After 20 years of Grand Designs, some things never change. From presenter Kevin McCloud's profound statements, to a couple announcing wildly ambitious plans, to costs always spiralling out of control, Channel 4's much-loved flagship series follows a predictable narrative that still leaves viewers coming back for more. Even Hollywood actress Meryl Streep is a self-confessed Grand Designs 'addict'.
Each series of Grand Designs follows home builders pursuing their architectural dreams – and Kevin is there every step of the way, guiding us through the trials and tribulations, from the physical, to the financial, to the emotional.
Now, in a five-minute video, Channel 4 has compiled a list of the top 20 plot lines that make up a typical Grand Designs episode. Take a look below:
- We meet a couple…who have loads of money
- Couple announce wildly ambitious plans
- They have ZERO experience
- Plot is a total bomb site
- Swanky CGI demonstration
- There’s ALWAYS a planning issue
- Kevin demonstrates something using objects found in a skip
- Expensive materials are ordered…from Scandinavia
- Costs spiral out of control
- Neighbours REALLY aren’t impressed
- They aim to be in by Christmas...they’re not in by Christmas
- They move into a caravan
- It snows. Loads.
- Wife falls pregnant
- Builders pull out
- Everyone mucks in…including Kevin
- Artistic shots of finished building
- Kevin gets VERY excited
- It’s always WAY over budget. Obviously.
- Kevin then says something profound like... ‘Architecture which is full of poetry, which lifts the soul and spirit... A much more valuable resource, human creativity... Imagination, wit, and delight.'
Watch the video below to see the accompanying clips alongside each pointer – it's a great trip down memory lane for Grand Designs fans!
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