Planning Consultancy

The close working relationship between ourselves, the design team and the GCC project management team, was undoubtedly the major contributing factor in the success of this complex building project. We are delighted with its outcome and the national recognition it has achieved.

Not only do you understand funding constraints but also the limitations on time that staff at the school will have and are happy to do everything possible to minimise their workload.

They ensure that they fully understand the client brief and, by working collaboratively with us, and key stakeholders, have produced fantastic results.

We look back with great satisfaction and pride at what was a very successful project for us, due in no small measure to Helen's diligence, care and attention and problem solving skills.

We particularly enjoy Quattro's willingness to work with us to support and engage with others outside the design team, working with schools, colleges and local communities to inform and help stimulate interest and understanding of the construction industry.

Well done. Fully deserving to be awarded first place. A good all-round team effort including the early safety planning by Quattro and the team.

In 2013, we did not have a single integrated set of CAD plans for the campus, and we had limited understanding of how efficiently we used our current spaces. The Quattro team assembled this integrated set of plans, providing a highly detailed and useful overview through a space audit...cont/

Our patient’s said the transformation of our practice gets 11/10.

...They have succeeded in producing a state-of-the-art building, perfectly adapted to the needs of all our users.

From early on in the process all parties involved.. entered into a positive and constructive dialogue aimed at finding a 'landscape-led' solution. This willingness to work together and to share ideas and expertise was a hallmark of the project and central to its success.

The design was achieved through a collaborative and thoughtful approach and although the tight financial limitations seemed like a straitjacket at times, QDA simply rose to the challenge. The result is spectacular.

To be able to deliver this level of care in a Stirling Gold Standard facility is fantastic. To achieve Stirling Gold Standard means that every aspect of the building, from the layout, right through to the smallest details such as the position and the colours of doors...cont/

I love living here. I'm a veteran and I helped build this place. It's so clean and tidy - everything is new it makes you want to look after it. I've just planted up my herb bed. If only more people could have somewhere to live like this...

If we are to achieve our ambitions of creating a zero carbon city by 2050, we will need more sustainable development like this...Solon's housing development is a great example of raising the standard of living and creating a better place for all.

From the outset they work collaboratively with us to ensure that best value is achieved within the client's budget.

The unit has now been visited by some of the leading international experts in acute psychiatric care some of whom have commented that the unit may be amongst the best in the world.

The bundling of a mutual trust and understanding is key to a successful design team relationship. We have enjoyed such a relationship with Quattro Design Architects over the many years we have been working together ...This close collaborative style...provides a building that in most case exceeds expectations.

At Quattro, I am so lucky to work alongside Colm and Richard in our Housing Architects team– they’ve been qualified for many years and I learn a lot from them. The Senior Housing team, Kate, Helen and David are all very knowledgeable and a great support.

The new 6th Form Centre and Nigel Baker Library has resulted in a fabulous transformation of the school frontage. The building has an intelligent design making maximum use of what seemed an impossible footprint.

The work has given us a much higher standard of insulation and has transformed the look of the outside to the extent that first time visitors are often under the impression that it is a new building, rather than being more than 50 years old!

...Together, we have built a positive environment around us that directly effects children’s attitudes and their ability to learn and explore ideas. Many thanks again to Quattro for providing us with the vision.

An exceptionally talented group of design architects who go the extra mile for the client, they have worked on a considerable number of projects at our Academy, all delivered with skill, efficiency, on time and within budget. I recommend them without reservation.

From the beginning, the Quattro Team have helped me pull together the strands of my design experience and interpret them robustly from a technical point of view. Design is important but so is solid, robust architecture.

Added value is a result of early collaboration and the ability of the team to work alongside each other to maximise the value of work delivered within the budget. Quattro are a willing ambassador to this approach and take on an active role, never over precious and a true commercial partner.

The project has been like a text book scheme from start to finish, running like clockwork and has provided a superb new facility that we are sure will be put to good use by the residents of Longford.

Solon is very proud of the 24 homes developed at Kelston Close which provided much needed affordable housing.

They are always open to suggestions and commit to providing timely and accurate information, giving us the confidence that key dates will be met, whilst ensuring that the design is both affordable and buildable.

Quattro have been brilliant in enabling me to learn how to translate my concepts into real, technically strong designs.

The result is a beautiful, functional, affordable and contemporary public building which is strongly grounded in its place.

Overall, the work has enabled us to extend the life of the building for the foreseeable future – so has been a very cost-effective alternative to demolishing the building and constructing a new college

... The project management by Quattro design was also outstanding.

