www.build-review.com BUILD Nordic Room Ltd: From Norway to the UK: The Story of Nordic Room Book My Digs: Managing Accommodation for Contractors and Workforces Across the UK Featuring:
BUILD Q2 2026 Editors Letter Welcome to the Q2 2026 issue of BUILD magazine. As always, we strive to be your source for all the latest news and features from across the global construction and property industries. Covering new stories and award-winning accomplishments from companies innovating their sectors, this quarter’s issue is another shining example of excellence in the design and build industries. From garden rooms to lighting design, aluminium bending to roofing to cladding specialist solutions, and so very much more, here we explore solutions that will go down in history. We applaud all of our winners and we’re proud to share their success stories amongst the news features of the most cutting-edge developments in these illustrious sectors. Here’s to another successful quarter ahead. We look forward to seeing you again soon! Sofi Parry- Senior Editor Phone: 01283 365204 Website: www.build-review.com Sofi Parry- Senior Editor Joshua Beardsmore- Writer Kita Thomas- Writer Emma Hunt- Creative Team Manager Lauren Baldwin- Graphic Designer Editorial Team No information contained on or in this website constitutes investment advice or an offer to invest or to provide management services and is subject to correction, completion and amendment without notice. Neither AI nor any of its associated entities are authorised to give financial advice of any nature nor are they regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Prior to making any investment, AI recommends that any prospective investor should consult with its own investment, accounting, legal and tax advisers to evaluate independently the risks, consequences and suitability of that investment. AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility.
Contents 4. News - Mattoboard Introduces Design Stream: The First AI Concept and Curation Engine for Interior Projects Using Real Materials - 1 in 3 Homeowners With Sub-6% Mortgage Rate Say They Wouldn't Give Up Their Rate for Any Reason 6. How Plumbing Companies Are Losing Jobs — And What You Can Do About It 8. From Norway to the UK: The Story of Nordic Room 9. Aiden T: Multi-Award-Winning Designs to Stand the Test of Time 10. CoFi Lending: Leading a Construction Lending Revolution 11. When You Light Well, You Live Well 12. The Smart Bending Company LTD: The Smart Choice for Specialist Aluminium Bending 13. Book My Digs: Managing Accommodation for Contractors and Workforces Across the UK 15. Amica Smart Homes: Home Automation from a Leading Smart Home Installer 16. Bridgit: The Workforce Planning Platform That Puts People First 17. Delfina Design: Quiet Luxury in Dubai and Beyond 18. Salagnac Architects: Architecture Company of the Year 2026 – Costa Rica 20. Band of Builders: Supporting the Next Generation in Construction
BUILD Q2 2026 Mattoboard Introduces Design Stream: The First AI Concept and Curation Engine for Interior Projects Using Real Materials Design Stream turns an interior brief into a visualized concept with a material palette of real, sourceable products based on budget, specs, and aesthetics—in seconds. Mattoboard, the platform digitizing interior design projects with virtual 3D material sampling, visual curation, and next-generation tools, announced the launch of Design Stream, its debut AI solution that transforms ideas into specifiable interior design concepts in seconds. While legacy AI tools pull designers out of their workflows, render imaginary materials and products, and struggle to accurately map them to the real world, Design Stream turns creative vision into a buildable reality. "Interior design is a series of a thousand decisions that you have to live with, because many of them are irreversible. You can repaint a bedroom, but you can't de-tile a bathroom or rip out hundreds of square feet of carpet," said Guy Adam Ailion, Co-founder and CEO of Mattoboard. "People generally know what they want, but they don't have real-world products, materials, or tools at their fingertips that can accurately render their ideas and help them fully commit to their vision. Mattoboard is changing that with Design Stream." Designers Are Embracing AI—But Tools Aren't Built for Them Professional designers around the world are experimenting with AI, but most generative platforms fail to meet the realities of their workflows, struggling to understand space, real materials, and the design process itself. Mattoboard's first State of AI & Interior Design Report, which gathered insights from over 300 global designers across more than 70 countries, highlights both growing AI adoption and the demand for solutions built specifically for interior design: • 85% of designers use ChatGPT to support design work, while Canva (38%), Photoshop (33%), and Midjourney (28%) trail behind. • 82% of designers believe AI literacy will be important for future interior designers. • 71% of designers believe AI can boost creativity at work. • 69% of designers have used AI to assist with visualizing design ideas, but many are not satisfied with the results in regard to realism and iteration. • When asked about the next wave of AI development, the top-requested feature was easier visualization with real products. Design Stream is That Solution Developed based on feedback from Mattoboard's network of global users, Design Stream leverages existing LLMs and a proprietary material and product intelligence layer to power sophisticated filtering and learning and embed technical specification data into every recommendation. Combined with Mattoboard's expansive library of digital twins, Design Stream simulates the real-life qualities of every material and product—how surfaces and textures reflect light, shadow displacement, glossiness, reflections, transparency, and textural depth—to deliver high-quality rendered imagery and real-world material suggestions aligned with each user's creative direction. • For interior designers and firms: Design Stream boosts creativity, iterates at the speed of imagination, and reduces time spent finding appropriate products and materials while balancing design intent with budget.
