Our Process
Our Architecture is about how people experience place and how place affects them
We design places
for
As architects we can add value to your project in many ways. We are professionally trained to develop creative solutions to challenges and to know what will work and what won’t. Practically, if your project is large enough to need planning permission then you will need an architect, but smaller projects can also benefit from our expertise. You can commission different services: from a one-off consultation, to drawing up a design, to seeing the whole process through to completion – including managing the planning and construction phases. Through our training and experience, we will know how to turn your aspirations into reality while getting the best value for money. Here we explain the process of engaging and working with an architect, what we produce and the timescales involved.
Good Architecture is about how it makes you feel as much as how it looks.
We can help with small considered additions of refurbishments, replanning your existing space or perhaps helping with a tricky planning application.
We have a lot of experience in high quality home restoration, expansion and refurbishments, with particular skills in applying passive house principles to maximise the energy efficiency of or building. We have a track record for sensitively restoring and creating modern additions to listed buildings.
We are equally comfortable with large scale projects drawing in additional members to the team as required. We provided a complete Architectural service for a number of larger developments including the conversion of a Kensington office building into apartments and a Heritage Lottery funded project to restore and convert a listed building on the Heritage at Risk Register and transform it into a stunning new centre for a mental health charity.
01
Conceptual Design
We will start by sitting down with you, listening to you and gathering information to get to know your project and your aspirations. We call this the “Brief”
This may include a site visit or just a chat to see where you are – you might be at the very beginning of exploring the options or you may find yourselves tousling with a tricky planning situation or not knowing how to get the best out of your space.
You will give us an indication of your budget for the overall project.
We will give you a fee quote for the services we will provide for you and let you know if we think you need input from others such as Structural Engineers.
We will put all this into an agreement between us, the “Appointment” document, using an RIBA standard form.
The next stage will be to commence surveys, investigations, design concepts and other preparatory work as your project requires.
02
Development
Once we have checked with you that the Concept or initial approach is heading in the direction we all agree is right, we can move on to a more detailed look at the design.
This stage will require a good degree of work to ensure that what is designed meets your brief, is beautiful, practical and can be achieved within your budget.
Depending on the project this stage will include a number of meetings with you to discuss and agree on the design developments.
Once you have “signed off” on this stage we can move forward to produce any plans, drawings, reports required to gain permissions from Planning Authorities, freeholders, other statutory authorities or stakeholders.
03
Documentation
This stage will include RIBA Stage ,,,
Planning Applicaiotns including Design & Access Statements
Drawings & Plans sufficient to obtain quotations from contractors. We recommend for every project that at least 3 quotations are obtained to ensure best value (not necessarily the same as lowest price) can be assured.
Once a contractor is selected we are able to compile a contract between you and the contractor and administer this on your behalf if required.
Construction informaiton
This is more detailed drawings and details to allow the contractor to carry out the project.
04
Execution
Once your contractor is on site we can undertake regular site visits to check that the work is being carried out correctly and answer any contractor queries.
We can also project manage on your behalf to ensure that the project is staying on track for time and budget.
At the end of the project we can visit to check the works prior o agreeing any final contract payments.
There are clearly set out mechanisms for manage in this which we can explain to you in more detail.
Our aim to use our experience and expertise to manage the process for you, keeping you informed throughout.
Would you like to discuss a project?
We would love to hear from you either by phone T.01626 638210 or email.