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Our Design & Build Process

1. Consultation 

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We start each project with an initial consultation to discuss your goals, requirements, and vision for the project.  This helps us to understand your needs and preferences.  If applicable, we may visit the project site to assess its context, topography, orientation, and any other relevant factors that could impact the design.

 

This will allow us to identify any visible site constraints or benefits to the proposal.  We will also use the time to gather as much information from you as possible to help us create a brief.

 

In preparation for your consultation we have added a few things to take into consideration below;

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  • What is your budget?

  • Has planning been obtained in your area for a similar scheme?

  • Do you require planning permission?

  • Are special arrangements required? i.e disabled access.

  • Is the building listed or in a designated area?

  • Do you have furniture to be included into the design?

  • Are you drawn to any particular style of architecture?

  • Are there any trees located on the site?

  • Are you planning to stay in the property long-term?

  • Do you have any other information that may be useful to us?

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2. Architectural Proposal 

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After your consultation we will follow up with a proposal based on our discussions which will outline how we intend to execute your project in detail. 

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If there are any additional services or options available to you, such as interior design, sustainability consulting, or post-construction support, they are mentioned in this section. The associated fees and details of these services will be provided as well.

 

What you can expect to see in your proposal;

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  • Description of the proposal 

  • How many stages are involved 

  • What type of services you will need

  • Timescale 

  • Milestones

  • Terms & Conditions 

  • Fees

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3. Measured Survey 

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Upon acceptance of the proposal we will get you booked in for a measured survey at the property on a date which is convenient for us both.  Below are some average timescales based on previous projects:

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  • Terraced House - 1.5 - 2hrs

  • Semi-Detached House - 1.5 - 2.5hrs

  • Detached House - 2 - 3hrs 

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We will need access to the internal and external areas of the property to pick up all required measurements and other important information.

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(All timescales are an average and will depend on the property along with other factors)

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4. Feasibility Study 

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Our feasibility studies are used to investigate a site or building's full potential, explores site constraints, opportunities, and its overall condition and significance. It's an all-round investigation that allows the designer and client to move through to the next stage by taking matters of importance into consideration and then translating that information into 2D or 3D drawings.

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Once the initial feasibility study has been completed , the drawings will then be ready to review either in person, video chat or you can visit our office.

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5. Design Development 

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After reviewing the project with you we further develop the design by adding more specific details and addressing technical considerations.  We will collaborate with engineers and other consultants to ensure the project's structural, mechanical, and electrical systems are integrated seamlessly.

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6. Planning Application 

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Upon completion of the final design, we will prepare the necessary documents, if required, for the planning application.  This typically includes architectural drawings, site plans, elevations, and in some cases, a design and access statement.  The level of detail required may vary depending on your local planning authority.

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This process can take anywhere from 42 days to 13 weeks depending on which application is submitted and the complexities of the proposal.

 

In some cases the local authority may visit the site to fully understand the proposal and the site context.  We manage this whole process for you and will keep you in the loop of any correspondence exchanged or changes required. 

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7. Structural Calculations 

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We work with some great engineers on all of our projects and if required, will obtain a quote from them to produce a set of calculations for the project. 

 

If your proposed design involves demolishing any part of the existing structure then an engineer will be needed.  Although your application has been submitted to the planning department you still need to meet 'Building Regulations' and this involves consulting with a structural engineer.

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8. Building Regulations

 

These are a separate set of drawings to your planning drawings.  They are a set of standards and guidelines that dictate the minimum requirements for the design, construction, and alteration of buildings.  They are put in place to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of occupants and to promote energy efficiency and sustainability.  

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Building regulations typically cover various aspects of a building project, including:

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  • Structural Stability

  • Fire Safety

  • Means of Escape

  • Access and Facilities

  • Ventilation and Air Quality 

  • Energy Efficiency 

  • Electrical Installations

  • Plumbing and Sanitations 

  • Conservation of Fuel and Power

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9. Scope of Works 

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In addition to the above we can now move onto the scope of works.  This document is a detailed description of all the activities, tasks. and deliverables that are included in a construction project.  It outlines the specific work that needs to be completed and provides clarity on the project's objectives, requirements, and expectations.

 

It also serves as a reference document for all parties involved in the project, including the client, project manager, contractors and sub-contractors.  It helps to ensure that everyone has a clear understanding of what is expected, minimises the risk of scope creep (unauthorised expansion of the project scope), and provides a basis for cost estimation, scheduling, and resource allocation. 

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10. Contract Administration 

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After the quotation has been finalised and costs agreed, we'll start to work into the contracts, programme and other information that will allow the project to run smoothly.  This is the most important stage of the project and will take us on average between 3-4 weeks depending on the complexity of the project.

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Things we focus on;

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  • Scope of works

  • Contract

  • Programme

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11. Project Management 

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We aim to provide a cost beneficial service that will drive the ultimate price of a building project down.  While we offer a fee based service, we provide cost management with the intention that savings provided are equal to or greater than the fees charged. There are numerous ways in which a project manager can deliver savings - from designing cost saving building techniques, to ensuring trades overlap so the work never stands still and ensuring suppliers deliver value for money.

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We also focus on;

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  • Progress Report

  • Site Visits 

  • Finishing Lists

  • Handover Documents 

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