5 • For architecture and design (A&D) suppliers: Design Stream maximizes product visibility when designers are seeking them, increasing brand awareness and sales. • For design enthusiasts: Design Stream makes professional-quality design accessible through its user-friendly interface, empowering anyone to visualize and curate their dream spaces. "Design Stream bridges ideation, product sourcing, and visualization, while putting an end to the AI slop and traditional material search that bogs down interior design projects," said Ailion. "We're delivering what the next generation of AI-native designers need to thrive across the entire interior design workflow and opening up the limitless world of design to anyone with a desire to explore, experiment, and bring their creative ideas to life." A Breakout Year for Mattoboard Mattoboard has seen significant traction and validation over the past year. In the last twelve months, the company has: • Secured $2M in seed funding led by Acrobator Ventures, with participation from Masco Ventures, Home Depot Ventures, Blue Field Capital, and SoundBoard Ventures—bringing total funding to nearly $3M and underscoring growing demand for digital innovation in the A&D industry. • Grown its network of partnerships with leading A&D suppliers, including Behr, Formica, and Stark Carpets. • Drawn interest in its Team Pro plan from leading design firms, including HOK, Treanor, GHD, Brookfield, and DIALOG. In 2026, the company plans to expand its library of materials and products and introduce an AI-powered interior design assistant for curating beautiful spaces. The feature will guide users through design decisions and help them explore creative ideas and alternatives, while sourcing materials and products, liaising with manufacturers and suppliers, and answering technical product queries. To access Design Stream and learn more about Mattoboard, visit mattoboard.com. 76% of homeowners with mortgages pay below today's rate of 6%, and nearly half say they simply couldn't afford a mortgage at current levels. More than a third (35%) of homeowners with a mortgage rate below 6% would not give up their rate for any reason, with nearly half (47%) saying they couldn't afford today's rates, according to a new report from Best Interest Financial, a Detroit-based mortgage broker, and Clever Real Estate, a St. Louis-based real estate company. Among homeowners with sub-3% mortgages, the percentage who wouldn't give up their rate for any reason jumps to 52%. Although 76% of mortgaged homeowners have rates under 6%, most felt uninformed when buying (59%), and nearly two-thirds (63%) believe lenders take advantage of first-time buyers. Overall, 1 in 10 homeowners (10%) say mortgage payments are their single biggest financial stressor. More than half of homeowners (52%) have regrets about their mortgage, rising to 75% among those paying 6% or more. About 60% of borrowers with rates of 6% or higher say they couldn't comfortably make their mortgage payments if their income decreased at all, and nearly half (45%) say their finances have worsened since buying a home. Additionally, 41% of high-rate homeowners feel anxious about their mortgage, compared to just 15% of those with rates below 6%. Two-thirds (68%) of high-rate borrowers don't expect their finances to be stable over the course of their mortgage, and 44% have reduced their retirement savings to afford their mortgage — compared to just 17% of those with a rate under 6%. Among all homeowners with mortgages, about half (49%) say rates have impacted their housing decisions. Homeowners prioritize mortgage rates over home prices, with 58% saying they'd rather move when rates are low, compared to 42% who'd prefer low home prices. Although 69% of borrowers don't think rates will ever return to the historic lows of the pandemic-era market, 51% say they wouldn't sell unless rates drop below 5%, and 20% would only sell if rates fall below 3%. Read the full report: https://bestinterest.com/research/mortgage-rate-lock-in-effect/ 1 in 3 Homeowners With Sub-6% Mortgage Rate Say They Wouldn't Give Up Their Rate for Any Reason
Feature How Plumbing Companies Are Losing Jobs — And What You Can Do About It Seth Schumann, Owner of Visionary Path AI, Seth helps service businesses like plumbing and HVAC capture more leads and grow revenue using AI-powered solutions. For many plumbing businesses, the challenge isn’t just generating leads — it’s capturing them. Homeowners and commercial clients expect fast responses, especially for urgent issues like burst pipes or blocked drains. But what happens when your business misses the call? The short answer: lost revenue that goes unnoticed month after month. This article explores why plumbing companies often lose jobs simply due to missed calls and outlines practical strategies to reduce losses and boost conversions. The Hidden Revenue Leak: Missed Calls Most plumbing businesses track marketing performance like clicks, impressions, and form fills — but overlook one of the most critical parts of the customer journey: how calls are handled. Here’s what typically happens: 1. A prospective client searches online or calls from a directory 2. Their call goes unanswered 3. They move on to the next company 4. The opportunity is gone — and the business never knew it even happened Homeowners are unlikely to leave voicemails during plumbing emergencies. Instead, they call a few companies and choose the one that answers first. Why This Happens Common reasons plumbing companies miss calls include: • Staff are busy on jobs or administrative tasks • Calls after hours go to voicemail • During peak seasons, calls spike beyond capacity • Office staff struggle to handle both calls and scheduling The result? You spend money on marketing but lose the value of those leads because you weren’t there to answer. The Real Cost Let’s break it down with simple numbers: • 20 missed calls per week • 30% conversion rate if answered • $300 average job value That equals: 6 lost jobs per week ~$1,800 in lost revenue ~$7,200 per month And that doesn’t include the long-term value of repeat business or referrals those jobs could have generated. What Plumbing Companies Can Do 1. Track Missed Calls Weekly Start by understanding the scale of the problem. If you don’t measure how many calls are unanswered, you can’t fix it. 2. Improve After-Hours Handling Customers don’t stop needing plumbers at 5 pm. If you’re missing calls after hours, consider scheduling support systems or automated response tools to acknowledge inquiries instantly. 3. Train Staff on Call Management Having a dedicated process for handling inbound calls — especially during busy times — makes a measurable difference. 4. Use Technology to Support Your Team Modern call-handling strategies help answer more calls, capture lead details, and even prequalify customer inquiries without adding staff. Final Thoughts Plumbing companies that take missed calls seriously win more jobs. It’s not enough to generate demand — you must capture every opportunity when it arrives. By tracking call performance, improving coverage, and optimizing how inquiries are handled, you can reduce lost jobs and significantly increase revenue without necessarily increasing your advertising spend. If your business is missing just a handful of calls each week, the financial impact could be much bigger than you think — and the solution is closer than you realise.
