With exposure to endless planning regulations and interior design content, it is easy to become overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin - we are here to help!

SO WHERE DO WE BEGIN?

STAGE 0

Strategic definition

Pre-appointment: Following your initial enquiry – prior to being appointed – we will arrange a call or a meeting with you to discuss the project and your requirements, where we will also discuss your budget, and timescales for the project; as well as explaining which services we can provide and which services are appropriate for your project. Following the initial meeting we will compile a fee proposal and a schedule of services which – if agreed – will form the basis of our appointment as your architects.

STAGE 01

Preparation of your Brief

The first stage of design is the most important; our role is not just to provide you with ideas, but to extract the true requirements of your needs and translate these into an exciting design solution. We start by listening to your ideas, timescales, budget and needs. At this stage we will discuss with you the options for the procurement of your project, and make recommendations for the most appropriate method of procurement. Following our appointment of professional services we will arrange a site visit for a more detailed Project Brief Meeting, including: Project Outcomes, Project Programme, Quality Aspirations, Spatial Requirements, Project Budget Source and Project Design Team.

The ‘Initial Brief’ will be defined at this stage. For more complex projects we can carry out a feasibility study at this stage in order to investigate the development potential of the site. This would not normally be required for a smaller project such as a house extension. It is recommended that a financial appraisal be compiled at this stage. If a cost consultant or QS is not appointed by the client we can assist you by preparing an outline project budget plan.

STAGE 02

Concept Ⅾesign

Once the brief has been established, we begin to carry out feasibility studies to assess various options with you, considering the pros and cons of each option. While we will push boundaries, our creativity is always grounded in reality to ensure the concept design can be delivered. These may be presented in a variety of formats including sketches, a series of floor plan layouts, 3D visualisations, project precedents and even mood boards which help our clients to truly visualise the possibilities. At this stage the design will not be detailed or fixed. Often a number of concept design options will be produced for consideration by the client. This part of the project is normally iterative and workshops or design meetings are held with the client to discuss the concept proposals. The preferred concept design is signed off by the client at the end of this stage, and the ‘Final Brief’ is defined.

STAGE 03

TECHNICAL DESIGN and planning

At this stage we will develop the preferred concept design proposal, and this is refined into CAD drawings (plans, sections, and elevations). We will hold additional design meetings with you to discuss the developed design. The form of procurement for the project will be agreed; and the project cost and programme are normally reviewed during stage 3. If possible and appropriate a meeting may be held with the planning authority to understand any concerns regarding the proposals, and any requirements of the planning submission. Drawings and documents are normally prepared and submitted to the planning authority at the end of this stage of work where we will produce your planning application drawings along with additional reports which comply with the local authority requirements such as historical reports, conservation designs, a flood risk assessment and a design and assessment statement.

Our experience in residential and commercial projects means we developed long-standing relationships with the local authority planning departments, which is key to securing favourable planning permissions, particularly with challenging projects. Depending on the project specifics, complexity or site sensitivity, we often involve planning consultants or look to submit an informal pre-application to seek advice from the council prior to submitting a Full Planning Application.

STAGE 04

Spatial Coordination & Developed Design

Under a traditional form of procurement we will prepare detailed and coordinated construction information at this stage of work. This information will normally consist of detailed drawings specifications, and/or a detailed schedule of work. The information will be fully coordinated with any other consultants (such as the Structural Engineer). If appropriate at this stage we may obtain quotes from specialist suppliers (such as door and windows companies). A Building Regulations submission is normally made at this stage either to local authority Building Control or to an Approved Inspector; we will discuss these issues with you in detail. Under a traditional form of procurement the technical design information produced at this stage should enable contractors to price the construction works when these are issued for tender.

STAGE 05

CONSTRUCTION

Our role during the construction stage will vary depending on the type of project and how it is procured. Under a traditional procurement route the Contractor is appointed by the Client at this stage and both enter into a contractual agreement. We will advise on the most appropriate form of building contract and prepare the contract documents. The Contractor takes possession of the site so that construction work may commence. Typically at this stage we will also provide Contract Administration services over the duration of the planned construction period. Site visits will be carried out (and recorded) at regular intervals. We will check to make sure the Works are in accordance with the Contract documents, and issue Architect’s Certificates and Architect’s Instructions to the Contractor as required. In our capacity as Architect, we will assist the Client to deal with any issues that arise as a result of the construction works. We will also liaise with the Building Control Officer, or Approved Inspector to obtain their sign-off for the Works at this stage.

STAGE 06

Handover & Close Out

Under a traditional form of procurement , after the construction works are certified as ‘Practically Complete’, there is normally a ‘Defects Liability Period’ (typically between 3 months and a year). Any defects must be recorded at the end of this period, and rectified by the Contractor. At this stage we will compile a schedule of defects for rectification by the Contractor. A retention is held from the Contractor until the end of the Defects Liability Period. Once the Contractor has rectified any defects we will issue an Architect’s Certificate for the payment of the retentions. At the end of this stage, once the Contractor has fulfilled their obligations, we will issue the Final Account and our Final Certificate for the Works.