USEFUL STUFF How to prepare for your Design Project

Mark Muir • 4 December 2023

Where Do You Start?

Creating a design brief before engaging an architect?


Renovating, extending or building a house can and should be really exciting. 


However too often we hear stories of unexpected surprises, misunderstandings between the contractor, the client and the designer on the contracted scope of the project, and allowances for items not specified in the contract.


I have decided to do something about it….


Download your free guide - 'How to Prepare for your Design Project'


by Mark Muir 8 September 2025
Experiential and Immersive Stays: Hotels as Destinations in Themselves The hospitality industry is undergoing a profound transformation. No longer are hotels seen simply as a place to sleep while visiting a destination — they are becoming destinations in their own right. At the forefront of this shift is the rise of experiential and immersive stays , where guests are offered not just accommodation, but curated journeys that blend storytelling, culture, design, and emotion. Beyond the Room: The Rise of Experiential Hospitality Modern travellers are seeking more than comfort and convenience. They want to feel something — to be transported, surprised, and inspired. Hotels that embrace experiential design cater to this demand by creating environments that immerse guests in a narrative or theme. Whether it’s a rainforest-inspired wellness retreat, a heritage hotel that brings history to life, or a futuristic pod hotel infused with digital art, the stay itself becomes a memorable part of the travel story.
by Mark Muir 25 August 2025
Advancements in Clean Energy Technologies
by Mark Muir 17 August 2025
From ant colonies to rainforests — nature solved design long ago !
by Mark Muir 3 August 2025
The Power of Natural Light
by Mark Muir 28 July 2025
Focus on Climate-Resilient Communities
by Mark Muir 28 July 2025
Flexible Spaces for Modern Living
by Mark Muir 21 July 2025
Advanced Technology Integration: Smarter Rooms, Seamless Service 
by Mark Muir 20 June 2025
The Robots Are Watching: How AI is Revolutionising ESG Compliance in Architecture (But Not in a Creepy Way)
A pug dog is digging in the sand on the beach.
by Mark Muir 17 June 2025
Fun Facts 1
by Mark Muir 12 June 2025
Why Architects Are Turning to Trees, Termites & Ecosystems for Inspiration