A GLASGOW start-up claims it has taken its first steps to becoming the “Uber of architecture” after opening a debut office in the city centre and completing a successful recruitment programme, which has seen the firm launch with a team of six.
Designer Danny Campbell has launched HOKO Design, a company which could transform residential architecture in the UK by making it more accessible.
The 28-year-old entrepreneur has ambitious growth plans and aims to make HOKO Scotland’s “go-to” firm for residential architecture within its first year of trading.
The start-up has signed up to a new 600 sq ft (56sqm) office in Bridgeton and has 15 ongoing projects, just weeks after launch, it said.
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It says that by offering clients a free online automated consultation to build an immediate quote which includes associated fees, including construction, HOKO has transformed the project process whilst significantly reducing costs for both the client and the architect.
Once a project is under way, clients can view live project updates, track and view drawings and other special features. The use of latest industry developments, including state-of-the-art virtual reality technology, also helps homeowners visualise a finished project.
The firm said there was a 4.1 per cent year-on-year increase in residential re-mortgages in March, representing the 12th consecutive month of YoY growth in re-mortgaging, according to figures released by UK Finance.
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This reflects a trend that many people across the UK are choosing to add value and refurbish their current homes, rather than move, it added.
Mr Campbell said: “Residential architecture is dysfunctional, and the customer journey is impeded with risk and inconsistencies. Architects spend a vast amount of their billable time on admin, that’s not efficient.
“We’ve identified a gap in the market. There’s a huge demand for residential architecture, because of changes to stamp duty, homeowners see the potential in adding value to their own property, rather than securing more space by moving.”
He said: “What we provide is a platform which makes it easier for architects to spend their time doing what they’re trained to do, in a way that is transparent and efficient for our clients.
“Ultimately, we want to change how homeowners experience architecture, and how architects work. The current model is broken, and we want to fix it.
“From speaking to friends and family, and with architects, I’ve become acutely aware of the problems on both sides.
“Our company can make the whole process painless and accessible for every homeowner in Scotland.”
He said the move comes at a time when architecture firms are taking inspiration from the finance and legal sectors by adopting the use of modern technology and methods to reduce administration time and place a higher value on their billable time.
Rather than dealing directly with architects, homeowners will liaise with “client buddies”, therefore increasing cost effectiveness by reducing billable hours for architects themselves. Initially operating in Glasgow and the surrounding areas, it is planned to countrywide.
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