Grand Designs

The budding architect's favourite, Grand Designs documents the property projects of ordinary people with extraordinary visions.

Presented by designer and writer, Kevin McCloud, each episode showcases the difficulty and determination involved in people building their dream homes.

The homes often feature ground-breaking designs, such as the sea-shell shaped house in the cliffs of Devon, and the Buckinghamshire house that utilised a troublesome inverted roof.

Other staggering home-builds that have been covered in Grand Designs include the Berkshire house that was shaped like a crucifix, and the house in Peckham that featured a space-age sliding glass roof.

McCloud offers advice and support to the designers and builders during the projects, which are invariably stressful because of the amount of money involved.

Viewers can pick up unique design tips by watching, while McCloud offers sage style advice and tips on budget management, to help those who are considering taking on their own grand design.

The Bafta-nominated show has borne an offshoot publication, Grand Designs Magazine as well as its own expo, Grand Designs Live.

McCloud also examines ambitious building projects in other countries, where Brits are building their own dream home or holiday pad, in Grand Designs Abroad.

The presenter
Kevin McCloud

Good for?
Seeing some astonishing designs, seeking inspiration for your own labour of love, realising that buying property isn't the only way onto the property ladder.

Where?
Channel 4, E4 and More4.

When?
Evenings on terrestrial, daytime and evening on E4 and More4.

See Grand Designs' website at www.channel4.com.

To appear on Grand Designs click here.