Architectural Design
Phase 1: Outline Design (Including Planning Application)
Discuss and then develop the brief with the client. This makes sure targets are realistic and everyone’s expectations align. Produce a simple feasibility study. This will include hurdles in the project. We will then make suggestions to gather further information or meet statutory obligations, e.g. you might need a Party Wall Agreement; a drainage or soil survey; structural appraisal; or we might recommend pre-planning advice from the local authority.
Produce ‘existing’ drawings. For house extensions and renovations it’s common for us to carry out the measured survey and produce the existing drawings. Produce a concept design. This usually starts with sketches for further discussion with you / seeking your approval. Prepare drawings and documents for the planning application and make the submission to your local council.
The architectural design services might stop at this point. You would then instead work directly with your builder (contractor) to develop the design and specify materials, finishes and fittings. However, we recommend our clients to take the ‘traditional’ route and continue with us since we are capable of doing design & build.
Phase 2: Detailed Design and ‘Tender’
We, as formed lands as your architectural designer prepare drawings and a specification for construction. At this point we will also submit plans to building control. All drawings and specifications are then bundled up and given to your chosen builders for their quotations and timescales. If a builder’s quote is acceptable, you will sign a contract and building work can start.
This is the next stage that the architectural design services might cease. The hefty design work element is over now so this next phase represents a smaller proportion of overall design fee. However, it can really pay off having us continue to be involved during construction even for a small house extension, especially if you’ve never done a building project before. We are also able to quote your construction project and undertake your construction project with our core inhouse team and trusted subcontractor database.
Phase 3: Construction Phase
We will administer the contract. We will make site visits at certain important stages in the build to check work is done on time and in line with the drawings/specification if only design services are given. If you want to pursue the construction project with us, for instance, if you change your mind on any elements of the design, we will manage this process and make cost/time adjustments for your approval.
Once certain phases are completed, we ask your or your architect to check all the works satisfactory. We will ask for a practical completion approval, following this six month ‘rectification’ period begins where we come back to fix any relevant outstanding issues. The final certificate is issued after this and the balance is paid.
