We start every project by getting to know you and understanding your brief. To do this we typically offer a free initial consultation depending on your location to come out and meet you. This allows us to get a better understanding of your project, the site, the local context, and your budget.
We also use this opportunity to explain the process from start to finish. This process typically includes sketch designs, planning applications, building regulation submissions, as well as assisting you with the management of the project throughout the construction phase.
During this stage we can help to organise the team of consultants that may be needed during the project, such as a planning consultant or a structural engineer, as well as organising any initial surveys that might be required.
This is where we start to get creative! Once we have fully understood your brief, we can then start to develop the design in sketch form, producing several options to bring the ideas to life. These are then presented in a feasibility report which can address a number of questions including:
Once everyone is satisfied that the brief has been accomplished, we can then move onto the next stages.
Using the design concepts, we then produce a comprehensive set of planning drawings and design statements which we would submit on your behalf along with the necessary forms and any specialists reports should they be required. During the process we will respond to any queries from the Local Authority and work with the Case Officers, with the goal of securing you planning permission.
If we feel that the project would benefit from the expertise of an independent planning consultant, we would be happy to provide recommendations and would work closely with them throughout the process.
Once planning approval has been granted the project can move forward into the technical stages. It is typically at this point that we engage with consultants such as a structural engineer or mechanical and electrical consultant.
Working closely with these consultants, we would develop a coordinated set of detailed drawings, specifications and a schedule of works which are submitted to building control for approval.
This information can also be used to send out to tender, to obtain competitive cost estimates from a number of reputable builders before making a final commitment to proceed with the works.
We can offer as much or as little involvement as you may require, but we would always advocate that the Architect is appointed to be on hand at regular intervals, to ensure that work is being carried out in line with our drawings and specification and to the highest standards.
We are also always on hand to answer any site queries that may arise during construction, and this can range from the Client, the builder or the consultants.