Plans2permission in London
Plans2permission
I can say that without a doubt working with David McKenna was the worst experience you could have with an ‘architect’. Firstly, let me be clear, David is not an architect! Certainly not by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) standards. He took no accountability for his shoddy workmanship, even when the caseworker gave such a damning report. Another thing to be aware of is that David also insists on getting structural calculations completed by his business associate while he completes the drawings. However, his plans are often refused, so you are just wasting money here as well (£ 650, in our case). Sadly, by appointing David, your chances of planning permission being refused are high. When they are, unfortunately, you will just have to pay a qualified architect to correct his mistakes, and get your project back on track – as we did! We have since showed his drawings to two RIBA chartered architects – they both laughed with embarrassment for him. They could not believe he has worked as an ‘architect’ for 22 years.
Claimed extensive experience but failed to deliver repeatedly. Plans weren't submitted when he claimed that they had. Lied repeatedly about the status. Same with building notice; tried leaving work items out of the building control application to avoid oversight for the builder he brought to the project.
He also introduced us to a builder, and one he provided assurances about, who turned out a fraud (took the money and left the site in a dangerous state). Mr David McKenna takes a cut from the builder that he doesn't declare even though he claims to be representing his client's interests. He had no interest in assisting with resolving the matter with the builder so we had to sort out the house on an urgent basis and will also have to deal with litigation.
I can only hope that, if you decide to go ahead with business relationship with McKenna, that you get everything in writing including dates. Always have building control informed and DO NOT handover ANY money unless building inspector and you have had a chat and spec written down.
I didn't have a great experience with this company. I failed planning permission the first time around having been told that my plans would be sufficient. I then had issues once the building works had started. I had to do the bulk of the work myself. More of a designer and certainly not an architect. What was a very simple job took almost a year to get to the point where I was happy.
