Melville Dunbar Associates was formed in 1980 and is located in the conservation town of Coggeshall in Essex. The versatility of the professional staff allows the practice not only to undertake a wide range of town planning, urban design and architectural work but also to supervise and manage large scale projects taking the role of lead consultant.

The ability to provide clients with a comprehensive design service has been a major factor in securing a large number of commissions from both the public and private sectors in the UK. The practice also works in Ireland, the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey.

The practice specialises in the design of the complete range of new homes from modest terrace houses to large bespoke dwellings set in extensive grounds. It will prepare planning applications and co-ordinate the activities of other consultants to make comprehensive and convincing submissions to the Local Planning Authority. In the event of a refusal, the practice will offer advice on how to proceed to 'Appeal' and preparation of the appropriate evidence in support of its case.

Following the grant of planning permission the practice is able to:-
• submit Building Regulations applications
• prepare production drawings and tender documents
• supervise projects on site
• carry out final inspections prior to the hand-over to clients

The practice has had experience of designing buildings that are energy efficient and embody the principles of sustainable construction. In house RIBA / RIAI approved CPD seminars regularly take place in order to keep the practice abreast of ever changing regulations, standards and new products. Design based computer software allows the practice to present the clients requirements in a clear and stimulating way.

'Designing and making places'
The fundamental aim of the practice is to improve the visual quality of the urban and rural environments which is given expression in the practice maxim DESIGNING AND MAKING PLACES. It is this special role that helps to set the practice apart from other consultancies in the fields of planning and architecture.

The planning, urban design and architectural knowledge contained within the practice has been invaluable in allowing the preparation of detailed planning applications for development thereby allowing the crucial evolution between formulation of the basic concept and the design of three dimensional building forms. This particular talent is essential to create a sense of place.

Commercial awareness
Also underlying the work of the practice is a strong commercial awareness which helps to ensure that development schemes are financially feasible and capable of implementation. In other words, the practice takes the view that good planning is essentially the art of the possible.