Plans, permits and Project Management
We offer a comprehensive Design and Project Management service established specifically to assist foreign homeowners with all aspects of construction projects from concept to completion.
Transformation from abandoned hotel to luxury villa
Mr and Mrs Jeremy Hall purchased an abandoned hotel for conversion into a large luxurious villa, here are their comments:
"My wife and I acquired a ruin, a hotel that had been abandoned for over ten years. What would have probably been someone's worst nightmare was for us the opportunity to create the perfect villa in an idyllic location with sea views.
For us, this was an adventure. It was an interesting and fun time that brought us much enjoyment.
This was helped by the good nature of Peter Luke who was always there to help and guide us. On a serious business side, there were numerous times where we relied on his judgment in making decisions for us when we were not able to visit the property.
It was Peter who first of all created the picture of what the property would look like, but at the end it looked better than the original ideas. Peters organisational and design skills are first class."
This extension revolutionized a modest villa
This villa was compromised by having only limited living space. Lengthy discussions with the owners evolved into a simple design, embellished with stone arches and pergolas to provide shade from the afternoon sun.
The roof became a feature with solid oak beams and high ceilings to provide a bright warm interior. Windows from the existing house were recycled and installed in the new extension.
The result included a large custom made kitchen with an island, a dining area and corner settee. The new extension immediately became the most popular part of the house.
Creative pool design is one of our specialties
Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Sage purchased a converted farmhouse, here are their comments:
"Our project required vision as we were seeking to convert a meadow off the main house into a bespoke pool with a large patio arena" along with pool house, playground, rock features and were instrumental in working with us to create and realize this vision. His creative lair provided us with many design ideas and we were able to achieve most of these.
There are many practical aspects to consider, which as a novice property developer you would not appreciate, therefore it is hugely beneficial to have both a designer and project manager who knows the local laws and restrictions and is able to keep pushing your project through to completion. Local knowledge and contacts are essential..."
Total concept landscaping adds genuine value
We have undertaken several projects that have totally transformed rugged areas into functional aesthetic outdoor living areas.
The climate in the south of France encourages living and entertaining in the open and as designers we have experienced genuine satisfaction in creating natural-looking environments from basic beginnings.
Combining natural materials with paving, 'fer forge', pools and imaginative planting can add enormous value to a property.
Careful selection of plants, trees and shrubs is essential and we work closely with qualified horticulturists.
Pool houses and Jacuzzis are desirable options
The Jacuzzi shown below was integrated into an organic freeform pool and surrounding plantation with great effect.
The version to the left was designed with independent filtration and heating system to the pool below, enabling use all year round.
Pool houses create separate outdoor living environments, with kitchens and barbecues. They provide great scope for our clients to indulge their imagination. The trick is to work them into the surrounding landscape aesthetically.
Here are three of our pool houses. The design to the left incorporates recycled materials.
Old beams still bear their identification marks.
The roof design is traditional, creating a warm inviting interior. An Indian door was acquired by our clients and fitted to close off the shower.
Reconstituted stone can be shaped and moulded to formwork tops and sinks, then aged to look authentic. The floor tiles are travertine.
Who we are and the services we offer
Peter Luke is the founder and creative force behind Designworks. His career began with architectural training commencing in 1970, followed by co-directorship of Kinneal Design Ltd.
He subsequently moved to Australia where interest in modern furniture evolved into the manufacture and marketing of his designs with the establishment of the 'Ekon' brand, which introduced innovative, affordable products to young people. He later launched 'Pricepoint', which grew to six direct-sell retail outlets.
In 1987 he set up 'The Interior Supply Company' to design, construct and furnish quality turnkey offices. Leaving Australia in 1991, he embarked upon a seaborne sabbatical aboard his yacht 'Samarang', living and working in numerous locations around the world.
Returning to dry land, he now specializes in architectural and marine projects. He works with an assistant and two associate French architects, thereby providing a full range of design services ranging from rustic pool-houses to spectacular villas.
Design philosophy - concept to completion
The best projects are a combination of ideas utilizing our skills and experience to optimize the vision. We are in effect the vehicle through which our clients creativity can be realized.
We work with hand drawings, CAD and 3D models to effectively demonstrate the project in as much detail as is required to it the budget.
Many of our commissions have been won as a result of applying design solutions better suited to our clients foreign tastes than native French architects. Simply no criticism here, but merely point out that local taste is often less compatible with internationally based property owners, who find our approach more sympathetic to their ideas.
Navigating through the French bureaucratic system can be lengthy, complex and highly frustrating.
Our role is to utilize our accumulated knowledge of how things work to speed the passage of paperwork. Negotiation skills and patience are essential.
Once the building permits are approved, we offer to co-ordinate and project manage, which is especially useful for clients based elsewhere.
We have a team of recommended contractors including masons, plumbers, electricians, specialist pool-builders, metal workers and suppliers, all of whom offer good reliable service. All key contractors are decennal insured providing ten year warranties on their work.
We maintain regular updates via email, accompanied by photos to enable our clients to follow their projects from afar. Our aim is to provide a genuinely personal, hands-on service from concept to completion.
Contact Peter Luke Designworks today for a consultation on property renovation, building, landscaping, swimming pool construction in the Cote d Azur, South of France.
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