Witcombe Design and Planning (formerly Witcombe Building Ltd) is a small architectural business based just outside South Petherton, Somerset.

I started out in the 1990s, running my own building business, Witcombe Building Ltd, specialising in bespoke extensions and houses. This hands-on experience gave me invaluable insight into design and a deep appreciation of how a site and it’s surroundings influence good design. This practical background helps me create designs that are not just visually appealing but also realistic to build—something not all architectural drawings achieve. Over time, I became more drawn to the design side, and by 2010, I made the shift to a fully design-focused approach, which naturally led to offering planning services.

One thing that’s always stood out is how much clients appreciate having options. Presenting ideas in a dynamic, 3D format has been a game-changer. These quick, interactive sketches bring designs to life in a way traditional 2D drawings can’t, helping everyone get a clearer picture of what’s possible right from the start.

For the last 15 years, I’ve been designing and navigating the planning process. Despite planning becoming more complex, I’ve maintained a solid success rate in securing approvals—showing that with diligence and patience, good results can still be achieved.