About

Let’s meet on site to discuss priorities for now and the long term. Whether embryonic or already fully-fledged, this initial conversation between the client and architect is key to develop ideas into a working brief with a strong core as the project finds its feet with practicalities like planning constraints and budget.

This stage is just an introduction with no fee, akin to an incubation period for gathering ideas and resources. When ready, subsequent stages below can be commissioned in full or stage by stage:

If survey drawings are not available, we will spend 1-2 days measuring and photographing the property. A feasibility study will be presented with floor plans and building sections drawn to scale, comparing design options and ballpark construction costs (for example: Music Loft). Stage 2 meetings will also cover strategies on possible ways forward and likely timeframes.

3D models (digital or physical) can also be commissioned for complex projects, or ease of visualisation.

Bringing a structual engineer on board in Stage 3 will further inform and improve how the design can be built. For example sites with mature trees, party walls or underground sewers can still be developed sensitively, with foundations detailed to statutory requirements.

Engaging planners and building inspectors early also gives peace of mind, and helps the most promising design emerge. The choice may be singularly clear from the outset, or it could be a hybrid following discussions. Architects are not only adroit at design, we see addressing safety, wider context and environmental concerns as opportunities to enrich and arrive at a detailed proposal for Planning/Building Control submission.

With the overall layout established, the focus shifts to the material quality of each room.
We enjoy discussions with samples and encourage client input as much as possible. Some may be fascinated with interior fit-outs (e.g. kitchen and bathrooms) but have zero interest in the building shell. Others may pursue triple-glazing to the highest standard but be daunted by the range of floor finishes.

Our experience means we can produce a comprehensive package with all essential information covered, and specifying components important to the client. The process typically results in a big jump in the volume of detail drawings, schedules and specifications. Producing the Stage 4 tender package usually takes 4 to 12 weeks including time for incorporating Planning/Building Control conditions and client feedback, but will save significant costs by reducing pricing uncertainty for estimators and builders.

Experienced clients can then choose to negotiate contract details directly with their preferred trademen or general builders. Other clients may enlist the architect to open the tender to more candidates (at least three), attend client-builder interviews, review quotations as well as advise on building contract details.

Starting construction is an exciting stage but some points can be overlooked on a busy worksite. We can help monitor quality, compliance, cost and progress by visiting the site every 2 or 4 weeks.

Unexpected events are part of any construction, and knowing how to deal with them impartially and personably keeps the project on course. With both construction and contractual knowledge, we are well placed to assist clients resolve site queries, liaise with building inspectors, and instruct builders to put right any work that is not correct. Builders also appreciate how payment requests (“valuations”) can be based on these regular site visits.

Moving in is a milestone worth celebrating, all the more knowing the works are certified complete by Building Control as a permanent record with the local council.

Most projects will have a specific sum set aside for rectifiying defects, which allows us to troubleshoot any teething problems with builders over the next 6 to 12 months. Stay in touch as we would love to hear your actual experience of the built design.