The Top 9 Self Build Experts In The UK

Sifting through the masses of Self Build resources available can be time-consuming – so how do you know which experts really know what they’re talking about. 

Having contributed to Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine, the Homebuilding & Renovating Shows across the UK, and working with many top-class experts in the NSRBC, AC Architects has had first-hand experience dealing with some of the top Self Build experts around! So we decided to give you a helping hand and prepare our list of Top 9 experts just for you!

Reading up on what they have to say, following them on social media and visiting events where they are speaking will give free expert advice!

The UK’s Self Build Champion, Kevin McCloud, presents Channel 4’s popular TV show, Grand Designs and Grand Designs: The Streets (Watch our projects featured here and here), and is also the editor-at-large for the Grand Designs Magazine. He is also a respected author and has written several books, including “Grand Designs Handbook,” “The Best of Grand Designs,” and “Kevin McCloud’s Principles of Home.” In these works, he shares his knowledge and experiences, offering valuable advice on architecture, design, and sustainable living.

With a wealth of wisdom in design and lighting, as well as unique first-hand experiences of some of the country’s finest and most innovative Self Builds, Kevin has had a huge influence on the Self Build industry over the past 20 years.

As one of the country’s best-known Self Build experts, Kevin McCloud presents Grand Designs Live – one of the biggest Self Build exhibitions in the UK. To benefit from Kevin’s insight, get along with Grand Designs Live – or look out for his inspirational books on design and Self Building. Follow Kevin on X (Twitter) here.

Presenter of Building the Dream and Homes by the Sea for More4, and DIY SOS for the BBC, Charlie Luxton has over 15 years of experience in sustainable architecture and is a highly regarded architectural designer and a prominent Self Build expert known for his passion for sustainable design and energy-efficient construction.

A list of Self Build experts wouldn’t be complete without him, with Charlie regularly sharing his specialist knowledge at Self Build shows, and he is an influential figure in the self-build community. Charlie and his family recently completed their own Self Build project – so he is perfectly placed to advise on the ups and downs of Self Build.

With his affable and approachable demeanour, Charlie Luxton is not only an expert in architecture and sustainable design but also a skilled communicator. He excels in breaking down complex concepts into understandable terms, making his advice and guidance accessible to both seasoned professionals and first-time self-builders alike; therefore, attending his talk would be very beneficial for every person dreaming about building a dream home! One of ACA’s projects featured on Charlie’s Building the Dream in 2015 – see it here! Follow Charlie Luxton Design on Instagram here.

Michael Holmes is Director of Content at Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine, Plotfinder and offers his expert guidance on Self Build and Renovation projects at the Homebuilding & Renovating Shows across the country.

As an extremely experienced presenter and a host of property-based television shows, Michael’s seminars are exceptionally well-attended, where he has helped demystify the Self Build process for a broader audience.

As the Vice Chair of the National Custom & Self Build Association (NaCSBA), Michael joins a host of Self Build experts who try to make Self Building available to more people nationally. We are certain Michael’s expert advice will make a real difference to your project – if attending a show, book an appointment with Michael as early as you can to avoid missing out! Follow Michael on X (Twitter) here!

David Hilton is an authority in sustainable building and energy efficiency, with extensive knowledge in building fabrics, heating systems, heat recovery ventilation, emerging technologies, and renewables, including heat pump technologies, Solar systems, biomass and also conventional heating systems.

Often works with architects and house builders and designs and project manages appropriate performance tech and heating systems to achieve the healthiest outcome for every home. A Contributing Editor to the likes of Homebuilding & Renovating Magazine, David is also a regular keynote speaker at the Homebuilding & Renovating Shows across the UK.

If you are dreaming of building a low-energy home and David will be able to help you make sure that you will achieve a comfortable eco home. David is one of our regular guests at our Self Build seminar at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre.

Tom McSherry has worked in the financial services industry for 30 years. He has spent the last 16 of these, specialising in Self Build mortgages at BuildStore, providing expert advice to hundreds of customers embarking on major homebuilding projects.

Tom has completed the Self Build projects himself and is widely regarded as a Self Build finance expert. Tom regularly delivers talks at the Homebuilding & Renovating Shows across the UK, advising self-builders on Self Build budgeting and mortgages.

Tom also sits on the Executive committee at NACBSA, helping to steer the custom and Self Build industry.

Tom regularly shares his expertise at our Self Build seminars, where you can have one-on-one consultation regarding your project with him. Follow Tom on X (Twitter) here.

