About

As an accredited RIBA Client Adviser, Paul Cayford is an expert facilitator of construction projects, working with clients from the very beginning through all stages to help vision, brief and manifest excellence in the built environment.

Using our skill and track record we work closely with clients embarking on ambitious projects, helping them be an EXPERT CLIENT – a good client is one of the most important factors in a successful building project.  The Client Adviser role is a direct appointment with the client and is independent of the project team, ensuring the client has wise and impartial advice.

Consultancy Specialisms

click on heading to see the process of each stage.

• Client Design Adviser

  RIBA Client Adviser

  As an accredited RIBA Client Adviser, Paul Cayford has a stellar track record of outstanding projects in this role.

  Currently on the RIBA Client Adviser’s steering group, Paul instigated and co-produced the RIBA Client Advisers Sustainability Briefing Requirements Handbook 2023 – this is an invaluable toolkit for ensuring sustainability is incorporated into the very early project briefing stages.  This is mainly aimed at large and complex projects, but may be used for projects of all scales.

• Energy Efficiency

  Energy Efficiency – With the skillsets and accreditations listed below, Cayford offers a pragmatic and professional energy consultancy service.  With budget in mind we can plan the most effective strategies for saving energy, (and money on energy bills), whilst improving occupants health and comfort.

• Retrofit Designer

  PAS 2035 – this is aimed at retrofit at scale, most often for publicly funded social housing renovations.  The PAS protocol has the aim of upgrading the UK’s poor housing stock, in an efficient and risk free way.  It has been observed that single measure upgrades (eg only wall insulation) can have unforeseen consequences, unless the building is considered as a whole with a profound understanding of the building physics involved.

  Paul Cayford is an accredited Retrofit Coordinator, to level 5 (PAS 2035) – Trustmark Registered, partnering with Elmhurst Energy

  Due to Paul’s architectural qualifications and skills, he is licenced to act as a Retrofit Designer (PAS 2035).  This is a crucial role in the construction industry, as it is the key activity after the energy assessment, and requires considerable skill.

• Passivhaus

  Passivhaus – New build to the Passivhaus standard

  Enerphit – Retrofit for existing buildings to the Passivhaus Enerphit standard

  Paul Cayford is a Certified Passivhaus Designer/ Consultant, and we have both newbuild and retrofit projects in the course of certification.

• AECB Certifier

  The AECB – is the UK’s leading independent green building platform, containing leading eco-partners in the construction industry.  The AECB have created certification standards for newbuild and retrofit, which are more attainable and affordable than Passivhaus, and yet still make outstanding low-energy buildings.

  AECB Certifier – Paul Cayford is an Approved AECB Certifier, with several certified projects visible on the AECB’s Low Energy Database.

  The AECB CarbonLite New Build is for new buildings of all types.

  The AECB CarbonLite Retrofit Standard is for existing buildings and is less onerous.  There is a Step 1 standard which is an interim phase.

• Healthy Buildings

  There are many factors involved in creating a healthy environment, and many are simple to implement – it is a question of knowing what to do.  Paul Cayford has spent decades studying feng shui, geomancy, and other subtle environmental arts.  He is able to give personalised consultations to optimise the feel-good factor, and life-chances of environments.  (on application) 

  Electromagnetic Frequencies (EMF) and balancing the energies of spaces

  Having trained with many specialists in earth energies, dowsing, and electromagnetic frequencies Paul advocates that the negative effects of electromagnetic frequencies be mitigated. There are simple practical ways to achieve this, which is best done at the design stage of a new or renovation building project.

  Similarly with the knowledge how natural daylighting enhances our performance, and artificial lighting can do the opposite, we aim to enhance natural light and fresh air – all to create the perfect environment for you to thrive

  Prosperity & Harmony with Feng Shui

  Feng Shui relates to the placing, order and energy of the environment.  Having studied feng shui for over 20 years this gives us an intrinsic understanding of harmony which we incorporate into our design projects.

  “Paul Cayford, … prescribed feng shui fixes for my apartment, I was reminded of a conversation we had about Paul coming to your offices, both to heal any remaining energy from the past, but also to streamline the flow in your existing setup….  I urge you to.  Note, when we implemented his suggestions in the loft, the aim being to get the place sold, exactly that happened, the NEXT DAY.” Shelley von Strunckel (astrologer)

   

• Principal Designer

  Principal Designer – When we are engaged as designer for a construction project, we usually take on the additional ‘Principal Designer’ role, which is required under the CDM 2015 Regulations.  We are accredited with APS in “The Principal Designer Role”.  We will usually subcontract an additional CDM Health & Safety specialist to assist us.