In the studio with our bespoke Garden Room designers

Discover how our creative experts take a beautiful home and elevate it to another level with a bespoke garden room. An extension that changes not just the interiors, but the lifestyles of the homeowners too.

It’s often said that every great design begins with an even better story, yet from our experience a great design begins with a fantastic concept drawing. While a bespoke garden room or orangery quickly becomes the heart of a home, our original design sketches can often be found framed and hanging pride of place on the wall of a client’s house – perhaps kept as a little homage to the transformation their property has undergone. 

In 1988, Westbury began working on projects across the country, building quality timber garden rooms and orangeries that instantly add space and light to people’s homes. The longevity and outstanding craftmanship of our timber structures were key to us developing a reputation for quality over the years. However, what most people don’t always see is the time and expertise required behind the scenes during the design process. Our experts don’t just focus on the extension itself – they imagine how a glazed garden room could completely open up a home’s interiors and change the way a family might move around the interiors. They draw upon the property’s architecture to perfectly balance the garden room’s shape, cleverly taking scale and proportions into consideration.

It all begins with a visit

A designer will visit you at home to discuss your ideas and gain a full understanding of your requirements and expectations. We always like to know about your home and how you might want to use your new space once the garden room is built. Every bespoke garden room is unique, and our designers always want to take inspiration from the homeowners themselves, while combining their own knowledge with their eye for colour and shape. 

“I like to engage with people and understand what they are trying to achieve in their homes.'” explains senior designer Matt. “I enjoy the whole process really, just listening to their brief and interpreting their needs into a design that they really love.” During the visit, the designer will undertake a detailed survey, recording measurements and identifying potential issues such as drainage or planning restrictions. 

Creating something remarkable

Once back at the Westbury showroom your designer can get to work, putting together a concept illustration and a detailed quotation. “I enjoy reviewing and contributing to the development of a design idea initially conceived through a discussion with the client. This idea then grows into a rough sketch on paper, which then progresses into a carefully considered design,” explains designer Katie Greenwood. 

Katie originally joined Westbury in 2015 as an illustrator before progressing to her current role as a Designer. “In our industry, some designers can become too wrapped up in the appearance of an extension that the function becomes less important. For me, these elements come hand in hand. Design is intrinsically about balance, a balance between aesthetics and functionality.”

Bringing your bespoke designs to life

Once you have decided to proceed with the build, your project gets passed to our project managers who will ensure that everything runs smoothly and deadlines and budgets are met. Our experienced CAD technicians will draw your project to scale so every aspect of the design is understood by all parties – from local authorities and bricklayers, to yourselves and your builders. If planning permission is required then we will manage all the paperwork on your behalf and keep you informed as the application progresses. 

Once all consents are acquired, your project manager will forward a schedule detailing start and finish dates for your build. Designer Aleksa Glancy has been working in high-end home improvements and renovation since 2003 and understands the importance of functioning as an architecturally led company through all the different stages of the design process. “My professional experience in Architecture, Interior Design, Contracting and Project Management has given me an in-depth understanding of design in the residential market and the ability to guide projects to a successful conclusion for all involved.”

While each Westbury designer is given a free reign on their client’s projects, each and every one will have founder and owner Jonathan Hey’s stamp on it. “My aim when designing is always to get the most from the customer’s home,” he says. “I’m known for having a very honest approach, simply because I want it to work for you. Considering the flow from house to garden room, and the usability of the space all year round is paramount for me.” Even our showroom in Essex has been styled through Jonathan’s vision, with a dramatic floral wall mural, aubergine and sage green walls and wooden herringbone flooring. 

A glazed extension, such as an orangery or garden room, will swiftly become the heart of your home and will revolutionise they way you use your property on a day-to-day basis. Contact us to discuss your project in more detail with one of our experts, or arrange a visit to one of our showrooms.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the design process start?

We start by having a designer visit your home to discuss your ideas and requirements. Then, they conduct a detailed survey by recording measurements and flagging potential issues like drainage or planning restrictions.

What happens after the initial visit?

After the visit, our designer returns to the Westbury showroom to develop a full concept illustration and detailed quotation, from a rough sketch to a fully considered design.

Who manages the project once I decide to go ahead?

A project manager will take over the project, ensuring deadlines and budgets are met. In the meantime, CAD technicians will produce scale drawings that local authorities, buildings, and you can reference.

How long has Westbury been designing garden rooms?

We have been building and designing timber garden rooms and orangeries since 1988, carrying out projects across the country.

Can I have input into the design, or is it dictated by the designer?

Our designers will combine your ideas and the ideal functionality of the room with their own expertise. They take the shape, scale, and colour into account to produce an extension for you to approve, making the process a more collaborative one.