Quattro structured a series of engaging user workshops and precedent visits to recently completed schools, which was invaluable in further developing our brief. For example, this informed our need for each laboratory being permanently divided into two sections, with one area as a working lab and the second area as a...

Now I work predominantly within the Education and Leisure & Community Teams – it’s here I developed a love of community based projects. I realised making a difference and benefiting the local community is important to me. Quattro are champions for this...A perfect fit for me and really fulfilling.

The inside offers its inhabitants a first-class learning experience incorporating vistas of that same outstanding and distinctive landscape.

Regardless of the scale of the project, QDA’s approach is always totally professional. They ensure that they fully understand the client brief and, by working collaboratively with us, and key stakeholders, have produced fantastic results.

The result is a functional, affordable and contemporary public building which is strongly grounded in its place. From the outside the school makes a positive contribution to the character of both Colwall village and one of the nation's finest landscapes.

Through the proven delivery of professional approach, innovative design concepts, attention to detail and collaborative approach to the design and construction process, Quattro have become a designer of choice within Speller Metcalfe.

The commitment shown to meeting very tight deadlines, strict planning regulations and understanding the complexities of the local area has been phenomenal. This has been a huge task and we are delighted that Quattro have ensured that planning permission has been granted for our fabulous school.

Quattro Design have supported us on a number of projects now and during these we have found them to provide an excellent service and approach.  Their professional approach is more than we could have wished for and their contributions have been valued across the school and the Governing Body.

The projects they have supported have been delivered on time and budget and throughout these they have ensured the school needs have been fully considered and met.  All of their work is undertaken in a professional manner and their contribution on design ideas has been extremely valuable.

In many respects this was a relatively ground breaking innovative approach that may be regarded as an exemplar regionally (if not nationally).

You have an incredibly flexible approach. Not only do you understand funding constraints but also the limitations on time that staff at the school will have and are happy to do everything possible to minimise their workload.  

...This was extremely detailed work, a project in which the overall flow and ‘elegance’ of movement throughout the estate was held in appropriate balance with the granular level of detail.

Just a short line to say how much we appreciate your contribution to the refurbishment of Barnabas House. It has made a huge difference to our clients who have now all moved back in. I have heard nothing but favourable comments from all our residents.

I’m very pleased construction's complete on the impressive Maesyffynon Extra Care facility, which will help older people live as active and independent lives as possible and receive targeted support for their needs. This site in Aberaman is the first of five new facilities for RCT, to improve our care provision.

The work of the Quattro design team is exceptional. Their work and visual realisation of our concourse area really bowled me over. I never realised how unbelievable a walkway could look. I cannot praise them enough.

cont/...We know the new homes will meet a real local demand both for affordable rented homes as well as people looking to get a first step on the property ladder through shared ownership.

The Trust is delighted to see the project finished and open to patients. It’s been no small undertaking! With the involvement of staff and design team we have planned out everything to the smallest detail.

Most importantly, 22 families are now able to enjoy the benefits of brand new, energy-efficient and secure homes. Platform Housing Group has been a fantastic client partner throughout the project and we look forward to working with them again in the future.

The school has employed a variety of the architectural services on offer from QDA, using them as a ‘one-stop shop’ for campus development activities...cont/

Quattro went to great lengths to listen and incorporate ideas from a wide range of people who have an interest in the project. Their commitment extended well beyond the working day and meant the community felt fully and engaged and listened to.

Quattro ensured the works were of the highest standard and delivered on time. Their supportive and professional approach meant that at the end of the scheme it was done on time and is now a centre more than hitting the objectives set out to impact on the local community.

We have always found the Quattro team to be efficient, professional and proactive in all the projects where we have worked together.

The result is a fantastic, bright and spacious base where we can make sure our teams and, most importantly, the service users and carers we support are given the best possible facilities to support recovery.

The design process had significant challenges not least the time scales to get an agreed scheme in place. I would like to really compliment the team on how they steered through these so calmly and competently and I hope we can work with them again on future projects.

cont/...the location of furniture, even the colour and design of the individual bathrooms have been specifically created to support people living with dementia. Very few homes achieve this standard and we are truly delighted to be able to provide this level of care and accommodation here at Amber Wood.

Thank you so much for our beautiful building.

We selected the team because they combined experienced, imaginative and environmentally sensitive design capability with a highly responsive approach as regards the client brief, working within tight planning constraints whilst building a deep understanding of the students’ needs. In this regard, we were not disappointed.

Quattro's close attention to detail and thought that went into the design and planning stage of the development is clearly evident and their thoroughness was maintained during the construction phase.

Having worked for a number of years on several frameworks and many local schemes, we have found that our projects have always benefitted from Quattro's talented and enthusiastic individuals.

Due to its sensitive location, it was important for QEH that the new building was sympathetic to the neighbourhood, it's historical setting and to the green space of Brandon Hill. Quattro's enduring efforts in searching for the best design solution was instrumental in successfully negotiating Planning approval.

... including helping with bids in order to obtain funding from the Education and Skills Funding Agency for building projects (with considerable success), project management, lead consultant managing design teams, clerk of works and overall ‘customer friend’.

This is one of our older buildings, but this refit will now allow us to offer the latest facilities in Cashes Green Ward, enabling us to provide the best possible care and treatment to patients

Quattro has supported me all the way. I can’t thank them enough. I am really happy here. I’m really growing, and I like the Team. I also really enjoy helping newer members of the team.

The surgical staff where very positive throughout the project and everyone is pleased that everything is now finished and operational. The Trust would like to thank all concerned for their significant input into what was a very difficult and challenging project.

We were able to continue using the College as normal during the process of recladding and window replacement. The consultancy team and contractors worked with us to ensure that only one room was taken out of use at any one time, so the disruption was minimised.

I knew their reputation and skill set from my work with previous employers, to their credit these standards have been maintained. They deliver to program and have the flexibility to respond promptly through out the design and building process.

My day-to-day mentor at Quattro spent a lot of time with me...using a trace overlay on my drawings as a correction tool, taking time to explain the reasons behind corrections – and his patience and willingness to make time for these sessions definitely supported me in my learning.

As a headteacher, it is rare to be given a building where the needs of pupils have been at the very heart of the design. With colour, shape and a texture chosen for interest and stimulation, this is certainly a building that will facilitate pupil learning.

Without doubt the final building is simply stunning! Not only is it visually breath-taking, physically it provides a learning environment that is as near perfect as we could have hoped for!

The success of the project is mainly down to the team involved in delivering it and this in no small part includes Quattro Design Architects, who have been involved from the outset...Your experience, advice and and input have been invaluable. We very much look forward to working with you again.

Working with Helen, Quattro Design Architects, was a pleasure.  Listening to our requirements she/they designed the ideal small home for my parents.

Quattro has created beautiful, inspiring learning spaces for our local school children and teachers. The completion of the final phase, an Early Years extension provides the much-needed creative space for pupils to develop their ideas and the perfect environment to host onsite before and after school wrap around care.

We are delighted to be breathing new life into the local area in what is our first regeneration project in this county.

Little did we know when we designed it that it is a perfectly brilliant COVID friendly  adaptable school!

As the largest housing association in Gloucestershire, financially strong organisations like Bromford have a central role to play in investing in new and existing homes and services...cont/

Working to a tight timeline and a scheme that had to be changed at the 11th hour for project delivery, the team managed the contract requirements and scope of works extremely well.

The classrooms are bright, light, calming, and simply inspiring, the outside environment is fun, safe but exciting.... The curves and the roof lights including our superb entrance, helps make it feel welcoming and the wonderful ethos of our school that makes us special has simply been enhanced by our transformation.

Pate’s Grammar School has employed a variety of the architectural services on offer from QDA, using them as a ‘one-stop shop’ for campus development activities, including project management, lead consultant managing design teams, clerk of works and overall ‘customer friend’...

From day one, the holistic approach, set with Quattro, allowed a proactive and collaborative approach to ascertain key successes which could be clearly aligned to the project constraints...cont/

This has been a great team effort across the EFA team, Motts, Advisers, Derby City Council and Lees Brook School.  Well done and thank you for all your hard work/ support and we even managed to have ‘some’ fun along the way!

Quattro's close collaborative style...provides a building that in most case exceeds expectations.

The scheme design exceeded our expectations and provides a truly inspirational learning environment and asset to our school.

The project involved securing planning permission in a conservation area. Helping to secure the right contractors and regular site visits to ensure everything thing was on plan and to schedule. She was always available and delivered to their projected timescales.

Woodland Court was our very first major project and Quattro guided us through the process really well. We are delighted with our new home.

Quattro's delivered multiple feasibility and options appraisals for Swindon Borough Council. Their early stakeholder consultation and engagement was key to ensure that multiple parties’ joint aspirations were achieved. The 3D visuals and models were extremely helpful in assisting us to communicate the design and supported our applications for funding streams.

From the outside the school makes a positive contribution to the character of both Colwall village and one of the nation's finest landscapes. The inside offers its inhabitants a first-class learning experience incorporating vistas of that same outstanding and distinctive landscape.

Quattro have demonstrated an understanding and commitment to jointly work to satisfy the requirements of BREEAM and facilitated a design team approach to push the boundaries for a successful outcome, raising the level of attainment from 'Very Good' to achieve 'Excellent' rating on the Alderman Knight School.

It is a tribute to the dedication and professionalism of Speller Metcalfe, Quattro Architects and all those involved in the construction that this wonderful building has been realised, despite the restrictions and delays caused by the COVID-19 epidemic. Cont/...

A modern operating theatre will help us support a more comfortable and positive experience for patients. It also enables the hospital to be more efficient, minimise delays. Other facilities upgraded provide a much improved standard of area that supports the increased throughput of patients since the new IR theatre opened this year.

The apartments are lovely; the lobby looks and feels like you are in a luxury hotel. The garden is beautiful. You forget it is an extra care facility the moment you step into the building. When I am elderly, I would like to purchase a home there.

cont/...Changes were required prior to the final planning decision and often at the very last minute Helen was on hand to turn these requests around extremely efficiently. Very helpful and professional.

We're absolutely delighted with what's been achieved within the limitations of our compact site, which is certainly not without its logistical challenges! cont/...

The nursing staff and patients are absolutely thrilled with this fantastic new state-of-the-art ward. It is dementia friendly, with colour-co-ordinated décor designed to help patients find their way around the ward and identify which is their room or bay and where the bathrooms and facilities are.

Thank you for your work in obtaining the planning permission approval for the primary school at Great Oldbury.  Your design and your leadership in controlling and co-ordinating the consultants are entirely responsible for the successful outcome of the planning process, for which I am very grateful.

Meeting Helen at Quattro, first time it was clear that we were in good hands. We had a good idea of how we wanted the house laid out and Helen was able to provide further advice...cont/

...With true open partnerships between the client, ourselves and the design team led by Quattro, we were able to ‘hit the ground running’ and maintain high quality, efficiently and in keeping with the key drivers!

This scheme has changed my life. Only last year I was sleeping rough with no hope and my health suffered. Now I have got my self-esteem back and I am going to have a home I can bring my children to and celebrate Christmas together. I have also gained qualifications...

The approach taken by the team has led to a brilliant highly acclaimed design that more than meets our requirements and presents excellent value for money.

The approach taken by the Quattro team has led to a brilliant highly acclaimed design that exceeds our requirements.

We are pleased that we were able to improve upon the target construction period to deliver these much needed affordable homes sooner than anticipated. This project (Kelston Close) is an example of true collaborative working.

These are great new homes created with older residents in mind. This accommodation provides security, accessibility and freedom in later life. There is a shortage of accommodation for older people which is fit for purpose for the future so this is an excellent and welcome addition.

They are highly creative and convert inspiring ideas into viable solutions. They are flexible and responsive, with a hands on approach. QDA provide an exceptional service and are a pleasure to work with. We have absolutely no hesitation in highly recommending them.

Quattro produced what I can only describe as an exceptional design of our new reception area. The speed and efficiency on getting a 3D visual design to us was refreshing, they are some of the most talented people I have worked with.

The process of working with Quattro on the design for our new school building has been an amazing experience...I felt that we were in very safe hands and completely trusted the team to guide us in making decisions in the best interests of the school.

We’re really pleased with the feedback we’ve received from residents and the possibilities this new project has brought.

I've been trusted to take on different projects enabling me to develop my skills in a real-life working environment!

This development provides 22 much-needed affordable properties on disused Stroud District Council-owned land in our town. We know that Wotton residents are keen that these properties are made available for local families and when we visited residents recently, they told us they were delighted with the standard and the spacious layout.

Our architects really listened to the outcomes that were important to us as a friendly and welcoming dental practice and managed to surpass them for both us and our patients.

Everyone on the team, from architect to site labourer, has worked really hard on this project and the results are plain to see: a high quality finish to 22 new homes. We’re enormously satisfied to have delivered the scheme on time and under budget.

Commitment extended well beyond the accepted working day hours and meant the community felt fully and engaged and listened to.

The working relationship maintained at all times was excellent with clear communication and positive solutions when challenges arose and quick turn arounds to these works.

The close co-operation between clinical staff and the architects resulted in an exceptional building. As clinical lead for the project, I was extremely impressed with the ability of the designer to use creative flair transforming the core functional requirements of the unit into something quite special. cont/...

The building has been clad in copper, which should weather beautifully. Quattro worked closely with QEH to ensure the new materials were selected to complement those of the existing grade II listed school buildings.

The completion of Lakeview is a significant milestone in the regeneration work we are carrying out to areas across the town on behalf of NPH, and my thanks go to both teams for their combined efforts in ensuring the excellent standard of this development, it will make a huge difference.