BUILD Magazine is honoured to present the Design & Build Awards. A much-loved staple of the BUILD brand, this distinguished award celebrates the top companies in the Architecture, Construction, and Design industries. The Design & Build Awards provide a valuable opportunity for professionals working in the Architectural, Engineering. Construction (AEC) and Design industries to showcase their hard work and successes. The awards offer a comprehensive view of these industries, thereby making it a highly respected and sought-after accolade. We believe that this award serves as a testament to the dedication, innovation, and excellence of those working in the design and construction industries. Enquire Here!
BUILD Q2 2026 From Norway to the UK: The Story of Nordic Room Since its inception in 2001, Nordic Room has aspired to introduce the best and highest quality Scandinavian materials and building techniques to the UK. The company is owned by Founders Kristian and Sharron Eklo, a dynamic husband-andwife duo who have dedicated the last 25 years to providing bespoke and made-tomeasure garden offices, garden studios, granny annexes, and other garden buildings to customers across Surrey and beyond. Nordic Room’s origins stem from Kristian’s own childhood in Norway. The Eklo family owned a small holiday cabin in the Norwegian mountains of Gol, which eventually became the inspiration for the Eklo family’s entrepreneurial vision. Upon visiting Kristian’s parents one summer, the couple were presented with a log cabin kit and challenged to build a guest annexe for the cabin over the holidays. Whilst building the annexe, Kristian and Sharron realised that there were perhaps other households wishing for extra space, but either could not afford the expansion or were not able to extend their current property. This realisation sparked the idea to design and build bespoke timber garden rooms, allowing others to find balance and space in their everyday lives. The pair decided to bring this innovative concept to the UK and, in 2001, Nordic Room was born. What began as a summer holiday project quickly grew into a purpose-driven company creating beautiful and functional spaces that truly transform the ways in which people live, work, and connect. Driven by an expertly trained carpentry team and an unwavering commitment to the client experience, Nordic Room’s luxury garden rooms become exclusive, lasting spaces that quickly become part of daily life: places to focus on work, gather with friends, or to rest and relax in complete peace. At the heart of Nordic Room’s creations is a steadfast dedication to sustainability, which has become a fundamental part of its design and the ways in which it operates as a business. Rather than treating it as a trend or a separate consideration, the company views sustainability as a long-term responsibility that begins with thoughtful design and continues through material choice, construction methods, and how a space performs over time. “We create garden rooms that remain relevant and functional, reducing the need for replacement.” This approach begins with longevity. Nordic Room believes that the most sustainable spaces are those that are designed to last, both in terms of structure and aesthetics. Timber is crucial to this mission, and the team takes great care in selecting high-quality, responsibly sourced Whether you are seeking extra space to work, entertain, or simply unwind, a garden room is an exceptional investment that will quickly transform the way you view your home. Garden rooms allow you to extend your home’s usable space, without the extra expenses and unnecessary headaches congruent with traditional home extensions. Nordic Room is one company at the forefront of the garden room revolution, injecting Scandinavian style and durability into households across the UK. We spoke with Co-Founders Kristian and Sharron Eklo below to learn more, as Nordic Room is named in the Design & Build Awards 2026. products that are suited to the environment in which they will be used. As Kristian explained: “A well-considered, flexible space is far more likely to be valued, maintained, and used longterm, which is central to sustainable design.” “Kristian’s Norwegian heritage has given him knowledge of working with timber, and we ensure all the products we choose will last,” Sharron added. “In Scandinavia, materials are expected to withstand harsh conditions and improve with age, and this philosophy strongly influences our choices. We select products that weather well, age gracefully, and retain their integrity, ensuring the spaces we create remain functional and beautiful for decades to come.” Looking to the future, Nordic Room aspires to become the first choice for anyone seeking a high calibre, luxury garden room. The company will build upon its growing reputation through continuous learning and outstanding product delivery, blending function with form to create home extensions that are as beautiful as they are durable. For its tireless efforts to transform spaces for households across the UK – reshaping the ways in which people live, work, and connect with one another, Nordic Room has been named Surrey’s Best Luxury Garden Room Design and Build Company 2026. Contact: Kristian Eklo and Sharron Eklo Company: Nordic Room Ltd Web Address: www.nordicroom.co.uk
BUILD Q2 2026 Guided by its core pillars of ‘timeless design’, ‘heirloom quality’, and ‘curated detail’, Aiden T has become synonymous with refined sophistication in the world of interior design. We heard more from Principal Arjan Nijen Twilhaar about what makes Aiden T so special, as the company is crowned Best Luxury Interior Design Studio 2026 – Singapore. Multi-Award-Winning Designs to Stand the Test of Time “Creativity and meticulous attention to detail are central to our design philosophy.” Established in 2005, Aiden T is a full-service interior design studio that individuals can rely on for renovations, decoration, and every stage of the design process in between. This longstanding studio provides key services such as planning and design, detailing and sourcing, décor selection, and site coordination, through to implementation and decoration. These offerings have led the studio to sustained success and enduring relationships with clients who seek a considered and refined approach to design. To begin, Principal Arjan Nijen Twilhaar shared: “Every project is approached as a considered, research-led design process. Each decision is guided by longevity, craftsmanship, and meaning. We want our designs to reflect how people live, not just how a space looks. Our process is collaborative, but guided. Designs evolve through dialogue