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

Regardless of the type of architectural work you wish to carry out, whether its a radical home transformation, a new build home, an extension to add space, or a mini alteration or refurbishment, the design process follows the same key themes. The Design Process Regardless of the type of architectural work you wish to carry out, whether its a radical home transformation, a new build home, an extension to add space, or a mini alteration or refurbishment, the design process follows the same key themes. ENQUIRY | FEASIBILITY | CONCEPT | PLANNING | TECHNICAL | SITE An enquiry begins with design analysis (that will last throughout your project's design) It begins to look deeply at what it is you desire to use architecture for and help inform you how best to take the next step towards enhancing your home environment. I've dedicated a blog post to the benefits of getting lots of design thinking in early in THINK FIRST, BUILD SMARTER. Looking deeply is to investigate what you personally value in a home and how you want to live. If you want to alter what you have, then focusing on working out what your home isn't giving you vs what it can't give you, helps you move towards solving your space probl ems. If you want to build a new home, then focusing on what the site can give you vs what it can't give you is your starting point. Working within the physical limitations set by your existing building + garden, the limitations of your plot if you are building new, the limitations of your budget and to work within the Scottish governments planning guidelines are important elements of design analysis. Getting your early design analysis right, helps you individualise your home to your unique user needs and to spend your money where it matters most. If you would like help to re-create either the whole or part of your existing home, or you would like to get clear on what type of new build home will best suit your way of living, feel free to book an appointment. Let's place your roof, walls, floors, windows, doors, fixtures + fittings in the right place Contact This page will be added to shortly, with the intention of explaining the key stages of the architecture + design of a typical residential project. If you love a bit of architecture + design theory or strategy, then the concept button gives you a taster of what's to come on the more detailed design process page. Concept

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.

Build confidence in your design and step into your home before its even built with 3D models + visuals. 3D modelling + visuals Build confidence in your design with 3D's 3D's (or 3 dimensional modelling + visualisations being the long winded description) bring a new kind of magic to the design process. They allow you to step into your future home before it’s even built. It can transform abstract plans into vivid, lifelike visuals, so you can truly get a feel for the space and understand the design’s heart. You can explore and make adjustments, ensuring everything lines up with your vision. "I can't tell you how fabulous it is to have 3D modelling as a tool for both client and designer - it is literally like having a language translator." Hazel Irvine - Owner My 3D design service is offered stand-alone directly with the homeowner. It is also offered as a service to Architects / Designers of small businesses, looking to add a set of 3D visuals to their clients architectural project and of course, it is part of The Design Bothy's architectural service, should you wish it. The choice is yours. For more reasons why 3D design may be the exact investment your project needs, check out my blog post THE PRACTICAL MAGIC OF 3D DESIGN. The 3D visual above has actual artwork by the incredibly talented local Scottish Artist, Donna Lousie Irvine , modelled into it. 3D's - detailed model - Example 01 3D's - detailed model - Example 02 3D's - detailed model - Example 03 3D's - detailed model - Example 04 3D's - plain models Sometimes you don't have the budget for a detailed 3D model, or you just want to know if the shape of your new extension is how you've interpreted the 2D drawings, or maybe you want a better idea of how the daylight might come into your reimagined kitchen. You're not really looking for a detailed model, more a basic feel for the proposed design. In this case, the Plain model may be for you. It's unusual to find this service available (because it doesn't necessarily make financial business sense!). I offer it because I like to think of myself as a bit of a maverick, and also because, in my opinion, it's a valid and valuable way for homeowners to visualise their home, albeit to a lesser extent. The plain model takes around half the time vs a detailed model - and this time saving is passed on fairly to you, by offering the plain modelling service at half the price. Pricing

| RADICAL TRANSFORMATION | A complete redesign of the entire main floor of this listed 4 bedroom Glasgow Townhouse | RADICAL TRANSFORMATION | A 4 bedroom, listed building, self contained double upper within a terrace house in Glasgow's West End. MORE PROJECT DETAILS COMING SOON

The Design Bothy answers your frequently asked questions about architecture + design (FAQ's) for your home projects. | FAQ's | A list of answers to the most frequently asked questions is currently being created and will be available shortly. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME HERE IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ASK ME SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT MY SERVICE.

