Haaave you met Ben?

Our PPCo team is headed up by head of design, and director Benjamin Heginbotham. We managed to grab a few minutes of his time to pick his brain and find out more about how PPCo came to be:

How did you first get started in architectural design?

I started out doing joinery and carpentry, working as an apprentice and then going self-employed once I was qualified. This led me to working on site as a supervisor for a couple of years, overseeing home renovations and extensions.

I worked like this six days a week for four years, while continuing my education in the evenings doing a Maths A Level and diploma in Construction as I knew I wanted to go to university to do architecture. I was lucky enough to get a place at what was Leeds Metropolitan University, completing my BArch Architecture (RIBA part 1) degree.

I did the whole travelling thing after uni and then started working in architectural design at a local firm. I soon realised how much I loved working with people to maximise space and create their dream homes. Every home is so different, and every homeowner is so different; it’s such a varied job. I’m enjoying the fact I get to draw every single day, while applying my experience to help people get the most out of their homes.

What led you to starting The Practical Planning Company?

Many homeowners embark on a home extension project to create more space for their growing families. Plus, they usually need to take out an extra mortgage or other loan to pay for the build. It’s a lot to have on the line. And I think that can sometimes be forgotten.

That’s why I started The Practical Planning Company: I wanted to make the whole process more transparent, more affordable and simpler to navigate. We want our clients to feel comfortable and knowledgeable while working with us, and beyond. We’re the experts but we want our clients to be the experts by the end of the process - that way, they can ask the right questions, find the right builder and complete their projects with minimal stress and no sleepless nights.

What’s your favourite thing to do when you’re not working?

Nothing exciting! Just the usual - hanging out with friends, my wife, my son. We’ve just finished extending and improving our own home, so it’s great to just sit and relax and enjoy it now after all that hard work.

What have you learned about running a small business?

That there’s great support out there from other local businesses and that we should own the fact we’re a small business. We’re never going to be a big firm, and we don’t want to be. Our team is small but I’m so proud of everything we’ve achieved so far and it’s important to me that we don’t lose sight of why I started PPCo in the first place. As long as we continue working hard and looking after our customers, we’ll be ok and we can figure out the rest as we go along!

Is there an achievement you’re most proud of?

Apart from PPCo? My son! He’s just hit the 18-month-old mark and he’s a bundle of energy. He’s coming on so well and I’m incredibly proud of him. He loves nothing better than sitting down with a piece of paper and a pack of crayons so I’m hoping he takes after me (though his skills leave a lot to be desired at the moment!)

What have you got planned for PPCo’s future?

I want to continue to build a community with other local businesses and tradespeople. I think we can be stronger together, and make home extensions and improvements simpler and more practical for homeowners in the East Midlands.

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And he’s gone! If you’re looking to speak to an architectural designer about extending or improving your home, please contact Ben and our team on 0115 874 8570 or hello@practicalplanningco.co.uk. We might be busy but we’re always here to help!