while remaining coherent and intentional.” “We are driven by proportion, material, and restraint rather than shortterm trends, creating spaces that remain beautiful and relevant for years to come.” “We prioritise durability and material integrity, selecting materials that age well and remain relevant over time,” said Arjan, speaking of the studio’s elevated and considered approach from start to finish. Arjan continued: “Sustainability is central to how we design, but we approach it more broadly through what we call conscious design. “For us, sustainability is not only about environmental responsibility, although that is an important part of it. It also includes longevity, wellbeing, craftsmanship, and making thoughtful choices that stand the test of time. We design spaces to last. That means careful space planning, durable materials, and a focus on quality rather than excess.” “Every element is selected or designed with care: from furnishings to bespoke pieces, each detail contributes to a cohesive whole.” Recently named in BUILD’s Design & Build Awards 2026, Aiden T has added yet another accolade to its collection. The future looks promising as the team sets its sights on moving beyond interior design as a purely visual discipline, and further into how people experience and live within their spaces on a daily basis. Arjan continued: “Our aim is to design environments that support meaningful living. This includes how spaces shape routines, rituals, wellbeing, and the small moments that define everyday life. Design, for us, is not only about the finished interior, but about how a space evolves, adapts, and continues to serve the people who inhabit it. “We plan to build on our conscious design approach through deeper research, stronger integration of heritage and cultural references, and an increased focus on bespoke elements and craftsmanship. These allow us to create work that feels personal, grounded, and enduring, rather than fixed or trend-driven. “As a company, our goal is to remain design-led, independent in thinking, and closely involved in every project we take on. Innovation, to us, is not about speed or scale. It is about relevance, intention, and creating spaces that genuinely enhance the way people live.” With so many satisfied clients, Aiden T has earned widespread respect. This is no different for us, as we hold the company in high regard for its dedication, care, ethical standards, and refined interior architecture. As one example of the company’s testimonials, Daniel and Cheryl said: “Thank you so much for putting in so many days and hours designing our dream home. All our guests, including us, love our house the moment we step into it. We truly appreciate every detail you have considered.” Here’s to the future of Aiden T.
BUILD Q2 2026 Providing construction finance the way it should be, CoFi Lending is a Utah-based company on a mission to modernise construction finance by unifying capital, software, and fund control in its intuitive platform. Named as offering the Best Construction Finance Platform 2026, we take a closer look at a company that exists to bring clarity, predictability, and control to the construction lending process and teams managing growing portfolios and increasing risk. For more, we caught up with VP of Loan Origination and Sales, Andrew Poulsen, and Director of Software & Service Sales, Josh Oliver. Leading a Construction Lending Revolution Earlier this year, the Association of Professional Builders published its annual SORCI Report, in which it emphasised the link between effective management of the operational side of construction finance and the profitability of a project. Many builders have long struggled to complete projects on time and within budget, and this is where CoFi Lending can help. Offering the loans the industry needs to buy land and build houses, CoFi has carved out a name for itself as one of the best contractor finance companies. CoFi Lending works towards modernising this space every day by holding itself to the standard of making construction finance safe, predictable, and fast. Its values of transparency, operational excellence, partnership, and disciplined innovation are all an extension of this. T hey are rooted in the foundational belief that better systems ultimately create better outcomes, and that this starts right at the top with construction lenders. With this unity impacting everyone from lenders like CoFi themselves, through to the builders, their client, and the wider construction ecosystem, Andrew explained: “When technology, capital, and process are aligned, risk decreases, communication improves, and projects move ahead with confidence.” This can be attributed in part to CoFi’s award-winning platform touched on above, which makes it easy to not only get funded, but also to stay within budget, pay contractors on time, and access the given loan 24/7. A leading construction lender, CoFi’s specialities lie in single-family, multi-family, modular, and rehabilitation financing. Here, it blends industry expertise with purpose-built infrastructure, simplifying loan origination and servicing. Its thorough approach also adds structured fund control and proprietary management, ensuring borrowers receive streamlined communication, faster approvals, and improved visibility across the whole project. Josh himself added: “We do not simply provide capital. We provide structure.” It is this structure which ultimately sets CoFi apart, especially since most of its fellow lenders are reliant on disconnected systems, with one often used for loan origination, another for draw management, and so on across the process. Such fragmentation introduces friction, delays, and begins to eat away at profits. A single ecosystem means CoFi does not suffer from such a fate, but, as we will explore further, things do not stop there. Beyond its lending division, CoFi also comprises CoFi Software & Services, which sees the same platform and operating system that fuel CoFi Lending offered to other financial institutions operating in this space. This is driven by an awareness of the fact that construction finance can only achieve its maximum potential when players operate from a shared source of truth. The purpose of this division is to enable fellow lenders to modernise their portfolios, without having to rebuild systems from the ground up. “Together, CoFi Lending and CoFi Software & Services represent a unified vision: construction finance that is structured, transparent, and built for scale.” Commenting on the impact this approach has, Andrew said: “CoFi is uniquely positioned as both a lending institution and a fintech platform developer and administrator, and