Building a Home, Building a Community: A Q&A

One of the most rewarding aspects of being an architect is shaping new communities and creating homes that enrich the lives of families and individuals. I firmly stand in the YIMBY camp—Yes In My Back Yard—because I believe in the positive impact that well-designed homes can have on people’s lives.

As part of New Homes Week, which celebrates the benefits of new-build homes, we are focusing on this year’s theme: community. Throughout the week on Instagram, I highlighted some of the successful new developments in my hometown of Bristol. However, I wanted to take a more personal approach by hearing from a family living in a new-build home. Their house was a joy to model, and with the completion of their recent extension, it now perfectly suits their growing family's needs.

Brabazon, Filton

Frenchay Park

Paintworks, Bristol

I sat down with Beth to talk about what makes her home special, how the first few years have been, and her family’s future plans.

An Interview with Beth

Q: What does your home mean to you and your family?

Beth: “Our house is the home we chose to raise our family in. We love watching our children play and grow together here, making the most of each space as it evolves with our needs.”

Q: Why did you choose a new-build home?

Beth: “A new-build home works best for our family—we’ve been able to put our own stamp on it and build character over time. Plus, they are generally low maintenance, which suits us at this stage in our lives.”

Q: How would you describe the sense of community in your neighbourhood?

Beth: “We’re surrounded by a friendly and supportive community. Our neighbours are always happy to lend a hand when needed, but we also have the freedom to enjoy our home and space in our own way.”

Q: What impact has your home extension had on family life?

Beth: “Since the extension, our home functions perfectly for us. The large, open-plan family room has become the heart of our house—it’s where we cook, help with the girls’ homework and artwork, and share our daily stories. The space has created a sociable, fun, and welcoming environment where we love hosting friends and family, making memories together.”

Q: What are your future plans for your home?

Beth: “We don’t plan to extend the house further, but we do want to create a garden that feels like an extension of our home—an open, social space where we can host gatherings and where our children can make happy memories with their friends.”

A Unique Way to Celebrate Your Home

Have you recently moved into a new-build or know someone who has? Perhaps you’re looking for a unique housewarming gift or a creative way to showcase your new home or renovation project. Whether you’ve built from scratch, made significant changes, or simply want to celebrate an important part of your home’s journey, we’d love to make your new-build small! Get in touch to find out more.