Following a free initial consultation our service is tailored to suit each clients requirements and can be simply a consultation or partial services or we can co-ordinate a scheme from preliminary sketches, house floor plans, through to project completion. As Architects we offer a full range of professional services from preliminary design, feasibility studies & detailed site appraisal reports through to the formal planning application process, building regulations and other statutory approvals on to contract administration and administration of completion of the build project.
The services we provide are generally as described in the RIBA Plan of Work.
Architects are skilled at problem solving and resolving complex design issues in particular. We work closely with our clients to deliver plan and design solutions that suit each client. Early meetings and discussions about a project are a vital part of the design process to avoid costly delays or abortive work and we always develop a positive and open working relationship with our clients so that together we achieve the very best solutions and particularly so that clients feel relaxed working with us. We are always very pleased to informally meet any prospective clients who may consider appointing an architect or simply want some informal advice.
Initial Consultation
We will normally visit the property to discuss the project generally and the extent of professional service you require. Our initial discussions are aimed at forming a project “brief” setting out the project particulars and services which is sent out in a letter and fee proposal for your agreement. This also explains our detailed services in accordance with the RIBA Plan of Work and forms the basis of our agreement.
Measured Survey & Preliminary Design
To enable us to prepare drawings of your proposals we will need to prepare drawings of the existing building based on a hand measured survey using a Leica Disto laser. We often suggest you commission a land surveyor to carry out a 3D external topographical survey (very useful even for smaller works) as it is important to have the most accurate 3D information to work from. Preliminary drawings (typically plans, sections & elevations) form the basis of the project and are developed from the survey work and used as the basis for design discussions and developing your proposals. The drawings can be used at this stage to provide budget cost forecasts, or as a basis for preliminary discussions with a builder or even a planning officer if required.
Planning
When a planning application is required we will develop presentation drawings and submit an application on your behalf to the Local Planning Authority. We maintain regular contact with the appointed case officer while the planning application is processed so that we can quickly deal with any issues that may arise. Planning applications are normally determined within 8 weeks of submission to the Local Authority and are valid for three years from the date of approval, although you can make a further application later to extend this period.
If your property is situated in a Conservation Area or is a Listed Building you will require either Conservation Area or Listed Building Consent or both, requiring additional drawings and supporting documentation. This is rather more detailed work than a typical planning application but we regularly and successfully deal with such applications.
Building Regulations
Before you can legally commence on construction it is usually necessary to submit a Building Notice (with simple works) or obtain Building Regulations & Acts Approval from the Local Authority Building Control Department who will check your proposals are built according to approved technical standards. A Building Control inspector will visit your project to agree the works in accordance with the Approved Documents. We can prepare a Building Regulations Application for you comprising drawings and construction information and detail, which for most residential projects is the minimum level of information for a competent builder to understand and price reasonably accurately the nature and scope of works.
Working Drawings
We frequently provide a fully detailed or partial working drawings service for clients so that bespoke or critical components are properly and quickly detailed where required during the course of construction.
Contract Administration
You will need to decide before you approach a builder whether or not you need an Architect to administer your construction contract for you. Building contracts can then be negotiated with a preferred builder or competitively tendered. We can provide you with advice and administer tender procedures for you.
Site / Contract Administration
We can administrate your building contract for you, attend regular site meetings and certify work, or we can just attend meetings at key stages where you feel that you need help or you can just call on us when you need our services by prior negotiation.