as such, plays a meaningful role in enabling construction growth.” Josh continued: “Construction shapes communities. Access to efficient capital determines which projects go ahead and how quickly housing and infrastructure come to market. By modernising construction finance, we support housing availability, responsible development, and regional growth.” As this shows, CoFi takes its role in deciding which capital flows into the build environment very seriously, and this is a commitment embodied by the team here. A major part of this involves both anticipating and responding to the needs of its borrowers and platform clients. To support this, CoFi brings together their in-house lending, underwriting, funds control, and software engineering teams which possess all of the capabilities required to carry this out, further setting the company apart. On the back of the strengths inherent across this team, CoFi is set to spend the coming years continuing to expand its lending capacity and the capabilities of its platform, particularly in areas like predictive risk insights and enhanced lending automation. Driving this is the fact that we are reaching a point where predictability matters as much as demand, and CoFi aims to become an operational backbone for modern construction lending across the US. For more, visit this construction lender at the web address below. Contact: Andrew Poulsen & Josh Oliver Company: CoFi Lending Web Address: https://cofilending.com/
BUILD Q2 2026 When You Light Well, You Live Well Specialising in lighting design, Light Well Live Well is a residential lighting designer in Florida, on a mission to craft exceptional designs that exist at the intersection of innovation, aesthetics, and functionality. At the heart of this studio is the recognition that lighting is more than just illumination – it changes the feeling of a space. Through its solutions, the aim is to enhance architecture, elevate ambiance, and leave a lasting impression. Named the Best Luxury Lighting Design Studio 2026 – USA, we caught up with CEO Dennis Beatty for more on this lighting and low-voltage design. Many people do not realise just how much lighting impacts wellbeing. It helps to regulate our circadian rhythms, and also plays a part in dictating our mood, energy levels, and ability to rest and focus. Recognising this, Dennis Beatty is a lighting designer committed to taking the natural beauty of Sarasota, Florida – which has an amazing quality of light and a unique indoor-outdoor lifestyle – and seamlessly integrating bespoke lighting and low-voltage design solutions that make the most of every customer’s residential environment. Since being founded in 2023, Light Well Live Well has strived to brighten spaces with its artistic brilliance, transforming landscapes into captivating spaces designed to inspire, evoke emotion, and enrich lives. Leveraging more than 27 years of industry experience, Dennis offers a truly integrated approach, going beyond fixture selection and placement to actually design the lighting control system from the ground up. He can also integrate low-voltage systems (security, internet, sound, etc.), resulting in one cohesive system. The values that Light Well Live Well is guided by can be attributed to four beliefs Dennis has subscribed to throughout his career in electronics, security, automation, AV, cable, and lighting – namely hard work, dedication, continuous education, and building strong relationships. These have served as the cornerstones of his company from day one, and the foundation they have created has proved more than adequate for Dennis to build what is today a leading luxury lighting design company operating out of Sarasota, Florida. Commenting on this success, Dennis explained: “I don’t believe in luck – what gets results is showing up, staying curious, and treating every client with integrity.” He continued: “Lighting design is a blend of art, architecture, and technology, and through collaborative partnerships and a deep understanding of our clients’ needs, we turn a good lighting plan into something that genuinely enriches our clients’ lives.” This insight, combined with Dennis’ decades of experience, more than give him the upper hand in this industry. A big part of Light Well Live Well preserving its status as a beacon of low voltage lighting design comes from staying relevant, and this is where the continuous education Dennis prides himself on really makes a difference. After all, the industry is one that is constantly changing, with everything from LED technology to smart home integration developing rapidly. To ensure it stays ahead, the company boasts an active membership to both the American Lighting Association and the International Association of Lighting Designers. This is just the beginning, and with sustainability being another element of the industry that is more prevalent than ever, Light Well Live Well has made sure to embed sustainable practices into its design process. These include optimising energy efficiency by using energy-saving fixtures and incorporating controls like dimmers, sensors, and timers to reduce the amount of time bright lights are on. Every lighting plan also begins with an assessment of natural light, as the best way to reduce artificial light is to maximise what is already there. “Not only are these measurables sustainable, they also reduce a home’s lighting energy consumption dramatically, so you can save some money too!” As this drive to stay ahead of the curve demonstrates, Dennis always has one eye on the future when it comes to Light Well Live Well, and 2026 is no different. Technology that did not even exist a few years ago is today defining the world of lighting design and smart home technology, and this is why Dennis is currently focusing on the likes of circadian and tuneable white lighting – systems which change their colour temperature across the day to support the body’s natural rhythms. In this way, ‘Live Well’ has become literal. In closing, Dennis’ overarching goal through Light Well Live Well is to increase awareness around the importance of lighting design for architects, builders, and homeowners alike. He summarised: “It’s often seen as an afterthought, but when lighting is designed properly from the start, everything in the space works better.” It is this ethos which has untimely resulted in the company’s recognition with a well-deserved title in this feature. Contact: Dennis Beatty Company: Light Well Live Well Web Address: https://lightwell-livewell.com/
