Reviews

From the start you approached the assignment with a level of creativity and originality, as well as an understanding of how we wanted to live as a family, not shown by any of the many other architects we spoke to. Throughout you have demonstrated exemplary attention to detail, patience and a clear enjoyment in what you do. We started with a run down, dark, claustrophobic house and have ended up with a property truly worthy of its setting in the most beautiful countryside I know. CM

West yard farm (another VESP project) inspired our own project, merging the old and new together. Eilir took initial oversight for the scheme and its direction including the required bat loft! Ian, ably assisted by Chris completed all the planning and full scheme details including the impressively helpful 3D iPad model to visualise the whole scheme. Results are impressive and we are delighted with it and the reality matches the concept brilliantly, another exceptional job by the VESP team. JE

We used VESP architects as we had been impressed by a project they had completed on Dartmoor. We worked alongside both Eilir and Ian and both were very approachable, experienced and informal....which we liked. They listened to our brief and appreciated that we had a budget. Our project was complicated as we wanted to retain the Georgian frontage of the building and demolish the rear, adding a contemporary barn like structure. They were always available and professional throughout.. It's reassuring to know they are just down the road should we need advice or clarification during the build process. We would certainly recommend them. SC

From the start you approached the assignment with a level of creativity and originality, as well as an understanding of how we wanted to live as a family, not shown by any of the many other architects we spoke to. Throughout you have demonstrated exemplary attention to detail, patience and a clear enjoyment in what you do. We started with a run down, dark, claustrophobic house and have ended up with a property truly worthy of its setting in the most beautiful countryside I know. CM

I have known and worked with VESP architects for more than a decade, both as a contractor and customer. We have worked together on several projects, including two of my own self-builds. My faith and confidence in them continues and I would always be happy to use, work for, or recommend the firm. SR

First class service! We chose VESP architects after seeing examples of the work in the area. Ian Phillips worked hard to understand our needs and preferences before coming up with his exciting design, which we loved. They guided us through all aspects of the project, from getting planning permission (within Dartmoor National Park!), through to appointing a builder. They managed all aspects of the project and we are delighted with the final result. They provided much more than just a design service. I cannot recommend them highly enough. ND

VESP architects are an excellent team; they designed an award winning contemporary house for us in Devon. Eilir and Ian are very creative and proactive people and I would definitely use them again and always recommend them to other people. MH

We bought this house in 2016 and approached VESP architects because we wanted to extend the living room. The drawings for the new room were stunning. However, when the builders began work, they discovered wet rot throughout the house. Eventually, it was decided that the house would need to be demolished and rebuilt. VESP dealt with all the necessary paperwork, applied for the original planning permission, the permission to demolish the building, then the new planning permission. They kept us informed at every step of the way, and they redesigned the internal space of the house. We were extremely pleased with the way that VESP reimagined both the internal layout and the outside terracing. Work began on the house in October 2018 and was completed in October 2019. My husband passed away in April 2019, so never got to see the finished house. VESP and the wonderful builders (Kesterbrook) could not have been kinder – in fact, when I took over the house upon completion, the builders presented me with an oak plaque to remember Roy, which is now fixed to the external apex of the living room, which faces Burgh Island. I can highly recommend VESP architects, not only for the beautiful design of the house, but also for their attention to detail and monthly progress reports (which was an additional service). Everyone who has visited the house is blown away by the imaginative use of space and light. VESP have ensured that from the moment you enter the house, the views are spectacular. It is now a much loved family holiday home and we look forward to being able to use it again once pandemic restrictions are eased. SP

Fortunately we don't have to search the country too hard for inspiring design. A property i feel fits this bill is Hidden House in Ashburton. Not only is the building clever in its fabrication, but perhaps even more so in its execution - something of utmost importance when plans for the new build had to ensure there was no impact on the neighbour's countryside views. JC

