Scots celebrity architect sanctioned by watchdogs after family home revamp goes wrong

**Scots celebrity architect sanctioned by watchdogs after family home revamp goes wrong – Daily Record**

A renowned architect from Scotland, Danny Campbell, has been reprimanded by regulatory watchdogs for unacceptable professional conduct following a mishandled home renovation project. Known for his role as the host of the BBC show “Scotland’s Home of The Year,” Campbell faced sanctions from the Architects Registration Board (ARB) in relation to a project in Giffnock near Glasgow in 2021. The ARB found that Campbell’s firm, Hoko Design, failed to manage a conflict of interest when they were both appointed as the contract administrator and the contractor for the project, causing significant delays and distress to the family involved.

According to sources, the family had initially contacted Hoko Design for the renovation project, with Campbell’s other company, Hoko Build, taking on the construction work. However, issues quickly arose when there was no compensation cover set for potential delays in the project. The family’s concerns were met with reassurance from a Hoko Design employee that such arrangements were standard practice. It wasn’t until a meeting with Campbell that the family realised he may not have been acting in their best interests, leading to the termination of the contract and subsequent complaint to the ARB.

The ARB’s investigation uncovered that Campbell had failed to adequately supervise staff and manage the conflict of interest within the project. While Campbell acknowledged his responsibility for the errors, he attributed them to the challenges faced by his growing organisation during the pandemic. The ARB issued a reprimand to Campbell, acknowledging that the mistakes were not deliberate but rather a result of inexperience and lack of oversight within the company. Although Campbell has since closed Hoko Build, Hoko Design continues its operations with an outsourced building approach for all projects.

The family involved in the renovation project declined to comment on the matter. Campbell expressed his regret for the handling of the project, emphasizing the complexities faced by a company managing multiple projects and staff members during unprecedented times. Despite the sanctions imposed, Campbell remains committed to upholding professional standards and ensuring better practices within his architectural ventures.

In conclusion, the incident involving Danny Campbell highlights the importance of transparency, conflict of interest management, and oversight in the field of architecture and construction. It serves as a reminder for professionals to prioritise ethical conduct and client well-being in all aspects of their work to avoid potential repercussions and uphold the integrity of the industry.

**Insights and Summary:**
The case of Danny Campbell showcases the significance of maintaining ethical standards and ensuring clear communication in architectural projects. Transparency, conflict resolution, and client satisfaction are crucial elements that should not be overlooked, even in the midst of challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. As professionals navigate complex projects, it is essential to prioritise ethical conduct and accountability to uphold trust and credibility within the architectural community.