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Old Anniesland rugby ace Danny sets his sights on conversions of a different kind

The 28-year-old says he has spotted a gap in the market in the area of residential architecture - where homeowners seek to use the space they have without moving.

A well-known local rugby star has launched a company that aims to make life easier for people wanting to transform their home.

Danny Campbell has been a force on the rugby field for Anniesland side GHK as the top try scorer in recent seasons.

 Danny Campbell has been a key player for GHK
Danny Campbell has been a key player for GHK

Now the designer is looking to make it in the business world with his recently-launched start-up HOKO Design.

The 28-year-old says he has spotted a gap in the market in the area of residential architecture - where homeowners seek to use the space they have without moving.

The firm has taken its first steps by opening an office in Glasgow city centre and completing a successful recruitment programme, which has seen the start-up launch with a team of six.

Danny said: “Residential architecture is dysfunctional, and the customer journey is impeded with risk and inconsistencies.

 Danny hopes to make a difference with his new venture
Danny hopes to make a difference with his new venture

"Architects spend a vast amount of their billable time on admin, that’s not efficient.

"While the current system leaves homeowners feeling confused.

"We’ve built our company to tackle these problems. We’ve identified a gap in the market."

HOKO has transformed the project process whilst significantly reducing costs for both the client and the architect.

State-of-the-art

It offers clients a free online consultation to build a clear, transparent and immediate quote which includes all associated fees, including construction.

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 exactly what a finished project will look like at no added cost.

 HOKO has significantly reducing costs for both the client and the architect
HOKO has significantly reducing costs for both the client and the architect

HOKO Design hopes to capitalise on a growing trend for people to refurbish their current homes, rather than move.

Danny said: "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.

"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.

'Broken'

"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.”

According to a 2017 survey from Houzz, 57% of homeowners made some form of renovation work to their property at an average cost of £15,000.

Danny added: “There’s a perfect storm with Brexit, high property prices, stamp duty costs, a slow-moving property market fears about interest rates might rise.

"This presents a great deal of opportunity which makes me very excited about the sector.”

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