Paul Testa, the director of HEM Architects, is a highly acclaimed architect and expert in the field of Passive House design and Retrofit. With a focus on sustainable and energy-efficient architecture, he has garnered a reputation as one of the leading figures in the industry.

Beyond his passion for Passive House design, Paul Testa is also an expert in Retrofitting, a process of upgrading existing buildings to improve their energy efficiency and reduce their environmental impact. His innovative approaches to transforming older structures into energy-efficient spaces have made him a sought-after consultant in the renovation and Self Build community.

With his wealth of experience and expertise, Paul Testa actively shares his knowledge through various platforms, including workshops, seminars, and speaking engagements. He aims to empower others to embrace sustainable design and make informed decisions that contribute to a greener future. Follow Paul on X (Twitter) here.

Andy Stevens is an award-winning Master Builder and Broadcaster. He was also Vice President of the London region of the Federation of Master Builders, where he was on the board for nearly a decade.

He has produced and presented his own radio show, filmed for media companies and big brands and presented a weekly live show for OnTheTools where he took his audience from nothing to 750,000. He also hosts his own weekly podcast called Build:It, which covers everything in the construction industry in a unique way. He writes for the national press and property magazines, including Homebuilding and Renovating Magazine as their expert builder.

He has worked on the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 in building-related programmes. He is also an expert speaker at property and building exhibitions up and down the country, including Grand Designs Live, Ideal Home Exhibition, Homebuilding and Renovating and UK Construction Week. If you would like to learn more about the construction part of the Self Building, then Andy is the perfect source of information. Follow Andy on X (Twitter) here.

Having worked in the Interiors industry for over 30 years, Julia Kendell is the go-to expert for all things interior design, property renovation and kitchen specialist. Known as television’s Queen of DIY and Design’ for her work on BBC1’s ‘DIY SOS: The Big Build‘, Julia enjoys getting stuck into renovation and Self Build projects – and believes that in order to be a great designer, you must fully understand the ins and outs of a building as a whole.

Her passion lies in renovating period properties and working on Self Build eco-homes – so keeping an eye on what Julia is up to will inspire your project! Julia has a prominent presence in the media, regularly appearing on ITV1’s 60 Minute Makeover series and ITV’s Rebuild Our Home.

Julia’s expertise extends to writing for well-known magazines and newspapers, where she shares her wealth of knowledge with readers. With the belief that everyone deserves a beautiful home, regardless of budget or circumstances, Julia takes joy in sharing her expertise to help others create functional and stunning living spaces. Recently, she launched a new ‘Virtual Room Design Service’, providing her interior design expertise online to those seeking assistance in designing fabulous rooms that meet their needs.

For those interested in meeting Julia in person and seeking more insights, she is available at the Homebuilding & Renovating Shows, where she continues to connect with homeowners and enthusiasts alike. Check out Julia's article on our Self Build Blog here. 

Andy Moger is one of the best planning specialists for Self Build market in the UK. He has worked in the planning sector since 2006 and benefits from a broad range of both public sector and private sector experience. Andy has developed particular specialisms in affordable housing, Self Build, and custom housebuilding.

He also sits on the Right to Build Task Force panel of industry experts specialising in Self Build and custom housebuilding. Andy has a great deal of detailed planning policy experience and is well-versed in the development plan adoption process.

As well as his expertise in the Self Build and custom housebuilding sector Andy has a broad range of experience across a variety of other elements of the planning sector, including undertaking a detailed analysis of residential development opportunities in Core City housing markets, obtaining planning consent for complex housing sites in the Greenbelt, Environmental Impact Assessments, Care Needs Assessments, promotion of residential development sites through the Development Plan process and providing expert affordable housing evidence at Section 78 inquiry as well as at Local Plan Examination.

Whether tuning in on TV, taking in books and magazines, or getting along to a show – we can guarantee that the advice and guidance from these experts can truly inspire your Self Build.

Keep an eye out for what they’re up to, and get your questions to them via social media platforms!

If you’re looking for some answers to some of the broader questions right now, why not contact our in-house Self Build expert today!

Passionate about promoting the Self Build sector, Allan is a member of the National Custom & Self Build Association (NaCSBA), and is keen to grow the industry throughout the UK – particularly in Scotland. He regularly delivers talks at Self Build Seminars throughout the UK, and is an expert in designing energy-efficient Self Build homes.

Send your questions via email – or on Twitter #AskTheSelfBuildArchitects.