A Shropshire designer has returned to his home town to launch his own business after working on award winning projects across the UK as well as in Hong Kong.
Craig Marston has set-up Ke-Design, an architectural design services company, based in Oswestry, where he grew up until first moving to London followed by Hong Kong in 2002.
The 37-year-old, based at The Studio, Salop Road, said it was a privilege to bring his experience back to Oswestry which offered so many architectural and design opportunities.
He hopes he will be able to offer job opportunities in the future and is now extending his portfolio with clients in Oswestry and across the surrounding area.
Mr Marston has worked on projects including Birmingham’s boutique Hotel Bloc, as well as one of the UK’s first business hubs in Leeds called Shine and dozens of bespoke properties.
He moved to Hong Kong while working for a London-based architects to set up its new office after winning a job to design Hong Kong’s most prestigious shopping mall.
Mr Marston said his experience in the retail industry was key after Mary Portas recently visited the county and highlighted the importance of town centres.
“Having worked as a retail design consultant I know how important the shop front is.
“It is the entrance to your business and the first impression but also helps make the overall appearance of a town centre more appealing and attractive for visitors,” he said.
Mr Marston said it was his particular interest in bespoke residential design that instigated the launch of Ke-design.
He is currently working with Mid-Wales based, Welsh Oak Frame, to design bespoke oak framed properties, while also using his 3D skills to help clients visualise their dream.
As well as the design and planning service, Mr Marston offers full architectural services including building regulation and tender drawings.
Mr Marston, who studied at Huddersfield University, said: “People in Shropshire have so much to offer and have some very special properties which deserve a very special design.
“Shropshire is a rural county set in beautiful countryside where good quality design is needed to work in harmony with its surroundings.
“There are many opportunities where people can build their own ‘Grand Designs’ style home and I am looking forward to helping people do that,” he said.
Mr Marston said architecture and design was not just about designing new properties or businesses but extending or re-modelling the current property to make it right for the owner was equally important.
“A well designed extension can add greater value to any home but also make it the dream home for the client and that is the end goal.
“Due to the downturn in the housing market, the number of inquiries I have dealt with for extensions has really boomed.
“This might be a garage conversion or an extension to add further bedrooms and this can result in it becoming the home for life because they love the location but just need to cater for a growing family or business,” he said.
