Are you choosing the right design team for your home?

Getting this decision right is an essential part of a successful home build project.

In this episode we explore why appointing the design team is the second most important decision in any high value home build, and how that early choice influences cost, risk, programme and quality from day one. We unpack what a design team really is, who should lead it, and how that changes as projects move beyond £2m.

We share when an architect should act as lead designer, when a project manager adds genuine value, and why professional fees are often misunderstood compared to the risks of delays, overruns and poor delivery.

We also talk through building a clear brief, being honest about budget, shortlisting the right people, and the red flags to watch for when professionals overpromise.

The wrong decision is hard to undo. The right one protects everything that follows.

“This is a long-term professional relationship.” – Tina Patel

You’ll hear about:

• Why the design team is the second biggest decision
• What a design team actually includes
• Under £2m vs over £2m projects
• When to appoint a project manager
• The role of the lead designer
• Why architects don’t just draw buildings
• How to build a proper project brief
• Being honest about budget early
• How to shortlist architects properly
• Red flags during interviews
• Why cheap fees are risky
• The real cost of poor decisions

Connect with us:

Tima Patel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinapatel/

Bart Kolosowski - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartkolosowski/

Produced by Between Tracks - https://www.betweentracks.com/

What actually has to be approved before you can build?

In this episode, we give a clear overview of the statutory approvals that apply to residential construction projects, and explain how they shape what you can design, when you can start on site and how much risk you carry.

We break down planning permission, permitted development and pre application advice, and explain why approvals are about strategy, not just permission.

We also cover building regulations, including full plans versus building notice, inspections and final certification, as well as party wall agreements, listed buildings, conservation areas and freeholder consent. We explain where projects commonly stall and why starting work without the right approvals can create serious legal and financial consequences.

If you are building or significantly altering a high value home, this episode gives you the approval framework you need before committing to design, time or budget.

“You cannot build legally without the right approvals.” – Tina Patel

You’ll hear about:

• What statutory approvals actually are
• Planning permission vs permitted development
• Common planning misconceptions
• Pre application advice explained
• Planning refusals and appeals
• Discharge of planning conditions
• Building regulations explained
• Full plans vs building notice
• Final building control certificates
• Party wall agreements explained
• Freeholder and covenant restrictions
• Building Safety Act implications

Episode resources:

Health and Safety Executive CDM Guidance https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm/2015/index.htm

Connect with us:

Tima Patel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinapatel/

Bart Kolosowski - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartkolosowski/

Produced by Between Tracks - https://www.betweentracks.com/

Building a high value home means managing far more people than you expect.

On a residential project, dozens of professionals are involved, each with a specific role, responsibility, and risk attached. We break down who does what, who works for whom, and where confusion can lead to costly mistakes.

We explain the key roles across the full build team, including architects, project managers, quantity surveyors, engineers, contractors, inspectors, and regulators. We also unpack common misconceptions around cost control, client protection, and why no single person can manage everything alone.

If you want clarity on your team before committing serious money to your build, this episode is for you.

“Coordination is where projects succeed or fail.” - Tina Patel

You’ll hear about:

• Who the client really is
• What a project manager actually does
• Architect versus lead designer
• Why planning consultants matter
• Listed buildings and heritage consultants
• Contract administrator versus employer’s agent
• Quantity surveyor versus cost consultant
• Why engineers can save you money
• MEP and services explained
• Who controls quality on site
• Planning versus building control
• Who really protects your risk

Connect with us:

Tima Patel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinapatel/

Bart Kolosowski - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartkolosowski/

Produced by Between Tracks - https://www.betweentracks.com/