20 QUESTIONS
Harrison Smith is Founder and Managing Director of Tidywork Studio, which is a leading creative studio specialising in property marketing visuals Do you prefer modern homes or period properties? My dream home would be period enough so it feels like we’ve gone back in time, but modern enough so I can turn on "disco mode" with my RGB LED smart lighting. Would you rather have a library room or media room at home? Media room. Technology geek! My dad’s book collection is big enough for everyone! Would you rather live in the bustling city or in the country? Country. The hustle and bustle of the city is energising but only in small doses for me. The countryside is all about the fresh air and sounds of the birds. Oh, and the pubs! If you were buying a property overseas, in what country would you buy a home? Spain. Close enough to call home, hot enough to have to put suncream on my head.Yes, my head! Would you rather have a bigger property or a better location? Location. With a selfless viewpoint that I’d like my kids to have safe and easy access to transport to get to wherever it is they need to go, accompanied of course – but as they get older I do not want them to need a lift everywhere! Also, I need to be within a 10-minute walking distance of a tube station, a pub and a tandoori. What is one thing you couldn’t live without at home? My wife. Actually, she’s probably got bored and stopped reading at this point, so I’ll go with my PlayStation 5! What’s your favourite way to unwind at home after work? Sofa and aviation-related content on YouTube. I PROMISE you I used to be cool. What’s your favourite thing about your home? The glass wall looking out to the garden. Gives my eight-year-old "puppy" full visibility when he’s on fox/squirrel duty. Where did you buy your first home? Epping.The home we brought our son home to – it will always have a special place in my heart for that reason. What advice would you give a first time buyer? Buy with the location at the forefront of your thinking; accessibility to family, friends, work and play. The properties themselves, (especially in a FTB new build capacity) can all feel very similar – a nice spec and a decent size main bedroom – so be led by location
What room at home is your favourite? My kids’ toy room.Why? We designed the ground floor to be open- plan, but created a "room within a room" for them. It has Crittall- style doors with lots of glass so that I can keep eyes on the cheeky little so-and-so’s from all angles. When I go in there I’m immersed in brands that have stood the test of time. Toy Story, Spiderman, Batman etc. So yes, it’s a practical answer to keeping kids and toys locked away – but also it’s a trip down memory lane for me too. What’s your favourite gadget or technology that’s at home? I rigged smart RGB LED lighting throughout the downstairs. It’s under kitchen units, in the recessed atrium roof lights, in the media wall shelving and in the firepit. Which means that we can turn our somewhat standard white lighting into whatever we want it to be... movie moody, disco heaven for house parties etc, just by asking Alexa. I also have recessed electric blinds that I remapped to open when I say "Alexa, open sesame". I used to be cool, promise! What colour do you think everyone should have in their home? Royal blue. It’s the warmer of the blues, but feels classy. It has nothing to do with me being a massive Chelsea fan. Even without the footie reference, blue is a winner as it references sky and sea too. Which three people would you invite over for a housewarming party if you could have any guests? Ricky Gervais. David Attenborough. Ed Sheeran. Ricky has my sense of humour. David could answer all the questions I have about life and the planet. Ed could see all four of us into the early hours with a few songs around a fire. What’s your favourite memory from your childhood home? At the back of the garden we had a few planks of wood over a ditch (nearly wrote "a bridge over a stream", who am I kidding?) that led to a golf course. I have such great memories of the adventures into the "forbidden" golf course, playing the sixth hole and scarpering back into the garden. What is your favourite song and why? Elvis – Can’t Help Falling in Love . Because my wife will be reading this and this was our wedding song. Would you rather have a garden or a balcony? Garden. I love having a piece of nature to call my own. Would you prefer a luxurious bathtub or a sumptuous shower? Luxurious bathtub. But I’ll refrain from describing this as I don’t want to traumatise readers imagining me in the bath. Too late? 20 QUESTIONS Harrsion Smith
and the rest will feel like home pretty quickly. What are your views on shared ownership?
A great way to secure a first home. Why wouldn’t you seek assistance with affordability in a property market (and world!) that’s only getting more expensive? The rent charged on the element not purchased is about half of the interest if you’d borrowed the money. Smaller deposit too and less monthly payments, freeing up vital disposable income for life’s necessities. Service charges are a concern moving forward for some. Give us a short overview of what Tidywork Studio is all about ? We are a leading creative studio specialising in property marketing visuals. Our team of top-tier CGI artists, camera operators, account and project managers deliver bespoke solutions for developers, housing associations and local authorities. We offer a wide range of services, including CGIs, virtual tours, interactive applications, video production, virtual staging, photography, video and more – all designed to bring developments to life. Known for our agility and personal touch, we ensure each project is tailored and effective. We also provide consultancy on VR, CGI, and interactive technologies, helping clients leverage the latest in visual marketing innovation.
tidyworkstudio.co.uk
106 First Time Buyer December 2024/January 2025
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