Ideal Home Show Interview with George Clarke – Architect

Why did you decide to start your own architecture and design practice rather than seeking conventional employment

I always wanted to be an architect form a very young age. I’ve always loved drawing and I’ve also loved buildings as they have such a huge effect on our lives. I was never going to be anything else other than an architect.

How did you bring your love and passion of homes to our screens?

Someone in TV spotted my love and passion for buildings and design and it went from there.  Build A New Life in the Country was my fist successful series but I’m now making The Home Show and Restoration Man for Channel 4. I’m very lucky to have the opportunity to show the public how to create beautiful homes.

What do you consider to be the most beautiful piece of architecture?

Your own Home is the most important piece of architecture in our lives.  It has a profound effect on us every single day and that’s why I feel it’s so important that our homes are well designed and suit the way we live 

What inspired you to become an architect?

My grandfather was a builder and I spent a lot of time on building sites. From a very young age I knew I wanted to be involved with buildings. Architecture is the most amazing creative profession, but its not a job for me, it’s a way of life 

What are your top tips for home improvements?

Employ a good architect who really understands how you live and what opportunities your home has.

Have a go yourself at redesigning your home.

Find a well-established and highly recommended builder.

Get a fixed price from your builder before he starts work.

Don’t overstretch yourself financially.

Small change can make a big difference, but manage your own expectations. Really try to understand your budget and be realistic about what you can afford.

Manage your budget properly and keep on top of your costs throughout the build, and don’t forget to include fees and VAT to the bottom line.

Try and make all of your design and styling decisions before the build begins so you don’t hold up the build process. Changing your mind takes up time and is costly.

If it’s a big project employ a good project manager. Don’t kid yourself that you can do it if you have no experience of it.

The building game is stressful. Try and stay calm and communicate with your team the best you can. Clear, concise and recorded communication is everything.

What are you top tips to add value to your property?

Making your existing layout and space work better and more efficiently will add value.

Adding space through loft conversions, extensions and basement confusions adds value. 3. Make your house look good from the outside as well as the inside.

If your home is well maintained and looked after it will maintain its value.

Refurbishing kitchens will always add value.

Refurbishing bathrooms will always add value.

Upgrading your plumbing and electrical systems will add value.

A beautiful garden design will add value.

Reconfiguring your home to create dramatic architectural spaces will give the house a wow factor and will add value.

Sensible ecological design technology will add value too. 

How would you advice people to save money on home renovation?

Save money by reducing the running costs of your home and at the same time helping to save the environment. Install energy efficient boilers, double/triple glazing and as much insulation as you can afford. Go way beyond the building regulations to make your home energy efficient 

How important is it to make green home improvements, and what are the most effective ways to reduce your homes’ emissions through structure and design?

Same as above. You don’t need to spend lots of money on eco technology to have a big effect on your home.  Lots of high quality insulation would be the best start as you will recoup your investment on energy bills very quickly

Are you excited about your new series?  Can you tell us a bit about what you have in store?

Restoration Man is my new series running alongside The Home Show.  Where The Home Show is me taking control and transforming people’s everyday homes on a budget, Restoration Man is a campaign for the public to save some of the hidden historic gems we have across Britain.  I help people who have bought some of the most unusual and unique buildings and want to save them by converting them into homes. We really get under the skin of the history of these buildings and the red tape you will come up against if you want to be a Restoration Warrior.

With the recession affecting the property market what trends are emerging in home improvements?

Thankfully people are staying where they are and making their existing houses into the home of their dreams. They are adding value to what they already have rather than wasting money trying to climb up the property ladder.

Why have you chosen to be involved in the Ideal Home Show?

For me the Ideal Home Show is a truly British Institution that has been part of our heritage for over 102 years.  I’m very proud to be associated with such an important event that puts British Homes on the global map.

What does the Ideal Home Show mean to you?

It been around for 102 years! It is part of our heritage and tradition.  Its not only an exciting event for families and kids, but it’s rightly back where it should be; at the forefront of home technology

What are you looking to do as an Ambassador for the event?

Raise awareness that the Ideal Home is such an exciting and important historic event for Britain and I want to help people create beautiful homes

What kind of house do you live in and where?

I live in a 1910 Edwardian House in West London

What are your home comforts?

My Eames Lounge Chair, My Saarinen Oval Dining Table and My Conmoto Fireplace designed by Peter Maly, Fine Wine and Good Food!

Do you have an essential item in your house you that simply can’t live without?

Sadly, my big TV and DVD player. We’re addicted to DVD box sets!

What’s your favourite room in your house and why?

My Study. I like working from home and being surrounded by my books

What role do you play in your home?

Architect!

What does your home mean to you?

Everything! It’s the centre of my world!

What makes an Ideal Home for you?

Comfort combined with beautiful modern design

George Clarke is the Ambassador for the Ideal Improvements section at this year’s Ideal Home Show 2010. George will be at the show in person offering a series of demonstrations and seminars offering practical advice on many home improvement projects. The Ideal Home Show, London will open its doors for 17 days from 20th March – 5th April 2009, at London’s Earls Court. Tickets can be either booked online or by calling the Ticket Hotline on 0844 415 4144. or to purchase tickets online visit the website www.idealhomeshow.co.uk

Or you can enter out competition to win one of ten tickets by clicking here.