Rhu entrepreneur wants firm to be 'Uber of architecture'

Danny Campbell, who originally hails from the village near Helensburgh, set up HOKO Design with a team of six based at the new premises in Glasgow.

The aim of the innovative start-up is to make residential architecture in the UK accessible to everyone.

By offering clients a free online automated consultation to build a clear, transparent and immediate quote which includes all 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 underway, 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 already has 15 ongoing projects and Danny, 28, has ambitious growth plans, aiming to make the company Scotland’s go-to firm for residential architecture within its first year of trading.

He 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, 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. 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.

"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.”

Although initially, the business will operate in Glasgow and the surrounding areas, Danny hopes to grow the client base to more than 250 in greater Glasgow alone, with plans to scale across the country.

He developed the company after conversations with an increasing number of homeowners choosing to stay put and develop their existing property, rather than move elsewhere.

He 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.”