LANDSCAPING & EXTERNAL WORKS
The architect leads on all matters. We see ourselves as a hub of technical knowledge that practices can draw upon.
than a single solution. We sometimes see designs driven by what’ s fashionable at the time, rather than presenting clients with a suite of ideas across different budgets. In our experience, clients want choice, and many aren’ t aware of the full range of products and systems available.
Technical requirements like drainage, SuDS and longterm durability can be complex— how do you help make these aspects simpler and more manageable for design teams?
All of our designs incorporate SuDS compliance. We use a variety of drainage solutions to ensure schemes meet regulations. On more challenging sites, we’ re prepared to think outside the box and develop alternative solutions that satisfy both technical and aesthetic requirements.
What does working together typically look like in practice, from that first conversation through to final delivery on site?
For us, collaboration means respecting the architect’ s role. The architect leads on all matters. We see ourselves as a hub of technical knowledge that practices can draw upon. We’ re there to assist, offering design choices, technical input and, if required, practical support with delivering the scheme on site.
What kind of design and specification support can architects expect from you along the way?
Our support is bespoke, as much or as little as a practice needs to deliver the client brief. We operate behind the scenes, ensuring questions are answered and technical details are resolved. We are not client- facing unless we are delivering the project on a turnkey basis.
A key part of our service is the warranty on all works. Around 20 % of our workload involves rectifying failed installations where contractors have walked away. Reputation is everything when working with professional architects, so we stand by our work and remain accountable if issues arise.
You’ ve got years of hands-on installation experience— how does that practical knowledge shape the way you approach design advice and detailing? With 40 years in the industry, we’ ve seen the pitfalls and we aim to help architects avoid repeating them. Our experience supports accurate budgeting, realistic timescales and effective pre-planning. We also have a team of 40 installers who can be mobilised to support projects that may be slipping on programme.
Are you noticing any growing trends in materials or more sustainable solutions that clients and specifiers are increasingly asking for? Resin systems account for around 60 % of our work this year. However, we’ re also seeing a number of earlier installations failing, which has led us to upgrade our base specifications. Increased delivery traffic, particularly from online retail— is putting greater load pressure on driveways. In many cases, existing specifications haven’ t evolved to reflect this change.
If an architect is interested in collaborating, what’ s the best way to start the conversation and what can they expect from that initial consultation? It always starts with a conversation— ideally over coffee( and possibly a pastry!). We find a 20 minute teams meet can be really fruitful when you are working out whether you can work with someone
For more information, please visit https:// newdrivewaycompany. com / commercialdriveway-installation /.
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