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Our Process

A unique way of creating architecture for the homeowner

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Our Process

As RIBA chartered architects, our design process and service offering has been finely honed in response to the specific needs of residential clients.

 

We provide a full architectural service broken down into 5 clear stages. These stages are based on the ‘RIBA Plan of Work 2013’ – the definitive UK model for the building design and construction process. We tailor the content and output of each stage to meet the requirements of individual projects.

 

Our service includes coordinating the input of our established network of consultants, for example, Structural Engineers, Planning consultants, Building Control Companies and Interior Designers.

 

In the main, we are able to quote on a fixed fee basis – we find that clients like the certainty this gives and helps to reduce possible anxiety about spiraling costs. Our quotes clearly explain what is and what isn’t included in each of the work stages. We also give an indication of additional third-party costs.

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Getting Started

Initial meeting, Brief development, Quote

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Stage 1
Design

Brief development, Measured survey, Desktop research, Design and Planning Issue Drawings Including:

  • Meeting and site-visit to the brief and scope for your project
  • Measured survey of site to enable preparation of existing drawings. Depending on the specific requirement of your project we will either carry  this out in-house or if required, we will brief a specialist surveying firm on your behalf
  • Design development in sketch form
  • Meeting with your architectural team to discuss the initial design
  • Design development to final design. This generally involves a number of options / iterations during development
  • Sketchup 3D model and outline views or perspective sketches
  • 1:100 Card model of final design and photos
  • Liaison with external consultants if required (e.g. heritage, engineer, arboriculturalist, planning consultant etc.)
  • Liaison with external cost consultant to provide outline cost plan
  • Discussion to conclude planning strategy – design / number / type of application
  • Client sign off. Preparation for next stage
  • Draw proposals and issue revisions
  • Meet and develop design
  • Discuss next stages

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Stage 2
Planning Permission
Preparation of planning drawings, documents and validation requirements including:

 

  • Coordination of validation requirements – Reports and liaison with specialists, if appropriate
  • Submission of planning application and monitoring of progress and decision
  • Design development from pre-application or other feedback from planners (during application)
  • Re-submission of planning application or preparation of appeal documentation or liaison with planning consultant for detailed appeal submission (if required)
  • Prepare for stage 3 services – Obtain quotes from engineer and liaise with potential contractors

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Stage 3
Preparing to build

Developed Design, Structural Calculations and Building Regulations Submission including:

 

  • Commission and engage with engineer. Client to appoint party wall surveyor if required.
  • Building control application (scope, quote and commission)
  • Prepare building control compliance drawings, specification, base details and outline M&E layouts
  • Identify key specification items (products, materials and joinery) for research and discussion with client
  • Liaise with engineer, building control officer and party wall surveyor
  • Preparation of detailed construction information with architectural specification, scope of works and bespoke constructional details and interior features.
  • Meeting with client to discuss scope of information and options for tender and construction stage.
  • Prepare tender documentation – scope and details as appropriate
  • Preparation of detailed updated cost plan prior to tender by external consultant
  • Manage competitive tender process with selected contractors

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Stage 4
Build Support

Working Drawings, Site visits, Interior Design including:

 

  • Meeting pre-build with builder and client – general overview of project requirements
  • Prepare detail design drawings / specification of key areas (joinery, glazing, feature stairs etc.)
  • Site meetings and follow up – general observations and ad-hoc advice at key stages
  • Regular site visits to inspect works, conduct site progress meetings (with written record) and provide additional constructional information/details as required
  • Undertake contract administration role – contract documents, recording instructions in writing, monitoring of variations and progress, certifying payments and completion etc.
  • Liaison with engineer, building control officer, party wall surveyor as appropriate
  • Snagging – site visit to advise on general finishing quality
  • Full snagging against drawings, specification and contract documentation if full site and contract administrator role is undertaken
  • Post completion – photo’s and feedback

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RIBA Chartered Architects at desk with plan wall