BUILD Q2 2026 Aluminium has become a valued material in architectural design, utilised across a variety of building project types for its strength, low weight, and corrosion resistance. While these properties already make the metal a popular choice for many architectural applications, aluminium also boasts the added advantages of flexibility and versatility; its ease of machining, and fabrication allows manufacturers to bend the metal into various shapes for a wide range of design uses, from structural parts to decorative facades. The ability to bend aluminium provides architects and builders with the freedom to shape curves, angles, and flowing forms from the metal. Though these features are typically challenging to achieve with other materials, aluminium allows for designs that blend aesthetics with durability. It brings bold ideas to life whilst still retaining its practical benefits, making the metal suitable for every application, from durable roofs and supports to curved facades and detailed trim work. With more than three decades of combined industry experience, The Smart Bending Company is a family-run business that is renowned in the field of aluminium bending. The company is on a mission to deliver custom solutions tailored to the unique needs of trade installers, builders, manufacturers, and architects across the UK, catering its services to installers and fabricators alike. The Smart Bending Company offers a wide range of aluminium bending solutions that can be fully customised in alignment with each client’s specifications. Its aluminium profiles are renowned for their exceptional quality and performance, featuring an innovative polyamide thermal break that provides excellent insulation by creating a barrier between the cold air outside and the warm air inside. This manufacturing technique results in a low U-value, ensuring energy efficiency and reduced heating costs for clients. The company’s aluminium profiles are available in a versatile range of colours, from classic neutrals to bold statement shades. The Smart Bending Company can supply its aluminium arches as “bend-only” or as fully fabricated arched frames in any RAL or milled finish. Its fully fabricated arches include long-leg bends, bowed windows, arched single and French doors, and even arched sash windows. All products are supplied unglazed, with glass sizes either confirmed on-order or once manufactured depending on the arch’s complexity. Quality is at the heart of all The Smart Bending Company does, echoing through every aspect of the company’s organisational structure. From its state-of-the-art machinery to its highly skilled workforce, The Smart Bending Company ensures precision in every bend and always remains a step ahead of its competitors in quality. Furthermore, the team’s expert technical knowledge allows the company to quote for and deliver any bespoke aluminium arch its clients may seek. This capability is further bolstered by The Smart Bending Company’s strategic partnerships with industry-leading aluminium suppliers, including Smart, ALUK, Cortizo and Senior. Not only do these partnerships allow the team to offer aluminium arches that suit a wider range of profiles, but they also allow customers to rest The Smart Bending Company is a Bury-based manufacturing company that provides high-quality aluminium bending services to trade installers, builders, manufacturers, and architects across the UK. The family-run business has become a trusted name within the industry, having built its reputation to stand as one of the UK’s leading aluminium bending specialists. We took a closer look at The Smart Bending Company’s specialist services below, as the company is named in the Design and Build Awards 2026. assured that The Smart Bending Company is using only the very best materials in its production. The Smart Bending Company’s commitment to quality extends beyond its manufacturing processes. The team recognises the importance of delivering projects on time without compromising on quality and, alongside utilising top-tier materials and machinery across its projects, strives to offer outstanding customer service to each client it serves. This includes responding to and quoting enquiries within 24 hours, offering quick lead times and turnarounds of just two weeks, and providing nationwide delivery so its products reach clients with no stress or hassle, regardless of their location. From its seemingly endless manufacturing capabilities to its unwavering commitment to client satisfaction, The Smart Bending Company has quickly become a name synonymous with high-quality products and even higher service standards. The company has cemented its position at the very forefront of the aluminium bending sphere, forming strategic partnerships with the industry’s leading players whilst bringing each client’s unique vision to life. It is for this exceptional work that The Smart Bending Company has been recognised as the UK’s Best Aluminium Bending Specialists 2026. Contact: Lois Gallagher Company: The Smart Bending Company LTD Web Address: www.smartbending.co.uk The Smart Choice for Specialist Aluminium Bending
BUILD Q2 2026 Established in 2020 as a way of sourcing accommodation for contractors when the world was plunged into lockdown, Book My Digs has spent almost six years solving the nagging problem of arranging accommodation for the construction industry. The agency aims to remove the hassle by finding, negotiating, and managing its clients’ accommodation needs, whether this is for one person for a week of for a larger team over several years. Recognised as the Best Contractor Accommodation Booking Agency 2026 – UK as a result, we caught up with Rob Mason for more on these services. Managing Accommodation for Contractors and Workforces Across the UK Contact Details: Contact: Rob Mason Company: Book My Digs Web Address: https://bookmydigs.com/ During the COVID-19 pandemic when the UK was largely shut down, construction was one of the sectors allowed to keep working. With hotels closed, it became a real challenge for travelling contractors to find a place to stay, and this is why Rob Mason founded Book My Digs, to put an end to this headache. Leveraging his contacts in the accommodation industry, Rob helped workers find a place to stay near the site, all whilst supporting hospitality providers who had empty properties during this unprecedented period. Even when lockdown was lifted and life began to return to normal for many, Rob recognised that arranging accommodation for site teams had always been a major issue for construction companies, with the job often falling to someone who is already overworked and being yet something else they have to fit into their busy schedules every week. This is why one call to Book My Digs allows everything to be handled by the team