The design process begins by meeting at your property to listen and understand your needs and desires, your budget and expectations. We will help to define your brief and advise on the best way forward for the project. This may be simple if you know exactly what you want, but if you don’t, we will support you in defining the requirements. At this stage we will make an initial appraisal of your property or site and advise on any risks, constraints or considerations. Based on what is agreed we will offer initial advice on a timeline towards starting and completing your project.

In creating the idea, we will present you with sketches, drawings and 3D models which fully explore the possibilities for your project. We find it is best to start with a number of different options as this helps to weigh up the pros and cons of a variety of approaches. Through discussion with you we will begin to firm up the idea, working towards something which you are completely satisfied with. We will ensure that you have full clarity on the design before moving on to the next stage. We will also make recommendations on any other consultants who you should be engaging with and make any initial enquiries as appropriate with the local authority.

The design is progressed to a fully developed proposal with detailed drawings, schedules and specifications which describe the work. This will include aspects such as confirming the materials to be used, the design of the building services and junction details. We will continue to collaborate with you on the design at this stage to ensure that every detail is as you envisage. We will also coordinate the design with any other consultants or suppliers who are involved.

We will advise on what approvals will be required from the local authority and other statutory bodies based on your property and the work you intend to carry out. This usually means planning approval and a building warrant but could also include other approvals such as listed building consent, conservation area consent, a section 56 permit or a certificate of lawfulness. Using our extensive experience of securing these approvals we will ensure applications are closely managed to minimise the time required to gain them. We will also give guidance on any other surveys or reports required as part of each approval in order that these can be budgeted for and commissioned in time to avoid any delays to the project.

At the outset when we discuss budget and timeline, we will give advice on any concerns and provide details of any other factors that need to be considered. Ensuring your project stays on time and on budget is a high priority and will continue to advise you as the design develops. When the concept design is complete, and before proceeding to submit a planning application we will formally review the proposals against a cost plan and programme of works. We will also advise on the best route to procuring the project and obtaining the most competitive cost for completing the works. During construction we will continue to monitor and advise on the approach to the budget and timeline as the project moves towards completion and in the event that any issues arise

Your project will require a team of people to work well together to reach a successful outcome; architects, engineers, contractors, surveyors, suppliers and manufacturers among others. We will make recommendations for consultants who will be required for your project and can assist with finding and appointing the right contractor to carry out the works. As architects we often take on the role of coordinating those involved to make sure the process is progressing smoothly. We believe an openness to collaborate, and effective communication are key to a team who will work well together to realise your project.

In preparing to start building we will put the finishing touches on the design information to ensure that the drawings and specification are ready to be used for construction. We will discuss with you the different routes for appointing a contractor and agree an approach which best suits you. Tender documents are prepared which are used to invite contractors to price for the works. Once tenders are returned, we will review and assist with the selection of a contractor. Construction drawings are issued, and a pre-start meeting is held on site to discuss and agree all aspects of the works, and to sign the building contract. Your planning approval or building warrant may have conditions which need to be discharged before starting construction. We will liaise with the local authority or statutory body in advance to ensure everything is in place.

During construction we will visit regularly to ensure that the work is proceeding in accordance with the design. We will hold meetings to review progress against the timeline and to support in resolving any issues which arise during construction. When the work is ready to handover we will review this you and the contractor to make sure that the project is completed to your satisfaction.