Glenn Thompson MCIAT
GT Building Design
6 Generals Walk, Donaghadee
Northern Ireland, BT21 0HT
📱 0771 991 2695
☎️ 028 9107 8398
About Me
Professionalism
GT Building Design is based in Donaghadee and provides architectural designs throughout Northern Ireland. I am a fully qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and as a member adhere to CIAT’s Code of Conduct. I will guarantee you my expertise and a reliable, professional service.
Experience
With over 35 years’ experience in Architecture, I established GT Building Design in 2004 to help homeowners with their house extensions, attic conversions, alterations, and new builds. Over these years I have had the privilege of helping many clients improve their homes and obtaining Planning Permission / Building Control Approvals. I would welcome the opportunity to work with you on your project.
Before establishing GT Building Design, I was employed as a Senior Architectural Technologist in three of Northern Ireland's leading Architectural Practices. During this period, I worked on a variety of large commercial projects for clients such as M&S, BBC, Ulster University, DOE, Housing Executive, HSC, Ulster Bank and First Trust Bank.
Commitment
Building an extension, attic conversion or a new home is a major decision for you that may seem daunting. There is a minefield of Planning Service policies, Building Regulations, cost implications and design issues even on the smallest of projects. All of these will determine what you can do and how you go about doing it. I do understand the value and significance of your investment and will be committed to finding you the best approach to suit your needs by balancing good design and within budget. I'm here to help you, as a Chartered Architectural Technologist I will guarantee you good design, a professional reliable service and will work closely with you to obtain your goals.
How it all began, my story
After leaving school I started an apprenticeship with a telecommunications company and sent to an Architect’s practice to install a new telephone system. Having always had a passion for art and design I was much more interested in Architecture than installing a phone system.
It was May 1986 (I was 17) and before leaving the office I asked Mr. Alan Hamilton of Hamilton Architects if I could work for him. I was delighted when he said yes and I started as an office boy, making tea, running errands and printing drawings.
A short time after, the most exciting day when I was given my first drawing board, pens, ink and I began to draw. The start of my career in Architecture.
After a few years I started working for Ferguson and McIlveen, enrolled at college on a day release basis and in 1994 qualified as an Architectural Technologist.
In 2004 I established my own practice GT Building Design, wanting to move away from commercial projects and focus on residential architecture. Helping others like you to extend, improve or build a new home is much more rewarding to me and I'm always delighted to be appointed, to offer my expertise and experience.
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Me in the early 90's before computers and CAD beside my old drawing board.
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Passion
I’m passionate about good architecture, too many times we all see buildings which are unsightly and have not provided the client with a good return for the money invested. Whether you are building a new house, extending, or altering your existing home there are three fundamental principles which I can help you achieve.
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Function: How the space will be used. An extension or new dwelling must accommodate practical requirements for whatever purpose you need it to serve.
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Structure: How your building will stand up. Whether it includes steel beams or masonry walls, the structure must resist gravity and the loads placed upon it.
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Beauty: This refers to the visual and sensory appeal of your home. Beauty is the ultimate test of good architecture. Without beauty, your functional space will merely be utilitarian and not architecture. Good architecture may use similar materials as the existing building but tweak them in new ways. Other designs can introduce a completely different style.
Will your new design surprise, inspire, delight, or disturb? A tranquil courtyard filled with plants and fountains soothes our senses, while a dark, underground passageway may fill us with dread. Good architecture is about the science of structures, the craft of building, and the art of space-making. The rewards for us all as homeowners can be fantastic.