Why Homeowners Are Facing Disappointment with their Architect—and What Can You Learn to Avoid the Same Heartbreak.
At a recent summer fair at my children’s school, I had the pleasure of meeting Aileen, who stopped by my stall to chat. It was a delightful encounter, but sadly, it wasn’t the first time I had heard the overwhelming frustrations that often accompany home renovation projects. Many of my clients have shared similar feelings of anxiety and disappointment, recounting their struggles with architects who didn’t listen to their needs or respect their budgets. Aileen’s journey is a powerful reminder of how essential it is to find the right partner in the design process—someone who understands not just the logistics, but the emotional weight that comes with making a house a home. Her story of transformation speaks volumes about the importance of trust and communication in creating spaces that truly serve families.
Hi Eleanor,
I have been reflecting on the buildup to working with you on our reconfiguration project. I had seen your stall at a school fair, engaged with you, and got such a lovely sense from you. You offered advice that day and were not pushy. At that point, I was so flustered, frustrated, upset, and to be very honest, my husband and I were broken. When I met you, I went home and told my husband about our meeting and spoke of ‘my gut feeling’ telling me that you were the person. We were already working with an architect and had spent thousands on plans, so we felt we had to continue, even though my gut was screaming no. We were having a horrendous experience, and it was in the middle of this that I happened upon you at the school fair.
We initially engaged an architect recommended by a builder, but as time went on, it became clear that we had lovely pictures, but they were never going to become our home. Our budget was ignored, and had planning been approved, we wouldn’t have been able to fund the build. I did all the chasing, months went by, and I saw the architects’ lovely Instagram projects, which felt like a slap in the face. We finally chose to walk away, broken and at a loss of a lot of money.
When I phoned you, Eleanor, I was desperate. I had been following you on Instagram, and you took a call from a complete stranger. You listened to me offload for a full hour. I was in a state, speaking in a rushed tone, voicing my absolute frustration. You remained calm, reassured me to take time, and helped me see what we truly wanted.
We took a pause because I didn’t know if I could go through it all again, losing more money and hope. When we spoke, you really made me think about whether I was committed. You helped us face our fears, and we felt you understood the weight of what this project had become for us—something that no longer brought joy.
From the first visit, you impressed us by showing up with homework already done. You had contacted the council and confirmed we were never getting planning to begin with. You were firm and clear about what was possible, but you also respected our budget, constantly reassuring us that we were within it. I’m still tense about it, but your detailed costings and contingency plans give us confidence. Unlike our previous experience, you’ve communicated consistently with us and never left us wondering.
The first time you presented us with two design options, I cried. It was the first time we felt a glimmer of hope. We began to believe that staying in our home in this beautiful location might actually be possible. We hadn’t been able to imagine ourselves in our home before, but through your drawings, that began to change. You saw where clutter gathers, understood the workings of family life, and designed for our needs—not for awards. We don’t want a showhouse; we want a home.
You planned into the future, allowing us to easily adapt the space as our daughters grow. We love the simplicity, the focus on comfort, and the ‘plain and no fuss’ aesthetic you listened to us about. You’ve explained your decisions clearly, and we’ve grown to trust the process.
We now look forward to our meetings with you. Your prompt replies to our questions and your reassurances make us feel like we have a real partner. You’ve given us hope. Soon, we will be able to invite friends over for playdates and sleepovers without feeling embarrassed about our home. You’re not just giving us a house; you’re giving us the life we’ve worked so hard for. I’ll forever be grateful for that chance meeting at the school fair.
As the saying goes, “better late than never.”
Does this resonate with you?
Are you Aileen? Do you feel like your architect isn’t truly hearing your needs for your home? Are you ready to reclaim control and reignite your excitement for your renovation project, rather than feeling overwhelmed?
Book a clarity call with me, Eleanor, and take the first step toward transforming your project. During this free call, I’ll introduce you to my Reconfiguration Review, designed to restore your confidence and provide clarity through a transparent process tailored specifically to your family’s needs. Together, we’ll explore how to reconfigure your space, ensuring it works for your lifestyle—without unnecessary extras or inflated budgets.
If you are ready to regain control of your renovation project click here to arrange a time to get your Reconfiguration Review™ started.