Archisolve

Archisolve Crystal is professional, approachable and passionate. I am Crystal Mintram and Archisolve is my business. I look forward to hearing from you. Best wishes

Crystal

Crystal at Archisolve provides creative, practical designs for extensions and internal alterations - offering a comprehensive service, including planning and building control drawings and applications. I offer Architectural services with a focus on delivering quality drawings at reasonable prices and with outstanding customer service. I enjoy working directly for domestic clients designing extensi

ons and alterations to their homes. I love getting involved with my client’s ideas and being creative together. I will always produce different designs so we can discuss options until the client is completely satisfied. I then go onto manage the planning stage and submit those drawings and applications on behalf of my clients. Planning is rarely a straight forward process but I act as the buffer between my clients and their local authority. I attend all meeting with the Planners and will always talk through any queries with them. I take the worry away from the client, while at the same time always keeping them up to date with proceedings. I realise communication is the key to a good working relationship. Once we have planning approval we go onto the less well known Building Control stage. Here I produce detailed drawings with construction notes for the project. These drawings evidence that we are adhering to the Building Regulations, which are the legal standards for construction in this country. I partner with Southampton City Council Building Control department and have a good relationship with them. Another benefit of having those detailed drawings is that your builders can give you more accurate quotations, I specify everything from the foundations to the roof structure and everything in between. This leaves a lot less chance of miscommunications, costly mistakes and frankly heart ache during the build. I also work with local project managers, other Architectural practices and established builders offering professional drawing services. My drawings are very good, but of course, so are many others. What makes me stand out is that customer service is at the heart of my business. I am passionate about people and making the most of their space. I see the difference it makes in my clients lives and I love being part of that. I am a splash of colour in a stuffy industry, I am professional but approachable and personable. You can look at some recommendations from clients here - http://www.yell.com/biz/archisolve-southampton-7603755/

Have a look at my new website here - http://www.archisolve.co.uk/

Please get in contact for any building requirements.

Last week in Turkey there were so many developments going up and of course I couldn’t help being nosey! 👀But honestly, I...
28/05/2026

Last week in Turkey there were so many developments going up and of course I couldn’t help being nosey! 👀

But honestly, I kept wincing and having to look away… no hard hats, workers in sandals, men 5 storeys up on roofs with no safety gear at all. It made me feel anxious watching it 😳

Health & Safety can sometimes feel a bit OTT here in the UK, but seeing that reminded me exactly why it matters. I’ll take safe workers over shortcuts every time!

Your project manager and builder carry the responsibility for keeping everyone safe while a build is on site, and that should never be an afterthought ❤️🏠

Back from a lovely family break…and somehow it’s hotter here than it was in Turkey! The difference is that countries bui...
26/05/2026

Back from a lovely family break…and somehow it’s hotter here than it was in Turkey! The difference is that countries built for this kind of heat tend to have air conditioning, shaded spaces, and buildings designed to stay cool… lounging by a pool helps too, of course 😁

Building regulations now require much higher levels of insulation in walls, roofs, and floors, which helps keep homes cooler in summer as well as warmer in winter. That said, modern designs often include large expanses of glazing, and as temperatures rise, it’s important to consider how these spaces perform in hotter weather too.

There are lots of good solutions available, blinds, solar control glass and canopies…and they’re worth thinking about alongside your interior design choices. But most of the year, large windows are fantastic and can completely transform a space with light and connection to the outdoors.

🌞 🌞 🌞 🌞 🌞

This week has been busy as I try to wrap up for annual leave next week. I started on Monday by presenting designs in Hig...
15/05/2026

This week has been busy as I try to wrap up for annual leave next week. I started on Monday by presenting designs in Highfield, I then completed and submitted building control drawings I’ve been working on recently. I’ve completed more designs that I’m presenting today in Chandlers Ford - as well as working on other projects at various design and planning stages. I think I’ll be working all weekend, and it will be worth it when I’m sat with a mojito next week🍹😁

Busy and happy 🏠🙌

08/05/2026

Today I attended a quote and had to lift manholes to work out where the sewage runs. I do this quite often. Yep it’s all glamour this job 😅 Have a great weekend everyone! 🏠

08/05/2026

Did you know… even sheds can need planning permission? 🏡

They are usually considered ‘permitted development’, meaning planning permission may not be needed, but only if certain rules are followed:

✔️ Single storey only
✔️ Maximum eaves height of 2.5m
✔️ Maximum overall height of 4m with a pitched roof or 3m with any other roof
✔️ If within 2m of a boundary, the maximum height is 2.5m
✔️ No balconies, verandas, or raised platforms
✔️ Cannot cover more than half the land around the original house

🛠️ 🧰 ⚒️

More assistance while measuring up - I don't have the heart to tell him he's in the way and slowing me down 😅
05/05/2026

More assistance while measuring up - I don't have the heart to tell him he's in the way and slowing me down 😅

13 years in business today 🥳🥳🥳I started this journey when my daughter was just a baby, wanting the flexibility to be the...
01/05/2026

13 years in business today 🥳🥳🥳

I started this journey when my daughter was just a baby, wanting the flexibility to be there for her while building something of my own. That uncertain step quickly grew into something demanding, almost like a second child (corny but true!)

There have been crazy times along the way, especially with the pandemic and all the economic shifts since that have impacted construction. But through it all, the business has grown, and I’ve brought my unique blend of professionalism and a personal touch to every project - I’m proud of that.

I’m especially grateful to everyone that passes on my details - so much of my work comes through recommendations from previous clients. Thank you. 🙏

Glad to still be here, 13 years on ☺️

One of the biggest things that slows a project down is indecision.Too many ideas and opinions from outside influences…an...
23/04/2026

One of the biggest things that slows a project down is indecision.

Too many ideas and opinions from outside influences…and suddenly nothing moves forward.

The turning point is getting clear on your main priorities and focusing on what actually matters for your space and your lifestyle.

Not all advice is equal, working with the right professional helps cut through the noise, and you should have confidence in your own decisions. It’s your house after all.

From there, it’s simple: take the next step and keep things moving. 🏠

This week I am working on 4 different projects, in Freemantle, Highfield, Shirley and Wi******er 🏠 Plus quotes…
22/04/2026

This week I am working on 4 different projects, in Freemantle, Highfield, Shirley and Wi******er 🏠

Plus quotes…

Planning isn’t just about what you want to build, there’s a lot to think about. It looks at how your plans affect neighb...
17/04/2026

Planning isn’t just about what you want to build, there’s a lot to think about. It looks at how your plans affect neighbours (like their privacy and enjoyment), the overall street scene, and the character of the area. Parking matters too, especially in cities where space is tight. And of course, nature and conservation play a part as well.

There are plenty of policies behind all of this, but at its heart, planning is really about one thing: does your proposal make the area better or worse? 🏡

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Southampton

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