If you are someone who likes to dive deeper into the architecture + design theory - awesome - the who benefits page is one for you... Who benefits? I've been told I am "a little wordy". My inclination is towards the "full picture". This is a great thing for my architecture - it comes from the same place as my desire to think things through from all angles and share as much of my knowledge as possible, one of my favourite things about my design process. If you are someone who likes to dive deeper into the architectural theory - awesome - this one's for you... RADICAL TRANSFORMERS If you are someone who craves a total transformation of your home, be it either one floor or all floors of your home, good architecture and design can serve you massively (when can it not!). This is so much more than a clever interior space rethink. This is when your home gives you everything you want in a location, siting, views, neighbours, privacy etc, but lacks an interior layout that functions or flows how you want it to. Radical home transformations create new homes from existing ones. Some times they "add" (like extensions), but more often they "remove" (like interior walls). Older homes, that have been extended over the years, can feel disjointed and the rooms out of proportion. Get your radical transformation right and you will struggle to believe you are walking into the same home. It is thrilling to take something old and make it new, where you walk through your front door, barely recognise it as yours, and finally feel like you are home. Make no mistake, this is a complex process. To "conceptually" take your home apart and put it back together again takes a deep thinking, analytical and creative brain. A designer who can remove their own ego from the design process, who can honour the patience and time good ideas take to mature and develop, while also providing architecturally sound and unbiased floorplan options. Above all, look for a designer (puts hand up*) who loves the jigsaw puzzle of it all. They will bring the energy and enthusiasm needed for this type of work. Be discerning. DESIGN REFINERS You've been through the concept design process, you have your planning permission + possibly your building warrant too, but something just doesn't feel right, or you feel you have gaps in your design. The interior spaces on your drawings aren't giving you that "Eeee, I can't wait to build this thing, so I can live in it" vibes. Chances are, unless you've built from scratch before, or have a background in space planning, you are looking for additional support as you progress through more of the design thinking of you new home. Refining a design can be radical or bite sized. You could re-design the entire interior layout, much like a radical transformer - but with the bonus of having no demolition work, as nothing's built yet. A "bite sized" option would be keeping you internal walls + rooms as your drawings show, and begin to futher explore your fixture + fitting options. Discover the exact kitchen + bathroom layout you would like, the perfect stair, a more efficient utility or boot room space, fitted storage not yet considered, maybe a feature window redesigned to suit you specific taste. Begin to fill in your home design in a way that benefits you most. Design refining might also include discussions on lighting layouts, radiator positions, flooring options, tiling layouts, feature fireplace design, fitted bookshelves, furniture positions, door hinging positions, pantry shelving, exterior patios, exterior finishes, rooflight sizes + location - it's your choice. There are so many ways in which a design can be refined before you start on site, to smooth the path for the build. Pro tip : very rarely would you need to apply again for planning permission, should you change the entire interior layout of your "not yet built" home. You have more flexibility than you think, before your contractor starts on site. NEW BUILDERS You haven't found the perfect home, so you have decided to imagine it into being. Nice. Whether you are just starting out and looking for a designer that "gets you", seeking new ideas + architectural inspiration, possibly you have your eye on a plot but don't know if it works for you or maybe you have already obtained planning permission but aren't in love with your interior / exterior layout yet and are seeking an impartial second opinion from an experienced architectural designers eye. Architecture from the Design Bothy is available to help for all of these needs. No ego. Just good design. HOME EXTENDERS When you don't want to move home AND want a home environment that works better for you, but don't want or need a radical transformation , then a home extension + a part refurbishment of let's say, the rear of your home, may be the best option for you. Many extension projects require a thorough consideration of how the extension will integrate with the existing home, to give you the perfect flow into your new open plan kitchen / dining space, or the perfect layout for a new master suite with garden access. This is the perfect opportunity to create more space AND make your existing spaces work better for you. The (in)famous flow and function is as relevant to this type of work as to any other home improvement. MINI TRANSFORMERS Home transformations don't have to be on an epic scale. Adding an ensuite or utility room, opening up an external wall to the garden, adding in some rooflights, rearranging some interior walls, can give you that special space that allows your home to give you that little bit more. All interior design alterations can benefit from an architectural designers eye - this could literally be one meeting, one phone call, or some concept floorplans to let you communicate effectively with your builder and help you not to miss opportunities. Projects

