Scotland Home of the Year architect reprimanded for mismanagement in family renovation project due to conflict of interest
A judge on BBC's annual Scotland's Home of the Year was the head of an architecture firm that has been lambasted by the ARB(Image credit: BBC)
Danny Campbell, host of Scotland’s Home of the Year, has been reprimanded for his mishandling of a family home renovation project.
The Architects Registration Board (ARB) found Campbell guilty of unacceptable professional conduct, citing errors in project management and a failure to address a conflict of interest.
The project, involving a family property in Giffnock, Glasgow, faced delays, mismanagement, leaving the homeowners frustrated and sparking an investigation.
Family expresses frustration over 'broken promises'
The family, based in Giffnock, near Glasgow, described their experience as “an absolute nightmare.”
Speaking about the delays and lack of communication, they said: “We were repeatedly assured the work would be completed quickly, but weeks turned into months. We were left in a home that was half-renovated, with no clear end in sight.”
They also highlighted what they saw as a lack of accountability: “Whenever we raised concerns, we were brushed off or told to speak with different teams within Hoko. It felt like no one was truly in charge or cared about the stress it caused us.”
The family expressed disappointment at Campbell’s lack of direct involvement, adding: “We trusted his brand because of his reputation, but he seemed completely removed from the reality of what was happening to us.”
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Conflict of interest and poor oversight highlighted
Danny Campbell was the head of the architecture company responsible(Image credit: BBC)
The ARB report revealed Campbell’s dual role as head of Hoko Design and Hoko Build created a conflict of interest.
His firm, Hoko Design, acted as contract administrator, while his construction company, Hoko Build, was appointed as the contractor. The family, unaware of the potential risks, were not compensated for delays that extended the project significantly.
An ARB spokesperson stated: “The failure to recognise the presence of a conflict of interest is a serious lapse in professional conduct.” Campbell also faced criticism for failing to supervise his staff effectively during the project.
Campbell 'takes full responsibility' for failings
Campbell has since shut down Hoko Build and restructured his business to focus solely on architectural design under Hoko Design.
Acknowledging the ARB’s findings, he stated: “While I was not directly involved in this project, I take full responsibility. The pandemic and a growing company presented significant challenges, but we have now changed our approach and fully outsource building on all projects.”
The ARB emphasised that Campbell’s actions stemmed from inexperience rather than deliberate misconduct but highlighted the importance of regulatory adherence.
News Editor Joseph has previously written for Today’s Media and Chambers & Partners, focusing on news for conveyancers and industry professionals. Joseph has just started his own self build project, building his own home on his family’s farm with planning permission for a timber frame, three-bedroom house in a one-acre field. The foundation work has already begun and he hopes to have the home built in the next year. Prior to this he renovated his family's home as well as doing several DIY projects, including installing a shower, building sheds, and livestock fences and shelters for the farm’s animals. Outside of homebuilding, Joseph loves rugby and has written for Rugby World, the world’s largest rugby magazine.
