Case study · Architecture · Corsham, Wiltshire

A secure network, reliable WiFi and SharePoint for Matthew Clay Architects

An architecture studio sharing a property with a family home needed a dependable, secure network and a better way to manage client information.

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The challenge

The brief

Matthew Clay Architects is a specialist architectural practice in Corsham, Wiltshire. They got in touch with GWB Tec about several IT issues affecting their studio.

The network had become messy and unreliable, with cabling and connectivity problems around the studio. Because the studio shares a property with a family home, and the home and business networks weren't clearly separated, there were concerns about security, reliability and day-to-day management. WiFi coverage was also poor, with regular dropouts across both the studio and the house.

Alongside the networking problems, the practice wanted to modernise how client information and project progress were managed. They needed something that would work alongside their local data and make it easier to create and manage SharePoint sites for client and project work.

Most importantly, they wanted one trusted contact who could look at the full picture, recommend practical solutions and provide ongoing support when needed.

The approach

What GWB Tec did

A refreshed, secure network

GWB Tec refreshed the network infrastructure, replacing the switches in both the studio and the home and installing a new firewall to improve security and control at the edge of the network.

Home and studio traffic separated

The network was restructured using VLANs to keep home and studio traffic apart, giving the practice a more secure, professional setup while still supporting the wider property.

Reliable WiFi

WiFi was upgraded to improve coverage and reliability, cutting out dropouts and giving the studio a dependable connection for day-to-day work.

SharePoint, automation and local storage working together

We configured SharePoint to manage client and internal information, creating structured sites and building a Power Automate and Power Apps solution so new sites are set up quickly and consistently. A sync process between SharePoint and the practice's local NAS supports the way the team works with both cloud and local data.

A modern phone system

As part of the wider improvements, GWB Tec also helped set up a new 3CX phone system, bringing the practice's communications into a more modern, manageable setup.

What was involved

Network Refresh

Firewall & VLANs

Business WiFi

SharePoint & Power Apps

NAS Sync

3CX Phone System

Client feedback

“Grant has been an outstanding IT consultant for our business. He led a comprehensive refresh of our IT network and hardware, ensuring everything is faster, more secure, and fit for purpose as we continue to grow.

His technical knowledge is excellent, but what really sets him apart is his ability to explain options clearly and recommend solutions that are genuinely appropriate for a small business environment.

In addition, Grant has been instrumental in setting up and structuring Microsoft’s SharePoint infrastructure to improve how we manage client issues and internal information, which will provide a noticeable improvement in collaboration, consistency, and efficiency within and beyond our team.

Grant is reliable, proactive, and a pleasure to work with. We would not hesitate to recommend him to any organisation looking for practical, well-thought-through IT support and advice.”

Jack Matthew Clay Architects

The result

The outcome

Matthew Clay Architects now has a more reliable, secure and better-structured IT setup across the studio and the wider property.

The refreshed network and improved WiFi have reduced connectivity problems, while the new firewall and VLANs keep home and business traffic properly separated.

SharePoint gives the practice a clearer way to organise client and internal information, and the Power Automate and Power Apps solution makes setting up new project areas quick and consistent.

With the 3CX phone system in place and ongoing ad-hoc support, the practice has a trusted technology partner that can support the business as it grows.

Network problems holding your business back?

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