BRIEF
This is where we get to know you, your property and what you want to achieve. We’ll talk about how you live, what works and doesn’t work for you now, the spaces you need and the ideas you have for your new home.
We’ll also discuss your budget and timescales from the outset, helping establish whether your ambitions and budget are realistically aligned. We’ll identify the surveys, investigations and specialist advice that may be needed and can help organise and coordinate these for you. The aim is to understand the opportunities and potential challenges early, before significant time and money is committed.
What You Gain:
CONCEPT DESIGN
Using your agreed brief, we start exploring different ways your home could work, considering layout, space, light, views, character and how the building responds to its surroundings. We develop the strongest ideas in 3D, helping you see and understand the design rather than having to interpret architectural drawings.
Concept design is a collaborative process. We’ll share ideas with you, explain the thinking behind them and use your feedback to develop and refine the design. At the same time, we consider practical issues such as budget, planning, buildability and any constraints identified during the brief stage, so the design remains grounded in what can realistically be achieved.
Where planning may be more sensitive, we can advise on the best strategy, including whether early discussions with the local authority or specialist consultants would be beneficial.
What You Gain:
PLANNING, DESIGN & SUBMISSION
Once you’re happy with the design, we develop the information needed for a planning application and guide you through the process. We prepare the architectural drawings and supporting design information, coordinate any specialist reports that may be required and submit the application on your behalf.
We consider planning requirements from the early stages rather than waiting until the application is ready to submit. Where appropriate, we can speak with the local authority, respond to questions during the application and advise you if changes are requested. While no architect can guarantee planning permission, our role is to understand the planning context, identify potential issues early and present a well-considered case for your project.
What You Gain:
TECHNICAL DESIGN
Once planning is in place, we develop the design into the detailed information needed to comply with the technical regulations and build your home. This is where we resolve how everything fits together, from the structure, walls, roof and windows to insulation, materials, finishes and key construction details.
We coordinate the architectural design with structural engineers and other specialists, address Building Regulations and energy performance, and use our 3D BIM process to identify and resolve issues before they reach site. The level of technical information can be tailored to how you intend to procure and build the project.
We can also help you prepare information for pricing, approach suitable contractors, compare tenders and select the right builder for your project.
What You Gain:
CONSTRUCTION
Once construction starts, we can remain involved to help you navigate the build and protect the quality and intent of the design. Depending on the service you choose, we can visit the site regularly, respond to contractor queries, review progress and help resolve issues as they arise.
Where appointed as Contract Administrator, we can also administer a building contract, assess payments, review changes and monitor progress against the agreed programme. We continue to help with design decisions and details throughout construction, from materials and finishes to kitchens, lighting and bespoke joinery, so important decisions aren’t left until it’s too late.
What You Gain:
COMPLETION & HANDOVER
As construction nears completion, we help make sure your new home is ready for you to move into and enjoy. We can inspect the works, identify outstanding items and help coordinate the information you should receive from the contractor, such as certificates, warranties and operating information.
Handover isn’t necessarily the end of our involvement. Most building contracts include a defects rectification period, during which issues with materials or workmanship can be identified and put right by the contractor. Where we are appointed to do so, we can help manage this process, carry out further inspections and bring the building contract to a proper conclusion.
What You Gain:
Every project is unique; timelines are clarified during the Brief and Concept stages to ensure expectations are realistic.
We coordinate submissions and communication with local authorities to streamline the process.
We guide you through selecting the right builder and manage the tender process if required.
Budget is discussed upfront to ensure the design is financially achievable. We provide guidance without compromising quality or design integrity.