We were completely new to anything like this; We’ve never even used an architect before. We met many, most of whom were based closer but it was perfectly obvious to both of us that Eilir and his team were the ones we wanted to use. They far outclassed everyone else we met. We loved their work and felt our aesthetic was similar. Plus we felt we’d get on as people. And be able to lean on them when things got stressful as they inevitably will do! We are yet to begin the build but have done the design and got planning approval, undoubtedly thanks to VESP architects. They contributed so much to getting the design through planning, really working with the council to ensure it would get approval. It is quite a brave design for a barn so we hadn’t expected it to be so smooth but VESP managed to achieve our mutual ambition for the project, whilst at the same time satisfying any potential concerns the council might have. Beautiful, interesting, sympathetic design generated by lovely, talented people who have given us lots of time and attention when we ask for it. And they have great knowledge - and taste. From my experience so far, they are a class act. JB

VESP architects have a consistent and thorough approach to the design of individual properties as well as place making. The projects we have undertaken with them have expertly balanced our brief with relevant contemporary design that is highly marketable. Their design lead approach, along with excellent interpersonal skills, pays dividends when presenting proposals to both Local Authorities and the public at consultation events. GF

We have commissioned VESP architects to design a new purpose built cookery school building in Ashburton which was opened in 2010 along with subsequent extensions to the building in more recent years. As a customer facing business we welcome thousands of people from around the world to spend large amounts of time (up to 6 months) within our building, so it is imperative that it is welcoming and attractive from the outside and a light and enjoyable space to work in. VESP showed an excellent understanding of the brief and gave us multiple, well-visualised concepts to help us focus towards a finished concept and plans. We are sited within Dartmoor Park conservation area which brings with it special considerations of materials and design, and much time was saved by having architects experienced of working within these parameters. There were no issues gaining planning permission. The finished build is exactly as visualised and designed by the architects - an outstanding building to look at and work in that makes the most of the site within which it sits and is a delight to work in. Several years later the business needed to expand and we commissioned VESP for the extensions. This was a tricky brief, adding on two new dining rooms to the existing facade and had the potential of spoiling the strength of the original design. Their design has actually strengthened the impact of the facade of the building which is quite an achievement. I would recommend VESP architects for projects of all sizes. They are a modern architect studio, small enough to care about all their projects, but experienced enough to cope with projects of all sizes. I feel they offer extremely good value. The work they have executed for us is contemporary yet looks better as time moves on - the sign of a great architect. DO

Working with the VESP team was a very positive experience. They work in a creative, highly collaborative manner and were able to extract the best out of us as input to their design process. They appreciated that this was not just another project for us, but a once in a lifetime home build, and they treated it as if it was as important to them as it was to us. Most importantly, working with Ian, Eilir and the team was a pleasure - we (including our dog!) visited the office often and always felt welcome and part of the family. LW

This Class Q barn conversion, located in the beautiful South Hams, is a truly remarkable family home and a fitting tribute to local agricultural architecture. Upon entry, Higher Dorsley's double-height kitchen and living space offers abundant natural light and courtyard garden views. "This property gives some serious wows," "From the soaring black steel framing, the impressive timber structure visible internally and the tactile, elegant larch cladding to the exterior. I love the external palette of materials used, complemented so well inside by the fluted oak kitchen and refined bathroom specifications. Gorgeously finished and not a part of it I didn’t enjoy looking at." : From Homebuilding and Renovating Awards www.homebuilding.co.uk TT

Broadhempston Village Hall was completed in December 2015 and is now an outstanding feature of our vibrant rural community. Our CIO's project panel chose VESP out of a number of interested architects and our choice was entirely justified. The architect's brief was fulfilled with imagination, precision of design and to budget. We now have a carbon-neutral hall which serves the community extremely well and we would not hesitate to recommend the VESP team for its responsiveness, the quality of its work, the value for money (important to our charity where every penny counts!) and just the great pleasure of working with them. PS

We have been clients of VESP architects since their early days and have always found them a pleasure to work with. We are still with VESP partly because they are excellent architects but also because we get a highly personalised service. We are consistently looked after by the right person and our requests are dealt with swiftly DS

In 2013 I built a new home for my family in Totnes. This was based on plans and design produced by Eilir Sheryn. He assisted me throughout the design, planning and build process and I would commend him to anyone with a building project in mind. I found his genuine interest and willingness to help in all aspects of the project to be especially helpful along with other members of the VESP team all of whom who I found to be both professional and personable. SR

