WHO WE ARE
When you first get in touch with us, we don’t rush into drawings or technical detail, we start by listening and understanding what you’re trying to achieve.
Most people come to us with a clear vision of what they want to build, but feel unsure how to bring everything together. Budgets, decisions, timelines, contractors, it can quickly feel like a lot to manage alone. Our role is to bring clarity from the very beginning and help you move forward with confidence using our trusted network of consultants and contractors.
We’re a small, hands-on team who stay closely involved from start to finish. You’ll always know who you’re speaking to and you’ll always have someone keeping an eye on the bigger picture. At the heart of it, we’re here to make something that can feel complex feel more manageable and a lot less stressful along the way.
MEET THE TEAM
Between us, we bring over 25 years of experience across residential renovations, extensions, basements, new builds and commercial projects. We’ve seen projects from every angle, which means we know where problems tend to hide and how to deal with them before they become expensive.
Chris Smalley
Founder & Building Project Manager
Chris founded Minniedale Projects after more than a decade working across architecture practices, independent project management consultancies and a high-end design and build contractor in West London.
Originally trained in architecture, he realised early on that what fascinated him most wasn’t just the design of a building, but how it actually came together; the sequencing, the coordination, the hundreds of decisions that quietly determine whether a project succeeds or struggles.
Chris has managed a wide range of residential and commercial builds, from complex renovations to large new-build homes. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), with particular expertise in the pre-construction and construction phases, where careful planning saves time, money and stress.
Minniedale Projects grew from a simple belief: clients deserve clear, independent advice from someone who understands the entire construction process, not just one part of it.
Chris is known for his calm, organised approach (even when projects throw the inevitable curveballs) and for acting firmly in his clients’ best interests. Budgets stay controlled. Programmes stay realistic. Quality remains the priority.
Sam Rodger
Architect
Sam leads the architectural and planning side of the practice.
RIBA qualified and highly experienced in residential design, Sam specialises in extending homes up, down and sideways, always with a focus on making spaces feel natural, functional and built to last.
He has a keen interest in materials and modern construction methods and enjoys finding that balance between strong design and real-world buildability. In other words, ideas that don’t just look good on paper, but work beautifully on site.
His approach is thoughtful and commercially aware, helping clients create spaces they genuinely enjoy living in while also protecting long-term value.
Kate Smalley
Marketing & Project Support
Kate leads the creative and marketing side of Minniedale Projects, overseeing the website, social media and local marketing activity. She also supports the day-to-day running of projects and office operations, helping keep everything organised behind the scenes.
With a background spanning retail operations, executive support, training and communications, Kate brings a strong mix of creativity, organisation and people-focused thinking to the business. Her experience includes project coordination, stakeholder management, process improvement and team communications, developed through roles within both corporate and fast-paced retail environments.
Originally trained in Textile Design at Winchester School of Art, Kate has always been passionate about interiors, materials and creative problem solving. She enjoys applying that creative eye to interiors, personal renovation and craft projects, while ensuring the practical details are always carefully managed.
Known for her proactive and highly organised approach, Kate plays an important role in keeping both the client experience and the day-to-day business running smoothly.
OUR PROMISE
We want your project to be a success, not just structurally, but personally. Handing over a finished space that genuinely improves how you live or work is what it’s all about.
When you work with us, you’ll have one clear point of contact throughout. We’ll guide you step by step and become part of the journey, the steady voice when things feel uncertain and the organiser when things get busy.
If you ever have a question or concern, we’ll make time. Clear communication is part of the service.
We break the process down into manageable stages so you’re never overwhelmed and we’re always focused on keeping finances carefully managed from start to finish. Budgets matter and they’re treated with respect.
THE WAY WE WORK
- We keep things refreshingly straightforward.
- We believe in clarity over confusion, clear scope, clear costs and clear communication.
- We stay calm under pressure. Building projects can be intense at times and someone needs to steady the ship.
- Independence matters to us. Our advice is honest and always in our clients’ best interests.
- We plan properly, because most problems can be avoided with good preparation.
- And above all, we value relationships. The best projects are built on trust and many of our clients return to us again and again.
WORK WITH US
DISCOVER MORE
Projects
A look at the homes, spaces and commercial builds we’ve been trusted to deliver, each shaped by close collaboration and careful, hands-on management.
Our Process
How we personally guide clients through each stage of a build, keeping things clear, structured and as stress-free as possible from day one.
FAQ
Honest answers to the questions clients actually ask us before starting a project, based on real experience from the ground up.
Projects
A look at the homes, spaces and commercial builds we’ve been trusted to deliver, each shaped by close collaboration and careful, hands-on management.
Our Process
How we personally guide clients through each stage of a build, keeping things clear, structured and as stress-free as possible from day one.
FAQ
Honest answers to the questions clients actually ask us before starting a project, based on real experience from the ground up.