How a well-planned home extension can change everything
Architectural Design Insights | Alistair Crerar
More than space: The lasting benefits of a thoughtful extension
Many of our clients come to us with the same dilemma: They love their home, they love the area—but the space no longer supports how they want to live.
That was exactly the situation in my own family. We live in a solid 1950s home in Dinnington. Great neighbourhood, excellent schools, easy access to the countryside—it ticked all the boxes. But with two growing children, we were starting to outgrow it. Like many households, we had an old conservatory that was underused and no longer fit for purpose.
We replaced it with a carefully considered extension that opens out from the kitchen and flows naturally into the garden. It’s a beautifully resolved space, bright, functional, and thoughtfully designed to improve everyday living.
The result? Genuinely transformative.
There’s now room to cook, relax, entertain and enjoy family life—without compromise. It’s comfortable, calm, and connected to the rest of the house in a way the old layout simply didn’t allow. On a practical level, we no longer feel squeezed. On a personal level, it’s a joy to spend time in.
Most importantly, we’re no longer thinking about moving. We’ve made our home work for the next chapter of our lives.
Why This Matters to You
If you’re starting to feel that your home no longer fits your lifestyle, an extension can do more than just add square footage—it can restore balance, create flow, and improve the way you live every day.
We work with homeowners across Newcastle, Northumberland and the wider Northeast who are looking to make a lasting investment in their homes. Whether you’re interested in reworking your ground floor layout, creating an open-plan kitchen-living space, or future-proofing your home with single-storey living, we can help you explore what’s possible—with clarity and confidence.
At Acre Design, we specialise in high-quality residential extensions that blend architectural integrity with practical needs. Our team guides you from initial concept through to planning, tendering and build, with experience, attention to detail, and full transparency at every step.
Planning Ahead
Design, planning and contractor availability all take time, so early preparation leads to better outcomes.
Whether you’re ready to begin or just gathering ideas, we’d love to hear from you. You can let us know where you are in the process by filling out the short form below. We’ll use your feedback to make sure our advice and updates are as useful as possible.
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Complete Concept to Completion Service
We manage every aspect of your project. Alistair, our Managing Director, has over 20 years of experience in building control and planning.
Transparent Pricing
We offer a Free Initial Consultation and Detailed Quote so you understand the total cost upfront, ensuring no surprises.
Hassle-Free Project Management
Our team handles all details, from planning approvals to managing contractors, so you can focus on your career and family.
Proven Track Record
With over 1,000 successful projects across the North East of England, our clients trust us to deliver quality, innovation, and efficiency.
Contact Acre Design
CAI Building, Royal Quays,
North Shields, NE29 6DE