions, along with the design of the full height windows to match astragals in Georgian style. Flooring options were explored and chosen. The fitted wardrobes were designed and sized. The feature curved stair was designed + ordered. Many other elements such as the utility / boot room, pantry, bookshelves, socket + radiator positions etc benefited from a design brainstorming session on site and various sketches + 2D drawings produced so that the joiners could build it exactly as required. Much of the design refining was supported by 3D visualisations both of the exterior + interior. CLATTERIN' BRIG IS NOW PART OF ASWANLEY'S HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION PORTFOLIO Should you be lucky enough to be getting married at Aswanley, near Huntly in Aberdeenshire (or be even luckier to get a free date in the calendar to stay here), you are now able to make Clatterin' Brig part of your special day or holiday. Head on over to Aswanley's homepage for more info. Aswanley

In this Scottish Farmhouse Master suite, The design Bothy created a mini transformation and ensuite addition without adding any extension or additional SQM to the farmhouse footprint. | MINI TRANSFORMATION + 3D MODELLING | This master suite addition to a North East of Scotland Farmhouse in Aberdeenshire, is a perfect example of a mini transformation. No extension was required to create a space for a new ensuite accessed off the main bedroom. During the design review onsite, the idea came to carve out space from the adjacent main bathroom that had SQM to spare. Not only was the homeowner able to upgrade their initial idea of a WC + wash hand basin, to a shower room with walk-in shower, but the design also created enough "wiggle room" to integrate a large fitted wardrobe, without affecting the flow or function of the original main bedroom. This compact ensuite still packs a punch, accommodating a 1500mm long x 800mm wide shower tray, WC, feature wash hand basin with light up mirror and large towel rail. Existing plumbing of the Main bathroom was also able to be utilised for the ensuite, simplifying the works. The narrow 0.7m "slice" off the main bedroom ensured the traditional proportions of this room were maintained in a natural way, allowing the room to be easily furnished and flow nicely. The opportunity was also taken to insulate some of the external wall of the home, while the bedroom was unoccupied. The compact use of space and the almost hidden surprise of the ensuite receives incredible feedback. The homeowners now love their home even more.