On the Bromley Property Company blog today we talk to Neal Penfold, Managing Director at Chislehurst-based ‘Out The Box Architecture’, where he has been the brains and driving force behind some incredible designs and builds across the Bromley borough. Neal is an experienced Architectural and Urban Designer with a demonstrated history working within the residential sector for both private developers and Housing Associations. He also has a long history of working with domestic clients on a wide range of projects of all scales.
We chat to him about his background, his advice when it comes to thinking about your own home extensions or remodels, and what he loves about living in Bromley…
Hi Neal, tell us a bit about your background- how long have you been an architect for?
I’m an experienced Architectural and Urban Designer working in the industry for 25 years or so. I have a long history working within the residential sector for both Private Developers and Housing Associations. He also have a long history of working with domestic clients on a wide range of projects of all scales.
I have dealt with sites that have varied in size from single bespoke dwellings through to 100+ units.
Describe your typical day if you can? What is involved behind the scenes?
Typical day for me is incredibly varied, ranging from dealing with new enquiries on phone and email, design work on AutoCAD or Sketchup for 3D work, and maybe a site visit to talk with a new client and understanding the brief and property. Plus the occasional networking/marketing lunch!
Do you have any tips for those looking to extend/ remodel their current home or potential home to make the process run smoother? What things do people typically overlook (and we guess this is where you step in!)
It’s always nice when a client has a clear brief of what they are looking to achieve, but allow me the flexibility to deliver it in a way that they may not have imagined. I like to provide an initial high level service that provides 2-3 options that all deliver the brief in a different way, to ensure the client ends up with the best solution for them.
Most interesting design/ exciting project you have worked on in the local area? What are you currently working on?
The most exciting design I worked on was a primary school in Woolwich that won an award, but this was as an employee for a company not Out The Box. Locally my friends very large front and rear extension to a house in Bickley is architecturally exciting, and I’m about to start designing a house for me and the family and this is a long standing aspiration that hopefully can finally be realised.
What’s your favourite thing to do/ place to visit in the Bromley area?
Having 4 children we use Bromley a lot bowling at The Pavilion The Glades, Vue Cinema and the seasonal panto at Churchill is always great!
Thanks so much for chatting to us, Neal! You can see more of Neal Penfold and his designs and read more on ‘Out The Box Architecture’ HERE.
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