We briefed VESP on how we wanted to build a home that was contemporary, offered comfortable living and most importantly was designed to fit into the rural landscape. And this is exactly what they delivered in their first set of designs. Our family has farmed the land here for over 50 years and we wanted to build our forever home that referenced the site's agricultural heritage and was perfectly suited to our changing needs as we grow older, while was also designed to be as sustainable as possible. Our new home now perfectly blends into the stunning greenery, while the abundance of glass connects the internal living spaces with the outside, so we can easily enjoy the beautiful landscape changing through the seasons. It is also worthwhile explaining that Simon and the team helped us through every stage of planning, which was a bit of a miracle as we had been told time and time again that we would never be able to build there. This was the first time that we have ever undertaken such a big project, so understandably this was quite daunting. However VESP Architects were there at every step of the way to guide and inform us and ultimately we were able to create something that we adore and will love for many years to come. TV

Vesp have just completed the design of our renovation project on the banks of the River Tavy in West Devon to Building Control approval. Working with Sarah and Ian has been a real pleasure. Their collaborative approach has been inspiring and stress free. The result is a well insulated eco friendly and contemporary renovation that retains the original character of the old buildings and ecologically sensitive location. AF

Really creative team, lots of different options on the table for us to work with, sun paths, 3D models, great concept visuals. A listed building in a conservation area VESP got both planning applications approved. I would highly recommend LM

Van Ellen + Sheryn did a fantastic job putting a modern extension onto a thatched cottage. After a couple of false starts the final agreed lan was exactly what we wanted linking the House with its surroundings. The specifications of the glass and cladding lifted the build even further into something truly wonderful. Without exception everybody we had dealings with at the firm were polite helpful and at all times professional. I can’t recommend them highly enough. NH

We were extremely happy with the service we received from VESP architects in extending our home. The team were very helpful and friendly throughout the process. Their plans were sympathetic to the existing building and worked very well with our limited budget. We were particularly impressed with the way in which they enabled us to alter the configuration of our existing space, to maximise natural light. I would definitely recommend them to anyone considering altering or extending their home. JB

VESP architects always deliver a friendly, professional, service and do their upmost to see away through the demands of their clients, the natural constraints of any particular site, the budget constraints that may exist, and the expectations of the relevant Local Authority. It can be the case that the desires of a client are not matched by a Local Authority, this can result in adaptations to enable planning permission, VESP always show patience and creativity in trying to overcome such problems. As a planning consultant and historic building consultant I have always enjoyed working alongside VESP and found them efficient and reliable in delivering projects for their clients. My observation is that their clients also have enjoyed working with them and this is best substantiated by the repeat business and positive recommendations I have witnessed them receive. They create attractive solutions and have a sound appreciation of the hurdles often faced in securing planning permission and delivering a scheme, to aid this they have contact with an array of consultants who provide associated services to support development, this includes practices and professionals in the fields of planning, ecology, engineering, ground surveying, drainage etc. JM

Superb creative and professional team. Fantastic style ideas and attention to detail. Incredibly patient and great communication. They were also brilliant company whilst planning our home. CB

We hired VESP architects to provide us with a full design service, from concept through to plans and managing the planning process. We found them to be a great team of smart experienced people who worked together very effectively to provide us with a faultless service. They listened and they worked hard for us. In fact, it's fair to say that they worked really hard for us, it was impressive. They have a genuine desire to please and we found them real team players. The result of their efforts made for an application that totally worked for us and our needs, the application pushed the planning boundaries but not so much that the application was refused and made costly, they trod the line perfectly. I sit writing this in our now completed two story extension, it really is a picture of beauty inside and out. It's a home design that works for every occasion and we are delighted. So much credit sits squarely on the VESP team's shoulders, we'd recommend and work with them again without hesitation. OC

We are 5 months in to a 7 month build on our 1930's Arts and Crafts house in Torquay, the design of which Van Ellen created for us. We were instantly impressed by their designs but it's only since the build / renovation has moved in to its final stages do we really appreciate the wonderful space they have created for us. The house, whilst always grand on the outside, was so muddled on the inside it felt cramped and depressing. Now the house can breath again - it's light and airy, the high ceilings and large open spaces give a sense of grandeur, the rooms flow beautifully. We're still 2 months from move in but we already know that with VESP's help we have created our forever family home. KN