We hired NGP back in August 2021 as our…
We hired NGP back in August 2021 as our architect for a flat renovation and were highly disappointed with the experience. We feel duty bound to forewarn others and hope this review may dissuade others from making the foolish mistake in hiring NGP.
While much of our gripe lies with the contractor (recommended by NGP), the architect themselves showed significant incompetence and disregard. This review will highlight some of the issues.
The specification document was quite poor. Sparse in detail, with many omissions. It also erroneously included a fireplace and TV in the ~2SQM bathroom. Despite being a likely copy-paste error, NGP's initial response was dismissive. Once proven, we then received a snarky response to ask if we wanted these features. This spoke to an attitude that continued through the project.
The contractor deemed the plans impractical. Despite initial designs of a bathtub with a corner glass screen, months later we were later told it wasn't feasible. There was no prior discussion on this design limitation, resulting in a plastic shower curtain instead of the vision and glossy 3D renders earlier shared by the architect.
The contractor lacked clarity on specifications, such as misunderstanding the term 'frameless' door despite its reference in the data sheet. Although quoted for this door, a different style was installed without NGP's intervention. This highlights not only a discrepancy in the final product but also a clear lack of collaboration between the architect and contractor.
The plumber was scheduled to start in November. But work didn’t begin until March and we were pressured into prepaying in December. We made payments under duress from the contractor's threats of delays, a stance that was unfortunately backed by the architect.
The contractor quoted us exuberant prices for additional work, like £3,240 for plywood sub-flooring which we had completed for £520. NGP remained distant, not intervening or questioning these high costs. Despite the contract indicating shared estimates with the design team, NGP seemed unaware of such additional work charges.
We agreed on a 10% fee with NGP based on the contractor's payment. However, the final amount exceeded this, with NGP distancing themselves from the project's finances.
NGP's site visits were short and ineffective. Many action items from meeting minutes remained unaddressed, like having an interim inspection with the Council. They seemingly overlooked key areas, like the attic, where poor plumbing layout curtails future development. Still to this day, an exposed pipe in a bedroom stands as a glaring testament to the project's mismanagement.
Specifications weren't followed, and we pre-paid for work that was either delayed or never done. The contractor vanished without communication, and NGP didn't intervene or help reconcile matters.
The plan specified a fire-rated pocket door, but both the architect's recommended model and the contractor's choice weren't fire-rated. We’ve had to spend thousands extra to contract plumbers, electricians, and joiners to rectify such errors.
NGP claims to be "one of Scotland’s longest established and best known” architects. Surprisingly, they have few online endorsements, with only 3 brief Google Maps reviews, one from an employee. Founded in 1971, the company isn't particularly old and predates its current management.
While NGP may dispute this review, we can support these claims with a trove of emails and documents. Though we might have been new to the process, NGP's lack of care was evident. They never acknowledged any missteps and placed blame on us. Other professionals we've consulted expressed dismay in the quality and service provided.
We shared our grievances and gave ample opportunity for NGP to make it right. Their last response on 22 July 2022 promised a reply addressing our concerns. Over 440 days have passed with no follow-up.