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

Image Courtesy of Wix.com Thinking about a renovation or reworking your home’s layout? An Architectural measured survey is the essential first step for any home layout rework or renovation project. It makes everything else possible. Many homeowners don’t realise how much stress and expense an inaccurate survey can cause—costly mistakes and design headaches you don’t need. THE RISKS OF RUSHING A SURVEY A rushed or incomplete survey can lead to incorrect measurements, overlooked constraints, and missed opportunities. Imagine finalising your dream home design, only to find out your dream stair isn’t possible.   But a great survey isn’t just about accuracy. It’s about understanding the home in a way that unlocks its true potential. MORE THAN JUST MEASURING A measured survey collects data, it’s very maths oriented (which makes me very glad my dad encouraged me to take Maths at Higher level) however, it’s also about stepping into a home and experiencing it. Observing how spaces function, identifying where they feel tight or awkward, and recognising where they have room to breathe. A process that allows plenty of time on site also encourages the brainstorming of solutions in real-time, directing the design in an accurate direction helps the next design stages and makes every millimetre of a re-design work efficiently. A thoughtful survey sets the stage for a transformation that feels right. SLOPED CEILINGS? EXTRA ATTENTION NEEDED Sloped ceilings bring character, but they can also limit headroom, affect storage, and change how a space feels. Without a detailed survey, these challenges can be overlooked, leading to frustrating layouts. Spotting and planning for them early means the new design will work beautifully from the start. EXAMPLE: GETTING THE STAIRS JUST RIGHT In a recent survey for a rural home in Morayshire, accuracy of the ceiling heights and roof structure behind the existing stairs was a key measure. A new feature stair that is gentler and more welcoming is one of the goals. By changing the shape from a U-turn to a straight run, the stair can be wider with a shallower step that feels inviting and easy to climb. To get this right, the exact space above the new stair needs to be known (to ensure the 2m head height regulation is met). Precise measurements allow the new stair design to be checked, against the existing structure. The potential of this key design feature is then known early, otherwise the new stair may not achieve the radical transformation desired. SUMMARY - WHY A THOUGHTFUL SURVEY MATTERS Accurate foundation – Precise measurements prevent costly mistakes. Early risk detection – Potential challenges are flagged before they become frustrations. Unlocks potential – allows any limitations around key features to be known early. Smoother process – Less stress, more confidence in every design decision and interior design solution. A home isn’t just a structure—it’s where life happens. A detailed, thoughtful survey is the first step to creating a space that works beautifully. Let’s explore what’s possible, together. Ready to Transform Your Home or curious about an Architectural survey? Head to my homepage: Or check out the FAQ's below: What is a measured survey? A measured survey is where the position of all parts of a building are known in relation to each other, this includes but is not limited to, walls, windows, doors, ceilings, roofs, stairs, fixtures (such as kitchen units, baths, sinks, toilets etc). It happens on both the horizontal (floorplans) and the vertical (elevations and sections), so not just widths and lengths but heights and slopes too need to be measured. It also needs to take account of external items such as walls, driveways, boundaries to make sure any new extensions are designed around fixed elements. It can include positions of plumbing (radiators, downpipes etc), exposed structures (such as beams and columns) and surface materials (roof finishes, wall finishes etc). How long does a measured survey take? There are two main things to consider - the length of time the actual survey takes on site and the length of time the survey takes to draw up into a set of usable 2D drawings, which typically happens off site. The length of time a survey takes including both on and off site, depends on the complexity of your existing home, the amount of information that you or your designer require and the amount of transformation you are looking to undertake. Let's say you own a rural farmhouse in the Morayshire countryside and you are looking to rework the whole ground floor layout - it's a typical 2 bedroom upstairs with 1 bedroom downstairs and separate lounge and family kitchen. You will need the whole house measured (even if you don't touch the first floor as you need accurate elevations and sections of the whole home) , in my experience this will take around 10 hours for an experienced and skilled designer. If you have multiple extensions attached to the original dwelling or the roofs, walls, windows and / or door openings be irregular, this could add anywhere between 10 - 20 hours. If you are transforming your whole home and the moving fixed elements - more time will be needed to ensure accuracy. How much does a measured survey cost? This depends on who carries out the survey and what level of service you are looking for. If you are looking for accuracy, your home is a large detached rural home and you want radical interior transformation - budget between £1,000 and £2,000 for a measured home survey + a full set of existing 2D drawings.

