© Colin Usher practicing as MicroTecture c 2025
Testimonials
Zero Carbon Design in Heswall
Len & Elaine Smith write: “The purchase of our building plot fortuitously
coincided with viewing a segment of a current affairs TV programme on
low energy properties which Colin had designed. We contacted him and
he and his wife invited us to see their low energy home. It was very
reassuring to be able to see the technical aspects of the design in
operation and know that the data to support the system was available.
Colin then worked closely with us to design our downsizing, low energy,
future home. With his knowledge he was able to ensure the property
would maximise its energy saving features yet at the same time take
onboard our wishes for the layout. Once he prepared the drawings, he
then submitted the planning application. Through his computer design
software we also had a very good idea of what the finished building will
look like. His knowledge and experience will assist greatly as we take our
project forward and commence building.”
Comments from a couple of the tenants at Lang Lane:
From our point of view, the low-energy home has been designed to
seamlessly integrate into everyday life without requiring us to make
drastic lifestyle changes. The low energy home has eliminated the need
for constantly switching technologies/devices on and off or frequently
adjusting settings, providing an energy-efficient living environment that is
both convenient and comfortable.
…and also When we moved into Orchard Cottage I did have some
concerns that the low energy features would make life more complicated.
These concerns have proved unfounded. The technology has been totally
unobtrusive. Our energy costs appear to have significantly reduced
without any discernible changes to our lifestyle. Despite unpredictable
weather, we have been comfortably warm and draught free without
adjusting the settings. I can only imagine what we might achieve if we
were to pay more attention to the potential of the technology.
West Kirby United Reformed Church Reordering Project
The Reordering Co-ordinator, Liz Wilson writes: “West Kirby United
Reformed Church employed Colin as our architect to draw up plans to
reorder our church building. The basis of these plans were ideas put
forward as a result of detailed research by Focus groups from within the
church. This process was important to ensure that final decisions on the
changes needed were agreed by a large majority of the church
membership.
Two storey home extension
Mr and Mrs Mayes wrote to let me know: “We were delighted with the end
result and would have no hesitation in recommending Colin Usher as an
architect.
It was a pleasure to work with Colin; he was friendly, professional and
very efficient. We were kept informed at every stage, he was always
responsive and nothing was ever too much trouble.
Really pleased with our double story side extension, we have
recommended Colin to others and wouldn't hesitate to work with him
again in future.”
Architectural ‘Slogans’
“Form Follows Function”
Louis Sullivan
“Form and function should
be one, joined in a spiritual
union.”
Frank Lloyd Wright
I prefer the second slogan!
It is more complex and
nuanced, but truer too.
Thoughts on the pending
climate catastrophe
"Yet, it's on this connection
that the future of both
humanity and the natural
world will depend. And it is
our responsibility to do
everything within our power
to create a planet that
provides a home not just for
us, but for all life on Earth."
David Attenborough to
Obama