
Meet the Finalists
2025 | Renovation & Restoration

Becoming the best residential developer in the UK is one of the goals Steven Gilbert has for the company he set up five years ago. This project – to construct a side extension, convert a mansard roof into liveable space and internally refurbish an Edwardian-era house – illustrates the seriousness of his ambition.
About the Project
Rollscourt Avenue
Recommended to the architect for the job, Steven packed nine months of work into a six-month timeline so non-negotiable that eye-watering damages for exceeding it were imposed. Beginning almost immediately, he worked hard to increase production efficiency while successfully managing the long lead times of the glazing and kitchen third parties.
With the window arches needing to be fully formed and the premium kitchen installed before the steel-framed glazing could be ordered, Steven tested moisture levels daily to ensure his temporary weatherproofing solution was working properly.
He didn’t just tell his clients he put them first, he demonstrated that he did. On this scheme, he suggested creating a secret fun crawlspace in the eaves between the bedrooms of the clients’ two daughters. The clients were delighted, and Steven’s business is now working on another three projects with the architect


