A bit about Francis Bettany
Beginnings
After leaving high school in 1997, I was fortunate to get an apprenticeship with JPK Design based out of Stoke-on-Trent. With Jason Knight, I was able to start my development and learn skills in architecture, preparing building plans for domestic house extensions and new builds. At the time, plans were still just about being drawn by hand and I like to think I was probably one of the last in the country to learn the craft of using a drawing board and undertaking measured surveys.
Honing my skills
Over the years, I have been fortunate to further develop my skills both within domestic and commercial architecture at organisations including: Corstorphine and Wright, MPC Partnership, Archial Noor & Synergy Architects. This has given me the opportunity to be involved in some fantastic projects for a wide range of clients, such as preparing plans for Management Training venues, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Justice, Industrial units, private clients, and so many more that it can be hard to remember.
Working across such a variety of projects, I have learned the skills needed to successfully run planning applications, whether it’s in a conservation area, a listed building or a more traditional building. I’ve also honed my technical knowledge and developed the ability to provide the detailed planning specifications necessary for constructing any building, whilst also engaging with contractors and building companies, and clients
Commercial housebuilding
After spending several years working predominantly within commercial architecture, I wanted to return to working on residential projects. I spent a number of years working for Persimmons Homes and Vistry Partnerships, initially as a Senior Architectural Technologist and also as a Technical Coordinator. This role oversees all aspects of information for both the houses and the wider development and acts as a key link between design, planning, and construction teams
Here I learned about statutory approvals from Highways departments, ecological impact, retaining walls, conveyancing, kitchen, NHBC, LABC and even the process for naming streets and roads.
Making it personal
After years within the commercial sector of construction, I have found that my real calling is going back to my roots and working primarily with domestic clients.
Working on an individual’s house and garden is personal for me in a way you just don’t get with commercial clients. Being invited into someone's private space, sharing their hopes and aspirations, and seeing their home and garden can be a reward in and of itself. This inspired me to create my own business.
Each of my clients have their own story, aspirations, and needs as well as restrictions. Here at Build Vibrant, we want to play a part in that story and help you bring your next project to life.
