About us

TDO Design provides planning, technical design and Project Management services for residential, rural and heritage building projects across Devon, Somerset and Dorset.

The practice is led by Ben Marlow, a Chartered Architectural Technologist and Chartered Construction Manager with over 25 years’ experience delivering building projects from planning through to completion.

We specialise in securing planning permission, developing buildable technical design and project management contracts to deliver projects on site. Our staged service provides continuity from initial feasibility through to completed works.

Professional background

Ben’s experience spans architectural design, technical detailing and construction delivery across domestic, rural and traditional buildings. This combined design and construction background enables practical, cost-aware solutions that respond to existing structures, site constraints and project budgets.

As both a Chartered Architectural Technologist (CIAT) and Chartered Construction Manager (CIOB), Ben provides clients with technical design expertise alongside professional construction stage oversight.

 

Approach

Our work is planning-led and delivery-aware. Most clients begin with planning permission and can continue with us through technical design and Contract Administration during construction.

We focus on:

  • Clear planning strategy and approvals
  • Buildable, well-coordinated technical design
  • Structured tendering and contractor appointment
  • Contract project management during construction
  • Continuity through to completion

Project types

We work across:

  • Extensions and alterations
  • Barn conversions and rural buildings
  • Listed and heritage properties
  • New dwellings and replacement dwellings
  • Small residential developments
  • Commercial refurbishments and builds

 

Why clients choose us

  • Strong planning and listed building experience
  • Technical design developed for construction
  • Chartered construction management expertise
  • Staged services from planning to completion
  • Direct and consistent professional involvement

If you are considering a project, we can advise on planning feasibility, technical design and next steps through construction.

Ben Marlow

You will meet Ben during the initial site visit. He is responsible for all design work within the business and, with 25 years’ experience to call upon, he will usually have an architectural solution for most situations. Ben has a passion for architecture and building design and a keen eye for detail. All this ensures that your project will be delivered with skill and enthusiasm.

Heloise Marlow

Heloise will probably be the first person you talk to. She looks after all the administration, manages the applications when they have been submitted and makes sure things get done on time. Heloise is incredibly knowledgeable about the planning system and, as a former solicitor, enjoys a good planning challenge.

Have some questions?

Explore our FAQs page, which has everything you need to know about planning, designing and building and other questions and answers.

Want to see some of our work?

We’ve carried out all types of design and build project, which you can discover on our project portfolio page ›

  • Let’s realise your big plans.

    Tell us more about your project

  • At TDO we deliver architectural services, bringing together building design, planning applications, building regulations, and even managing builds through to completion.

  • © 2023 The Drawing Office (SW) Ltd
    The Studio, Buckerell House
    Buckerell, Nr Honiton, Devon EX14 3EJ