here, but this encompassing approach is not the best part – that lies in the fact that this service is totally free. “As well as offering a free service, we usually save our clients money due to the booking volumes we manage and our relationships with providers across the UK and beyond.” Whilst the money-saving aspect of Book My Digs is certainly attractive, it is not the only thing that the agency prides itself on. For example, there is a massive emphasis placed on personal service, and this is why every client gets a dedicated account manager who quickly gets to know how they operate and what works for them, including locations, budgets, and stay requirements. By providing access to someone who truly understands their business, not a call centre or a faceless website, clients can really trust this service. There are other benefits to this approach too, as Rob told us: “A lot of companies end up booking accommodation online because it seems quick, but construction projects rarely run exactly to plan. Start dates move, teams grow, and stays need extending at short notice. That’s where problems usually start. With Book My Digs, your account manager already knows the project and is there to deal with any changes for you, as and when they occur.” In this way, Book My Digs is the extension of a client’s team they never knew they needed. Do not just take our word for it – there are numerous clients who have fed back about their experience using this team to manage their contractor digs, and they are unanimous in their praise. One client, a civil engineering contractor, said: “I actually don’t know how I’d cope without Sharon, my account manager. No matter where we are or what we need, she sorts it.” A demolition client added: “We tried them on one job and now they handle everything for us nationwide, it’s one less thing to do and I know it will be done right.” The continuous enhancement of this service is just one of the ways that Book My Digs is solidifying its position as a leader in this space, and a great example of this is the shift it has driven to alternative accommodations from traditional hotels. Rob explained: “If you’re working away from home for weeks or months at a time, you don’t want to live out of a pokey hotel room with no more than an uncomfortable bed and a TV to offer. Having a serviced apartment or house provides a true home away from home.” It is the strong partnerships Book My Digs enjoys across both construction and the serviced accommodation industry that ultimately make its services unrivalled in this space. Add in the fact that the service is free, helps save money and time, and ensures projects go smoothly by supporting the needs of teams outside of work, and this is a company clearly deserving of a spot in this feature for the support it provides in the realm of contractor accommodation.
Subscribe to our quarterly newsletter View the latest issues of our quarterly digital magazine which features business profiles and features of leading industry insiders who are thriving in the small business sector. Subscribe Now!
BUILD Q2 2026 Home Automation from a Leading Smart Home Installer It is not an exaggeration to say that smart home technology has changed the way we live, and with home automation becoming more widely adopted, the need for a company that can design and install systems that offer genuine improvements in how a building works, all without this technology getting in the way, has emerged. Plugging this gap, Amica Smart Homes has been named the Best Smart Home Technology Installation Company 2026 – South West England. Arron Gilder, one of its co-founders, was on hand for more on this smart home installer. Ever since Ben Toser and Arron Gilder cofounded Amica on top of a mutual passion for smart homes and technology back in 2017, the company has sought to be something better in the home automation industry. Ben and Arron both had experience working with other companies in this landscape, but knew that with Ben’s background in electrical and mechanical engineering and Arron’s experience as a designer and programmer, they could offer a new, better way forwards for the industry. Two showrooms and nearly a decade later, Amica remains committed to designing and delivering intelligent building systems that elevate projects of any size, with the same cornerstones of engineering excellence, long-term reliability, and a client-first approach having remained in place since day one. The same can be said of the company’s values of integrity, precision, transparency, and dedicated aftercare. These are on display at every turn, and guide the team as they work from concept through to completion and beyond. Regardless of whether it is working with a client, architect, or builder, the essence of what Amica does remains the same: making things effortless. By ensuring lighting, heating, audio, and security work together as a united ecosystem, the company serves as a one-stop shop for all of their needs concerning smart home automation, and its core belief that everything they install needs to be simple, powerful, and built to last means both residential and business customers are not having to reach for an app every five minutes. “A true automation system shouldn’t just be an app on your phone; the home or building should work for you.” Adding to the quality Amica stands for in the home automation industry, the company is set apart by the fact that everything it does get installed into the personal homes of the team, who then personally test every system, software, and device they plan on putting into projects. Arron explained: “In order for us to stand the test of time, the systems we install need to do just that. Everything we install and programme needs to function flawlessly for many years without intervention, which will solidify us as the right choice for any installation.” Beyond being beneficial for the customer, this focus on longevity also helps the planet, as a lot of the waste produced in this landscape comes from systems having to be replaced frequently. With Amica, the long-term aim sees it strive for systems to still be doing their job properly in ten or even 15 years’ time, which is a much better outcome than bits of tech having to be upgraded every few years. The team here also look at how a building behaves day to day, allowing for effortless efficiency to be achieved. What makes this all the more challenging (and yet rewarding) is that not two projects are the same, and understanding the people behind the project is key in ensuring that it is a success. For example, one family could use a space totally different to another, even if the layout of the property is