SERVICES

We have put together a step by step overview of what you might typically expect at each stage of a project. This is aligned with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Plan of Works. You can be assured that we are here to guide and advise you throughout every step of this journey.

As every project comes with its own unique challenges and brief, our services to you can be tailored in accordance with what you need.

APPOINTMENT AND BRIEF

The first step is to meet with you and visit your property or site, so that we can discuss your aspirations in more detail and better understand your needs and the physical context. From this initial meeting, and upon your request, we can define the project scope and prepare a fee proposal for your consideration.

CONCEPT DESIGN

Upon appointment, we work towards the preparation of initial scheme design drawings based on your defined brief. We will arrange a meeting to talk you through the proposals and discuss any changes you might like to make. We welcome collaborative dialogue and only proceed to the next stage when you are happy with the proposals.

STATUTORY APPROVALS

When you are happy that the scheme reflects your aspirations, the design is agreed and developed in to a full set of architectural drawings for application to the Council, for the appropriate permissions.

BUILDING CONTROL DRAWINGS

Once Planning Approval or Permitted Development has been granted, we produce a set of detailed technical drawings for Building Regulations approval. Depending on the project, this information package may include door and window details, kitchen and bathroom design or bespoke joinery and furniture design. Further consultants may be required at this stage and we will liaise with them and coordinate their input accordingly.

TENDER INFORMATION

The technical drawings will be sufficiently detailed to enable a contractor to price from. To accompany the drawings, we compose a detailed specification, to describe products, materials and workmanship standards. Collating this information before commencement of site works will ensures that the project is of the highest quality possible, and will facilitate a smoother transition from drawn scheme to built realisation.

We can advise on potential contractors and invite them to tender on your behalf. Once tenders have been received and evaluated by us, we will assist in the selection of your preferred contractor.

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

A robust building contract is essential to give you peace of mind during the construction phase. Our Architectural drawings and specification go on to form part of the building contract. We will coordinate and complete the associated paperwork on your behalf, to be signed by you and your contractor prior to start on site. Throughout the build, we will administer the contract accordingly.

CONSTRUCTION

As part of our role during the construction phase, we will visit site (typically weekly or fortnightly depending on the project nature) to ensure that works are proceeding in accordance with the building contract. We maintain contact with the builder on your behalf and resolve site queries as they come up, including the provision of additional information to the contractor as necessary.

COMPLETION

In order for Practical Completion to take place, we carry out a detailed inspection and advise the contractor of any 'defects' (works not in accordance with the contract). Practical Completion will be certified when all reported defects have been rectified and you can enjoy your finished project! We will manage the rectification period (typically 12 months following Practical Completion) during which time we can instruct the contractor to remedy any defects arising. After this point, will we carry out a final inspection and issue the 'Final Certificate'.