Your perfect garden room starts in your mind. This is what the founders of A Room in the Garden believe. Ivana and Lukas started the company in 2017, and after only five years, A Room in the Garden is now one of the leading, most creative and innovative garden rooms companies in the UK and surely the one you want to go to if you are searching for something special.
We have been chatting to Ivana and Lukas about how they approach creating the perfect garden room for each of their clients:
Where do you start creating the perfect garden room? What is your magic ingredient?
Lukas: In reality, the perfect garden room already sits in the client's mind. We simply help the client to bring their ideas out. We then refine them and improve them, using our knowledge and adding our flair and turning them into a reality. We consider the client's house and garden when working on a new design. We inquire about their likes and dislikes, preferred style, favourite colours, and textures. We explore how they plan to use their garden and their new room. Are ascertain if there are any problems they are trying to overcome?
Ivana: Both Lukas and I share the same values: care and passion. Those are the ingredients that enable us to create something truly special for our clients. Those values continue throughout everything we do, and we keep applying them to every interaction and relationship we build. From the smallest garden office all the way to our fully bespoke annexes, each garden room receives the same amount of attention, love, and care.
Lukas: Over the last few years, we have been working hard to perfect our process. It is very important that everyone on our team - from the office staff to the builders on site - share our values. Attention to detail and quality are also key factors.
We also both come from a creative background, Ivana studied fashion in Florence, and I have a degree in Architecture. That obviously helps quite a bit.
I imagine that such high standards come at a price, is that right?
Lukas: Yes. Our prices might not be the lowest on the market; however, this is due to our garden rooms' design, quality, and standard, including what is not visible. There is no point in having a perfectly pleasing garden room if the foundation and skeleton of the room are not of the same standard! Our garden rooms are often built better than new homes. So much so that it is not unusual to hear our clients say that they wish to move into their new garden room permanently. This is really the best compliment we can ask for!
Ivana: Also, we provide a turn-key solution to our clients. We ensure that all aspects of the building process are well synchronised and run smoothly. Everything is included - from the foundation to the groundwork, electrical connection and interior finishes. Our clients know that all of this adds an extra cost, but they also know that it will save them time and headaches and provide a better result.
We want the process to be as easy and effortless as possible for our clients. It is a wonderful feeling to talk to them at the end of the project and hear that they love the outcome but also enjoyed the experience of working with us. Our clients told us on a number of occasions that they never thought having building work done could be so enjoyable!
This is great and not often heard in the building industry. So, what is the design process?
Lukas: It all starts with our site visit. After scanning the terrain and taking plenty of photos, I usually sit down and have a constructive conversation about the project. This is a very important stage because it allows me to get a feel for the space and to get to know the client and understand what they have in mind. On average, this takes around an hour.
Later, back in the office, we turn this information into designs. It usually takes between six and twelve hours to finalise a concept depending on the size and complexity of the project and prepare a presentation that includes drawings, size dimensions, and an initial estimate.
Ivana: Thinking about it now, we have designed over 500 unique garden rooms, but we never re-use our designs because each of them is created with a specific client in mind.
What are your most requested projects types? Who is your client?
Ivana: the requests vary from unique storage rooms, gyms and music studios to garden offices and bespoke annexes. Since the pandemic started, we have certainly seen increased interest, particularly in our more unique garden offices and annexes.
Who are our clients? In a nutshell, someone who wants more than just a garden room. Someone who wants something special, unique, different. And does not want to compromise on quality! If I may be a bit cheesy here...as our tagline says, someone who wants to set themself apart!
If I want one of your unique garden rooms, where would I start?
Lukas: Go to our website and press the red Get Started button. Leave us your details, and you will get a call from Ivana within 24 hours to schedule a site visit or a video call. We book a day and time, and then I come over to meet you in person and see your garden. This is how the journey begins. And then one morning, you wake up, and the garden room you have been dreaming about is standing in your garden, looking better than you could have ever imagined!
Ivana: It is all quite straightforward. This first short video details our process and gives you a little glimpse of our office life. The second video is an interview with one of our clients where they talk about the experience of working with us to create their perfect garden office.
Our thanks to Ivana & Lukas for taking the time to chat with us and explaining how they go about creating the perfect garden room for each of their clients.
Start the journey towards your perfect garden room
Explore their website to learn more about A Room in the Garden's work. Discuss your garden ideas with the team by calling 01273 80 70 77 or send them an email: hello@aroominthegarden.co.uk
