About Neil Sedgley

Founder of Virtual Tours North East BA (hons), M (Arch)

Hi, I’m Neil Sedgley—founder of Virtual Tours North East and a passionate advocate for great design, clever technology, and making spaces easier for people to explore, use and understand.

I launched Virtual Tours North East in 2022 after seeing a clear opportunity to bring 3D virtual tours and laser scanning out of the architecture studio and into the hands of businesses across the North East and beyond. My background is in architectural design, where I’ve worked for over 25 years delivering projects with a strong focus on precision, creativity, and client satisfaction. Through this, I also founded 5EDGE Architectural Design Services, which continues to provide high-quality design solutions in the built environment.

As an architectural designer, I’ve always had a deep appreciation for well-considered spaces and high-end design. I’ve worked with clients across various sectors, and one thing I’ve learned is that people connect with environments visually and emotionally. Whether it’s a bustling restaurant, a calm healthcare space, or a stylish entertainment venue—people want to feel what a space offers before they ever step foot inside. That’s where 3D virtual tours come in.

What began as a tool I used to streamline architectural surveys—using laser scanning and photogrammetry—quickly evolved into something much bigger. I started introducing 3D scanning into my workflow to improve accuracy and project efficiency. But I soon realised that these same technologies could also be incredibly useful for businesses wanting to showcase their spaces in an immersive and engaging way.

So, Virtual Tours North East was born.

The idea was simple: bring Matterport 3D scanning technology—specifically using the Pro3 camera system—to businesses that want to present their environments with impact, clarity, and convenience. Our tours allow your clients, customers, or patients to walk through your space online, at any time, from anywhere. That kind of accessibility doesn’t just look impressive—it builds trust, improves communication, and opens the door (virtually!) to new opportunities.

Since launching, I’ve had the privilege of working with clients across the healthcare, hospitality, leisure, entertainment, commercial, and retail sectors. Each project is different, and that’s part of the appeal. Whether I’m capturing a boutique hotel, a hospital ward, a live music venue, or a high-street shop, I bring the same level of care and attention to detail that I would for a full architectural design.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the reputation Virtual Tours North East has built for reliability and quality. Having worked in the design and construction world for decades, I understand deadlines, tight briefs, and the importance of delivering on your promises. I also know how valuable great service is—especially when it’s paired with powerful results. That’s something I take seriously in every project I take on.

And because I come from a design background, I don’t just “scan and send.” I’m always thinking about how your space is best presented—what features should be highlighted, how the flow feels to a user, and how to craft a tour that feels as intuitive as it does beautiful. That’s the sweet spot where design meets tech, and it’s where I feel right at home.

I’m also a bit of a tech geek (in the best way!). I keep a close eye on evolving 3D scanning tools, virtual walkthrough capabilities, and ways to integrate immersive content like tags, video, and interactive features. These are more than bells and whistles—they're powerful storytelling tools that help your business connect with customers in fresh and effective ways.

At the heart of everything I do is a desire to make things better. Better experiences. Better service. Better design. Whether I’m working on a small independent venue or a large-scale facility, I want the end result to feel effortless, polished, and tailored to your needs.

So, if you’re looking for a virtual tour provider who understands both the technology and the space itself—who can help you present your environment in a smart, stylish, and professional way—I’d love to chat.

Let’s show people what your space is all about.