Architectural Design

Our first step is to come and meet you in person on site to get to know each other a little better and discuss your project brief in a little more detail. At this stage we will advice of potential constraints and go into further discussions around your project budget.

Once back at our studio we will then draft up our formal services agreement detailing out the project brief, project phases, fees and timescales.

Once our service agreement is agreed and signed we will begin to arrange any early surveys we need. Typically this will included a measured survey by one of our surveying partners to form the detailed base information for us to begin working from.

Timescale 2-4 weeks (depending on survey timings)

Once we have the measured survey information to hand we will begin working up initial sketch designs in-line with your brief. We present our initial designs in both 3d and 2d so you can get a feel for the space, light and functionality of each option. We typically present 2-3 design options for comment. As we develop each design option we are naturally considering the project budget, engineering considerations and programme implications.

Once we have been through the design process we aim to agree upon a preferred design option to progress into the next phase. At this point the external appearance of the scheme is our focus as the intricate details of the interiors will be worked through in the latter phases.

Timescale 4-6 weeks

With the design now agreed we proceed to develop the formal drawings and reports inline with the local planning authority guidelines. We will advise on any external consultants that may be required to produce reports to accompany your application. Depending on the project complexity these can include consultants in fields such as; Planning, Archaeology, Ecology, Ground Investigation, Arborists, Drainage, Traffic Management etc.

Once we have all the information we need and we feel we have a well resolved planning submission we will submit the planning application on your behalf and liaise with the planning office throughout the determination period.

Timescales 8-12 weeks

Planning timescales can vary greatly depending on the local authority. For simple homeowner projects such as extensions we expect the standard 8-12 timeframe to be adhered to. If the project is more complex such as a conversion of an existing building or a land development site, we expect the planning determination period to be extended, anywhere from 12-36 weeks as a guide.

All being well your planning application has been successfully approved and we can now move into our technical design phase.

Our first step is to on board any external consultants that will inform the technical designs. Typically this will include a structural engineer for a residential project. For a more complex project we can expect to engage additional consultants such as mechanical and electrical consultants, interior designers, party wall surveyors and civil engineers.

Once we have the external consultants appointed we will begin to develop the scheme in full construction detail. Throughout the process we will arrange a series of design meetings with you where we will explain the design and present finishes to inform the technical design package.

During the technical design process we will submit a building control application on your behalf. Building Control will review the technical drawings and structural engineers design to ensure compliance with the building regulations. Once the review has taken place and they are satisfied with the details we will receive a Plan Check which signs off the plans and outlines conditions for the contractors attention.

The technical design package is now ready to be built from and we can proceed to engage with contractors to tender the scheme.

Timescales 6-12 weeks

During construction we attend site typically on a fortnightly basis to discuss on-site queries from the contractor and to inspect that works are being delivered as expected.

If appointed as Contract Administrator we will certify payments to the contractor, sign off contractor proposals and deal with any variations on your behalf.

Once the project is nearing completion we will conduct a snagging exercise to ensure that the project is finished to the expected standard.

Following the completion of the snagging items we will certify that the project is practically complete and issue a certificate to both the client and contractor. Once PC is reached the defects period commences as outlined in the contract. This is typically 6-12 months depending on the project complexity and contract value. During the defects period the client within holds around 5% of the contract sum which is only payable to the contractor once all defects have been attended to.

Your project is now complete a handover package containing all as built drawings, certificates and warranties will be issued to you.

You can now enjoy your new home.