A forward thinking Architectural design studio based in Huntly, Aberdeenshire. The design Bothy specialises in maximising your homes SQM potential. All homes: New builds, Refurbishments, Extensions, Interior space reconfiguration, Planning permissions. | RADICAL TRANSFORMATION + EXTENSION + 3D MODELLING | This detached relatively modern 3 bedroom home has a ground floor footprint of only 72 SQM supporting a good sized Southerly facing sitting room, a small North facing dining kitchen, a small shower room and front entrance to the East side of the home. The first floor accommodates a double bedroom and two single bedrooms with a shared bathroom. The design challenge was to reorganise the ground floor rooms to create a new larger lighter kitchen with island and dining for 6-8, with direct connection to the south facing sitting room and gardens. The front entrance was to be reoriented to the front of the house (rather than the side) and an extension to accommodate additional sleeping and working space was requested. The early design investigations highlighted the potential to relocate the existing stair + shower room to the extension. This removed the small rooms and narrow hallways from the ground floor plan, and this valuable (free) SQM is repurposed as the kitchen / dining room with connection directly to the sitting room, providing the flexibility of open plan or semi-open plan living. The shape of the kitchen was redesigned to make better use of space and create a bonus pantry and good sized utility. Natural daylight was enhanced by replacing the existing front door with a fully glazed window and extending the original bathroom window to ground level to match. The re-imagined Kitchen has daylight and views on a triple aspect (South, East and North) and access from the front hall, the rear garden via the utility and the sitting room, helping to set the kitchen firmly as the centre of the home. The new side extension supports a multi functional room to the front, a shower room with large walk-in shower, a rear double bedroom with access to the garden and fitted storage. A new front entrance with front porch has been created by using some of the large existing sitting room, with the main entrance now integrated seamlessly into the floorplan. You can see from the ground floor proposed plan below, that no area of the existing home remained untouched. With the entrance hall now leading to all rooms, the flow and feeling of space within the home is improved immeasurably. The new extension works hard, at only 32 SQM, while supporting many new functions. This project is a strong example of how an extension not only provides additional SQM for new and/or improved function, done with care and consideration, the extension will also free space in the existing floorplan, creating a powerful potential for real home transformation.

Transforming your homes. The concept design stage is where transformation begins - not just for your home, but for how you feel in it. If your space no longer flows, feels outdated, or doesn’t support daily life, this stage explores and reimagines new possibilities. concept design Transform your home + yourself The concept design stage is where transformation begins—not just for your home, but for how you feel in it. If your space no longer flows, feels outdated, or doesn’t support daily life, this stage explores and reimagines new possibilities. It’s not just about rearranging rooms—it’s about rethinking space, light, and energy to create a home that feels open, balanced, and effortless to enjoy. By conceptually taking your home apart and putting it back together, we uncover fresh ideas that make every square metre work beautifully for you. Through clever space planning and reimagined layouts, a new vision takes shape. "Our homes reflect who we are and who we want to become" Hazel Irvine, Owner Scotland has a deep connection to home and landscape—places shaped by time, weather, function, and tradition. That same thoughtful approach is reflected in design, creating spaces that feel calm yet uplifting, practical yet full of personality, and most importantly, deeply connected. Whether it’s a warm, welcoming heart of the home, a stronger connection to nature, or a layout that simply flows better, every decision is made with care—balancing function, aesthetics, and well-being to enhance both how a home looks and how it feels. By the end of the concept design phase, you’ll have a clear, inspiring plan for transformation. Whether it’s a bold reconfiguration or a subtle evolution, the result is a home that doesn’t just look amazing but feels effortlessly right. If you're ready to radically transform your home, let’s create something extraordinary together. Contact

FREE architecture and design insights with the hi Design newsletter.​ Sign up to my mailing list and get the inside track on what makes for a well designed home. hi Design . FREE design insights here Sign up to my mailing list and get the inside track on what makes for a well designed home. Subscribe for insight into my design world Email* Join My Mailing List Keep up to date with design ideas for your home and how to use architecture to get what you want.

