In our latest Staff Spotlight, we talk to Matthew Garfoot about his role at David Granger Architectural Design
When did you start working at David Granger Architectural Design?
I started working at David Granger Architectural Design in May 2025. In the year that I have been working for the company, I have learnt a tremendous amount, further developed my skills and expanded my knowledge of building technology and construction. Every day brings a new set of challenges and exciting projects which I am thoroughly enjoying being a part of the process.
What does your role involve?
My primary role within the company is to take the design drawings used at the Planning stage and develop them into a detailed set of production drawings used for Building Regulations and by Structural Engineers, SAP Assessors, Builders and other contractors to essentially be used to construct the building. This includes designing elements of the building to specifications, like the floor, walls, roof, etc., drainage and electrical layouts, foundation plans and drawing technical sections which take a cut through a segment of the building vertically to show the build-up of the ground floor, walls, first floor and roof.
How does your role fit into the journey of a client’s project through the company?
Once you have contacted us and had an initial consultation with one of the members of our design team, I would likely be attending the clients property to take measurements and survey the extent of the site and existing building which we use to draw up our Existing Details. These are a set of drawings that we use as the base for all our extensions and alterations designs, providing the project isn’t a new build. After this, our design team will work alongside the client to develop sketch proposals and submit a Planning Application.
Once this has been approved, I will then be involved in the next stage from approval to final completion. The main and largest part of this process from our side is the drafting up of the Production drawings and submitting an application to Building Control.
What makes you proud of working at David Granger Architectural Design?
Being a local and having grown up in the area, I take pride in being involved in so many wonderful projects throughout North West Leicestershire and the surrounding counties. This part of the country has some lovely examples of traditional, rural English architectural styles and poses some fantastic opportunities to introduce tasteful modern and contemporary designs that complement these beautiful surroundings.
What is the most exciting change you’ve seen in the industry?
The shift in focus on more sustainable design and integration of green technologies introduced in the changes to the Building Regulations. This has been a big part in my day-to-day working life and one that I am proud to be a part of. The United Kingdom is one of the world leaders in sustainability and passive design is helping to achieve net-zero targets and improve the impact our buildings have on the environment.
There have also been significant and important changes in building and fire safety following the tragedy that unfolded at Grenfell which has brought extensive changes to the Building Regulations. Although I wouldn’t necessarily call these exciting changes, they are extremely important and necessary to improving the safety of our buildings for their occupants which is something I am proud to be a part of.
What do you do in your downtime?
Outside of work, I enjoy nothing more than getting outdoors and exploring. I am an enthusiastic hiker who enjoys escaping to the Peak District, the Lake District or North Wales at any opportunity with my partner and our dog. I am a keen runner, recently completing the Birmingham Half Marathon at the start of May along with several others over the last couple of years.
Two of my favourite hobbies are Skiing and Snowboarding, one of my favourite holidays recently was a trip to the Alps where I attended Snowboxx festival. I love to travel and see new parts of the world, I especially like visiting the Greek Islands where I have spent most of my holidays over the last 5 years. I also like going to concerts and seeing live music.
I have recently started playing tennis again after many years, which I am really enjoying. I am a huge Leicester Tigers fan and I am really looking forward to watching them in the play off’s at the end of this season, fingers crossed. But most of all, I really enjoy socialising with my amazing friends and spending quality time with my wonderful family.
What do you enjoy most about working for David Granger Architectural Design?
Being part of such a brilliant team of people and having a significant impact on the lives of all our amazing clients. We try our best to help them conceive their ideas and bring their designs to life, hopefully improving their living conditions, welfare and overall standard of living. I also enjoy working alongside Builders, Engineers and Specialists to work through challenging problems and resolve them by creating innovative solutions. I have really enjoyed learning from such an experienced and knowledgeable team of experts within the industry, which has really helped me develop and continue to develop my own set of skills working with such a variety of exciting projects and briefs.
