Architect fined £1,000 over dodgy loft conversion

An architect who designed an en-suite bedroom loft conversion that could not be delivered in the available space has been found guilty of unprofessional conduct and fined £1,000.

The Architects Registration Board said Lynsey Rollins created a design that was not fit for purpose because the double bedroom was too small, while its “bathroom” area had insufficient floorspace and height for a toilet and shower.

Rollins, who runs Sunderland-based L Rollins Design, told a hearing of the Arb’s Professional Conduct Committee that she had explained to her clients that there would be “limitations” with her design, and that she had not been briefed to create a double bedroom.

However the panel heard that planning drawings showing a double bed and en-suite bathroom had “created a legitimate expectation that the space would fit one”.

The PCC said the client’s contractors had informed them a few weeks into the conversion that neither a double bedroom nor an en-suite bathroom could be achieved in the space.

Rollins had denied allegations that she had created a design that was not fit for purpose and had failed to communicate design changes to her clients. 

However the PCC said Rollins was guilty of “serious failings” in failing to properly explain to her clients the limitations of her design, and changes to it, because this had prevented them from making an informed decision on the viability of the project, which had resulted in “considerable cost, delay and inconvenience”.