Do you have an Architecture + design project? Get in touch. The Design Bothy is based near Huntly on the Aberdeenshire Morayshire border. Book a FREE call, request an online consultation, request a home assessment or for everything else, fill in the easy form. contact me How would you like to get in touch? I offer a few options - the most common is a FREE call - where we have a brief chat about your project for about 15-20 minutes and decide what your next best step is. If you already have a design and a great designer and would like to go straight to requesting a price for a 3d model + visuals, REQUEST PRICE HERE Alternatively, feel free to book an online consultation if you are further a field in Scotland, there is an amazing amount of creativity that can be shared together over the power of online communication, that can help you know what your next best step is. MY ARCHITECTURAL + DESIGN ADVICE IS UNBIASED WITH NO OBLIGATION Initial Call (FREE) Request 15 minute phone call. Get to know me better and get some quick answers as to whether The Design Bothy suits your needs. We'll chat about what areas of architecture and design I specialise in, what happens at a site visit, what worries you may have about the design process or your project and of course, what you are most excited about. Online Consultation (£100) Book here This is a 60 minute design consultation (either via phone or a video call) designed to give you access to design advice and guidance. Use this service if you are looking for design advice or a second opinion on a specific home problem and want to chat directly with an impartial architectural designer. This is a useful service if you are thinking about altering the layout of your home and don't know where to start, or are looking to brainstorm some ideas on a potential re-design of your home and are looking for more design knowledge. Maybe you have an idea but are not sure whether it's got potential. Or possibly you are in the middle of some renovations and can't reach a design agreement with your partner. This service gives you access to 60 minutes of design insights that you can use as a sounding board for your ideas / vision. Home Assessment (£200) Yes please This design service is where we meet at your home and spend around 90 minutes together. We discuss your current home and analyse what isn't working for you, how your home isn't yet able to allow you to live the way you want to live or isn't working spatially or making best use of space. We brainstorm early stage ideas + typical design solutions, with the aim of giving you more insight into realistic redesign options for your home, so you can maximise its potential. This gets summarised in a report for you. After this site visit, if you would like to work together further, to develop your design concept, then a transparent design fee will be available tailored to the report and your specific projects needs. For more information or insight into why you would consider a home assessment - check out my blog post HOME ASSESSMENT: WHAT'S THE POINT? 3D Model + visuals (price on request) 3D me For an accurate pricing schedule for the 3D modelling + visuals of your exact project, please excuse the extra step and pop me an email by clicking the button above "3D me". Here are some guidelines and rules of thumbs (price depends on the complexity of your design): Detailed External Model + associated visuals / images from £1500 Detailed Internal Model + associated visuals / images from £750 per space Plain External Model + associated visuals / images from £750 Plain Internal Model + associated visuals / images from £375 per space For more information + examples of what a "detailed" model is and what a "plain" model is, head on over to the 3D MODELS + VISUALS PAGE Or for my opinion on the power and practical magic of the 3D model - check out my wee blog post HERE OR IF YOU LIKE ONLINE FORMS, THIS ONE'S FOR YOU Let me know what you need. I aim to respond to all enquiries within 48 hours. Name Email Phone Tell me a little about your project Submit Where is The Design Bothy located? I am located between Huntly + Keith, on the Aberdeenshire - Moray border in Scotland. The architecture + design service that I offer is available locally and can also be used by homeowners throughout Scotland, just get in touch if you are unsure. Below is a general list of the villages, towns and cities that are easily travelled to, should you wish to meet at your home or on site. There are many more places that can be reached easily. Should you live further a field, just get in touch to discuss. Aberdeen, Alford, Aviemore, Banchory, Banff, Buckie, Cabrach, Cairnie, Carrbridge, Clatt, Cullen, Daviot, Drumblade, Drummuir, Dufftown, Dyce, Echt, Elgin, Ellon, Fochabers, Forgue, Glass, Gartly, Grantown-on-Spey, Huntly, Insch, Inverurie, Keith, Kemnay, Kintore, Leslie, New deer, New Machar, Old Meldrum, Peterculter, Premnay, Portsoy, Rhynie, Rothiemay, Stonehaven, Tarland, Turriff, Westhill. Services REDS (RURAL ENTERPRISE DIRECTORY SCOTLAND) I am listed on REDS too. REDS features a diverse range of rural and island micro-enterprises. The Directory promotes the values and diversity of Scotland’s rural economy and supports these businesses to thrive in a sustainable and resilient way.