Services

We offer a full range of architectural services, from the initial Feasibility and Concept Designs, through Planning, Technical Design and Building Regulations, Tender and Build Stage. Whilst we believe the best results are achieved by supporting our clients through all stages of a project, we appreciate that this may not be required by everyone and can tailor our services to suit. ​​​

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Feasibility

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The first stage of any successful project should include an assessment of the feasibility of the overall brief, to help develop an understanding of the full range of possibilities within your budget and any other constraints. The Feasibility Study will explore a number of initial high-level design options, alongside an assessment of likely costs, planning or listed building implications, and timescales. The overall aim of this process is to provide you with all the information you need to reach a decision on the scope and direction of your project moving forwards.

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Concept Design​​

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Once you have made a decision on the scope, design direction and budget for your project, we will move into the Concept Design stage. We would usually recommend commissioning a full measured survey as the starting point for developing a detailed 3D model of your home. This model will allow us to explore various design options and provides a powerful visualisation tool to help you better understand how your future home will look and feel, from the inside and out.  ​

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Having reviewed and tested the various design options with you through virtual or in person meetings, the final Concept Design presentation will include an agreed design to take forward into the next  Planning stage. 

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Planning​​​​

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Once your design is fully developed, we will prepare and submit the necessary drawings and supporting documents required to secure Planning, Permitted Development or listed building consent. In some instances, it may be necessary to commission other consultants to provide specialist reports to support the Planning application. These could include tree, flood risk, structural, ecological or archaeological reports, but we will advise on any requirements and help you engage the correct consultants. Following submission, we will liaise with the Local Authority, responding to any comments received from neighbours or other consultees, and providing any additional information or making amendments required to help secure an approval.

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In some instances, such as more complex, historic or potentially contentious proposals, we may recommend obtaining Pre-Application Advice from the Local Authority prior to submitting a formal application.

 

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Technical Design and Building Regulations​

 

The next stage of the project is the preparation of all the detailed drawings, specifications and schedules required for the final tender and build stages. The designs will be finalised and all relevant technical information will be included to achieve Building Control approval and to provide the level of detail required for construction. You may need to engage a structural engineer, as well as other specialists or consultants such as a Party Wall Surveyor, lighting designer, interior or landscape designer. We will liaise with these consultants throughout the technical design and build stages, and can also make recommendations of suitable companies for you to engage. 

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As part of the technical design stage we will prepare a detailed Schedule of Works to act as a pricing document to issue to contractors. Alongside the detailed drawings and specifications, this document will act as the basis for the building contract between you and your selected contractor. 

 

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Tender and Contract

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Following completion of the technical designs we will decide on the best tender route for your project. Typically, this will either be a negotiated route with a preferred contractor or a competitive tender to a limited number of potential contractors. You may have one or two companies that you would like to include on the list, but we can also introduce you to suitable contractors for either route. We will then manage the tender process, analyse the various quotes, assist with negotiations and prepare the building contract. On larger projects we may advise you to appoint your own Quantity Surveyor to assist with the tender analysis and, if appropriate, act as your cost consultant through to completion of the project. 

 

Once the tender process is complete and you have selected​ a contractor, the next step is to agree the contract itself. We would always advise on using one of the JCT Contracts, which are a tried and tested form of contract designed to create a clear and fair agreement between you and the Main Contractor. If you choose this route, we will draft up the JCT Contract with all the relevant details and will then act as the Contract Administrator through the build.   

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Build and Handover

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Once you have entered into a contract with your selected contractor, they will make arrangements to start works on site. Our role through the build stage will be to act as your lead designer: monitoring the progress of works, attending site visits, coordinating with the contractor and other consultants, issuing valuations and instructions, and managing any changes. We will be closely involved throughout the construction phase to help ensure the project runs as smoothly as possible. 

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At the end of the project we will create a snagging list and identify any final works to be completed prior to handover and issuing Practical Completion. We will also assist the contractor with the preparation of the Operation & Maintenance Manuals, and Health and Safety File by the Principal Designer. Once you have moved into your new home, we will be on hand through the 6-12 month rectification period to assist with any issues that may arise. At the end of this period, we will then carry out a final inspection to identify any defects and assist the contractor in rectifying them.

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