Image courtesy of wix.com Before rushing into transforming your home into something extraordinary, pause. The best homes don’t happen by accident—they come from a rock-solid architectural concept design. WHAT IS A ROCK SOLID CONCEPT DESIGN A floorplan that truly works —flow, function, and flexibility. A home that fits your life —how you live now, and how you aspire to live. Your home should feel effortless, a place where everyday moments flow naturally. A well-thought-out concept prevents costly mistakes, maximises space, and makes every decision easier. More than that, it ensures your home isn’t just beautiful—it feels right, like it was always meant to be this way. PREVENTING COSTLY MISTAKES: PLANNING FOR A SMOOTHER BUILD One of the biggest risks in a home transformation is mid-build changes. Adjusting walls, repositioning doors, or reworking layouts at the last minute leads to extra labour, material waste, and frustrating delays. S tructural Changes = Bigger Costs - rethinking load-bearing walls or key structural elements once work has started isn’t just expensive—it also puts your project under unnecessary time pressure. Rushed decisions at this stage can lead to missed opportunities and compromises that could have been avoided with better planning. Keeping Trades on Board - frequent changes mid-project can strain relationships with tradespeople, causing frustration and eroding trust. A well-thought-out plan ensures everyone is working towards the same clear vision, keeping the build efficient and stress-free. The Key? Thinking Ahead - the best way to prevent costly mistakes is to make confident decisions before work begins. A carefully considered design means fewer surprises, a smoother build, and a transformation that stays on track—on time and on budget. MAXIMISING SPACE: GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR HOME TRANSFORMATION A well-designed home makes every square metre work hard, ensuring no space is wasted or awkward. Thoughtful planning creates rooms that are not only space-efficient but also feel open and inviting. Function with Flexibility - Every area should have a clear purpose—one that meets your needs now and adapts to the future. Multi-functional spaces, such as guest rooms that double as offices or cosy nooks for quiet moments, add versatility without unnecessary square footage Storage that Works for You - the secret to a spacious-feeling home? Smart storage that’s seamlessly integrated from the start. Hidden or built-in storage keeps clutter out of sight, so your home stays calm and functional. Whether it’s unwinding by the fire with a book or cooking a Sunday roast without scrambling for counter space, a well-planned layout supports how you actually live. Harnessing Natural Light - while light isn’t a physical space, it has the power to transform one. Rooflights in a vaulted ceiling or a perfectly placed window framing your favourite garden view can make a room feel significantly larger, brighter, and more connected to the outdoors. The Magic of Efficient Circulation - one of the most underestimated design strategies is streamlining circulation. A well-planned flow removes unnecessary hallways and dead zones, reclaiming valuable square metres for more meaningful use—like gaining the benefits of an extension without actually building one. With clever design, your home can give you everything you need—without being any bigger than it needs to be. Think it through now. Love living in it later.

You’ve been dreaming. Maybe it’s more space. A better flow. A home that finally feels like it fits you. You’ve walked through the rooms a hundred times, imagining how it will feel after — but you’re not quite sure where to begin. So, you reach out to an architect or designer. Perhaps you’ve booked that first free site visit. But here’s something that isn’t always obvious: That initial free visit? It’s mostly about logistics. The designer is there to quickly assess the scope — just enough to put together a design fee. It’s quick, practical, and while helpful, it rarely offers the depth most homeowners truly need at the start. This is where the Home Assessment comes in. WHAT IS A HOME ASSESSMENT? The Home Assessment is a structured, no-obligation session that gives you something most design processes skip over — a clear, thoughtful, and unbiased exploration of what you really want from your home. It includes: A 90-minute on-site consultation, where we walk through your home with fresh eyes and open minds. A carefully written follow-up report, critically analysing your options — your personal roadmap, laying out what’s possible, practical, and worth pursuing. It’s more than a casual chat, but not yet a full design. It’s a thoughtful middle ground — and it can make all the difference. WHY IT MATTERS When your goals are unclear, designers (quite understandably) build in contingencies — just like a builder might do when quoting uncertain work. The result?Higher design fees. Less flexibility. More assumptions. But when you take the time to get clear early on —When you ask the deeper questions, when you name not just what you want, but why — You take the lead in your own project. That’s what the Home Assessment does. It clears the fog. It plants seeds. It helps you move forward not just with ideas, but with intention. DESIGNED TO SERVE YOU - NOT TO SELL TO YOU Because this happens before any design fees are agreed, there’s no agenda — no pressure to commit, no selling. It’s an impartial, honest process — and yes, that’s why it’s a paid service. Not to lock you in. But to keep it truly independent. To exist for you, not for the sake of securing a job. Sometimes, the outcome of a Home Assessment is that you’re not ready to begin. And that’s a perfectly valid — and valuable — result. YOU ARE THE KEY INGREDIENT Great design doesn’t start with drawings. It starts with you. Your story. Your lifestyle. Your dreams and frustrations. The Home Assessment offers: A quiet space to reflect on what you truly want. Honest feedback and fresh perspectives. The confidence to ask for what you need — even if you didn’t know what that was before. You don’t need to speak the language of design — that’s my role.But you do need to share. The more open you are, the richer the outcome. Because the best homes aren’t just beautiful —They’re meaningful. And they’re created together. So pause, and ask yourself: What do I really need from this home? What will serve me best — not just now, but in the years to come? That’s where the magic begins. THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS THE RIGHT PROJECT Whether you're building from scratch, reimagining your interior, or adding a modest extension, the early stage is everything.Not just to shape the design — but to shape your relationship with it. The Home Assessment is the most grounded, honest, and human way to begin. Because it’s not just about creating a beautiful space —It’s about creating a home that truly supports the life you want to live. And when you start from a place of clarity and intention — the rest begins to fall into place.   Book a no-pressure Discovery Call or Home Assessment HERE . Best wishes Hazel Owner at The Design Bothy