the same on paper. Similarly, some people want everything to be hidden and minimalist, whereas others want everything to seen. Arron told us: “These differences shape our decisions far more than any single piece of technology.” On the back of this, Arron reaffirmed just how crucial it is for Amica to strike a balance between standardisation and the unique across its projects, improving consistency, reliability, and efficiency behind the scenes, allowing it to operate at a higher level but without making projects feel generic. This approach is currently in full swing at an 18th century property in the heart of Somerset, which the team have been modernising by introducing a full control system that will look after the property’s lighting, heating, and security solutions. This is just one example of the projects carried out by this smart home installer on a daily basis, and with international expansion on the cards for the next five years, the future is bright for this beacon of home automation. More on these solutions can be found below. Contact: Arron Gilder Company: Amica Smart Homes Web Address: www.amicasmarthomes.com/
BUILD Q2 2026 “Bridgit’s mission is to help contractors build more effectively by putting their people first.” It is the unique skills, experience, and dedication of the construction workforce that turns every project into reality. Yet for decades, the tools used to manage the industry’s most valuable asset have treated workers as interchangeable bodies. Workforce planning has remained a chaotic, disconnected process, making it nearly impossible to strategically manage the people at the centre of every project. Bridgit was launched in 2012, developed specifically to enhance a space that has been long dominated by outdated, generic project management tools. The platform concentrates specifically on connecting people to project demand in the construction industry, helping contractors understand what work they have, as well as whether they are equipped with the teams and tools required to execute it. The platform is designed to meet companies wherever they are in their digital maturity, working equally well with spreadsheets as it does with fully integrated systems. This lowers adoption barriers in an industry that is traditionally averse to change. In taking such a practical, construction-driven approach to its operations, Bridgit successfully positions workforce planning as a core driver of project predictability, rather than an administrative afterthought. Today, Bridgit stands as the number one workforce planning software in the construction industry. The platform has integrated innovative AI tools to further streamline workforce management and has secured working partnerships with many of the top general contractors in the world. Bridgit boasts more than 350 customers, including 150 of the ENR 400 and more than 50% of the ENR 50, including Balfour Beatty, Fortis, KBD Group, Clune Construction, Skanska, and more. Over the next five years, Bridgit’s focus is on transforming workforce planning from a reactive exercise into a strategic advantage for contractors around the world. The construction industry is currently facing a pivotal moment, facing persistent labour shortages, rising burnout, and increasing project complexity. The platform’s innovative strategy will centre on unlocking workforce data, improving planning workflows, and leveraging AI to make smarter, faster, and more sustainable staffing decisions. The Bridgit team is investing heavily in AIpowered workforce planning tools that will aid contractors in moving from fragmented spreadsheets and intuition-based decisions to real-time, data-driven insights. By connecting workforce data across projects, regions, and time zones, Bridgit will enable leaders to better forecast labour needs, deploy talent more effectively, and reduce costly inefficiencies such as bench time, reinforcing its position as the Best Construction Workforce Planning Platform 2026. “The goal is not simply optimisation for its own sake,” said Mallorie. “It is about improving the quality of decision-making so companies can keep their best people engaged, productive, and supported.” Equally important is the human side of workforce planning. Burnout and churn remain major risks for the industry, whilst long commutes, unpredictable schedules, and underutilised talent all contribute towards Construction workforce planning has long been constrained by fragmented information, outdated tools, and timecritical decisions. The mismatch between decision speed and data complexity leads to avoidable disruption and unnecessary strain on the workforce. Enter Bridgit, an AI-Driven workforce planning platform designed to tackle this challenge head-on with a people-first, data-informed philosophy, enabling better decisions that support both operational performance and the people doing the work. We heard more from Mallorie Brodie, CEO and Cofounder at Bridgit, as the platform earns applause in the Design & Build Awards 2026. workforce instability. By providing contractors with clearer visibility into upcoming work and workforce capacity, the platform helps to reduce unnecessary trave, better align assignments with employee availability, and create more sustainable career paths. “Our aim is to help companies retain skilled workers and build resilient teams, not just fill roles.” From a growth perspective, Bridgit intends to introduce its value to contractors in other global markets. Having established strong adoption among many of the largest contractors in the North American market, the platform’s next phase is thoughtful international expansion, beginning with markets where workforce challenges closely mirror those it has already helped to solve. The long-term goal is to ultimately empower contractors worldwide with the same level of clarity, efficiency, and workforce intelligence that Bridgit’s current customers rely upon today. “Ultimately, innovation for us means helping construction leaders unlock the full potential of their people and their data,” Mallorie concluded. “By improving workflows, embedding AI where it meaningfully supports decision-making, and supporting workforce sustainability, we aim to shape a future where contractors can grow without burning out their teams. Our success will be measured by how effectively we help our customers deploy their workforce, retain their talent, and deliver projects with greater confidence and consistency.” Contact: Mallorie Brodie Company: Bridgit Web Address: www.gobridgit.com The Workforce Planning Platform That Puts People First
www.build-review.comRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUyMDQwMA==