MEET THE TEAM

EMILY SMITH is Build It’s deputy editor. She has an in-depth understanding of the challenges self builders and renovators face. She’s put together a timber special (page 89), highlighting the benefits this material can offer for your build.

CHARLEY WARD is Build It’s editorial assistant, and newest recruit. She has a passion for architecture and loves visiting readers’ real-life projects to hear their self build stories. On page 83 she picks her favourite kitchen-diner extensions.

TIM DOHERTY was the founding MD of the NSBRC and runs Dobanti property surveyors. He advises on a range of project issues, including finance. This month, he reveals how to maximise your mortgage chances (page 120).

MIKE DADE is a planning specialist and plot-finding expert. He’s the author of several must-read books on land and planning. On page 117 he’s exploring the contract options that can give you certainty when buying a building plot.

JULIAN OWEN is

Build It’s design doctor.

He is a self build architect and the founder of the Association of Self-build Architects. This month he starts an in-depth series on how to get the most from a designer (page 108).

ALAN TIERNEY is a historic buildings consultant and conservation specialist, offering hands-on advice to owners of heritage homes. He’s a regular expert at the Build It Live shows and runs

Picketts Historic Building Conservation. MIKE HARDWICK is a consultant and project management specialist, and has been heavily involved in promoting self build with NACSBA. Understand the value of using consultants for your project with Mike’s top tips (page 113). OPINDER LIDDAR is director of award-winning Lapd Architects. He is a regular expert at the Build It Live shows and the National Self Build & Renovation Centre, and the designer behind Build It’s Education House (page 60). NIGEL GRIFFITHS is a sustainability consultant and author of Haynes’ Eco House Manual, and a fount of knowledge for heating solutions. He’s one of the team of professionals on hand to answer your projects at the Build It Live shows.