Building blocks

We appreciate that there are more important things on the minds of partners at west country-based Bevan Ashford, but we doubt that its new Exeter office - for which terms have just been agreed - is set to mark a high point in the area's architectural history.

This uninspiring box, located close to junction 29 of the M5, is to replace the firm's two existing offices in the area (above, right), but as addresses go, it hardly matches Bevan Ashford's London office, which is at No1 Northumberland Avenue on Trafalgar Square.

Still, it has given partner Andrew Rothwell (left) and Nick Hole, managing director of developer ROKeagle, the chance to mess around on a muddy building site, so it cannot be a bad thing.

The big question is whether the balcony will be the sole preserve of partners, or will all staff be able to enjoy their lunches with the charming view of motorway traffic swooping past in the distance?