Nottingham couple celebrates as their architectural firm marks its 1st birthday

An architectural design firm based in Nottingham is marking its first birthday this month after helping more than 100 homeowners across the East Midlands design and build their dream home.

Founded by designer Benjamin Heginbotham in 2019 and bridged on the border between Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, The Practical Planning Company provides the whole design package for homeowners looking to extend, convert or alter their homes, or even build new ones altogether.

Thanks to its success early on, the firm has recently made it a family affair with Benjamin’s wife, and PR and business consultant, Jodie joining the in-house team full time to work on the company’s marketing and development efforts as well as its finances and business operations.

“We’re thrilled with how our first year has gone,” says Benjamin. “We’ve been incredibly busy since we started, and it doesn’t look like we’ll be stopping anytime soon but it’s great to now have Jodie fully on board as we enter our second year. Our main motivation, apart from providing security for our family, is client satisfaction and we’re pleased to have received so many positive reviews from happy customers.”

Having experienced the same hardships as many other small businesses during the initial stages of lockdown this year, the firm has since seen an increase in sales thanks to a growing need for home extensions.

“Our homes have taken on new meaning in recent months,” says Jodie. “They’re not just somewhere for us to sleep, eat and spend time together as a family in. They’re now our workplace, meeting venue, gym – the list goes on! And because of that, more and more people are needing more space to cater to this ‘new normal’.”

The Practical Planning Company has partnered with several local builders and industry professionals since its launch and is hoping to continue to build a network of local tradespeople and businesses, all in a bid to help everyday homeowners across the region.

Benjamin continues: “Our aim is to provide families with access to high quality services across the board, so more people can achieve the space they deserve, within budget and without any stress, difficulty or nasty surprises.”

Jodie adds: “I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved so far, and we’re excited to see what the next 12 months bring for both our business and our family.”

The Practical Planning Company offers architectural design services across Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. To find out more information about the firm and its services, visit www.practicalplanningco.co.uk.