The Pembrokeshire architect who designed the superb Tenby lifeboat house conversion featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs feels he has been left high and dry by the programme’s presentation.
Michael Argent of Argent Architects, Tenby, ‘put his heart and soul’ into the two-year project to transform the 100-year-old structure into a contemporary home for Tim and Philomena O’Donovan.
The couple were thrilled; programme presenter Kevin McCloud praised the project to the skies and many Grand Designs viewers felt it was one of the best projects ever screened.
But despite three lengthy interviews filmed with Mr Argent by Channel 4, no mention of his involvement was made in the programme.
“Words can’t come near to expressing the outrage I feel,” said Mr Argent. “Any creative person must have some notion of the investment of effort and ingenuity that goes into such a project."
Mr Argent, who worked on the project with his associate, Adam Chandler, feels that the programme gave the impression that the designer had fallen out with the owner and had been dumped at an early stage.
“Nothing could be further from the truth,” he said. “It is our design, and we drew practically everything down to the last screw.
He added that Mr O’Donovan was delighted with the project and was ‘more than effusive’ in his praise for the architects in his interviews.
“In interviews with Kevin McCloud he told him that if it wasn’t for Michael Argent, he’d have a glorified bungalow on stilts,” he said.
Mr Argent has now received a telephone apology from the programme’s director who has told him that he features prominently on the Grand Designs website, but is now hoping that any repeats of the programme will be edited to recognise his work.
He added wryly: “Clearly I have a face for radio, but this was a labour of love - and very, very successful.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel