Our Process

The first step of any architectural project - be it an extension, renovation or a complete new build - is to understand the problems that need to be solved, and the budget required to do this. We offer a unique service called the PLAN Project Limits And Needs assessment. This helps you to avoid wasting your money and your time on a concept design and planning process. Or even worse, wasting your money and time on the construction process, without fully understanding everything that you need / want / can achieve from the project and the best way to maximise the value of the alterations you plan to make. Contact us to learn more about this important stage as this is best completed early on!

Once we have a thorough understanding of the site and the project requirements and the most suitable approach to design, we will start sketching and modelling ideas - the real Architecture! We understand that reading building plans and elevations can be confusing, and doesn't always give the best idea of the project, this is why as well as sketching, we always work using a 3D computer model. The concept design stage is iterative, and as Architects, without ego we will alter things to suit your preferences, or add new ideas as either you or us come across them! This is a really exciting stage as you start to see what could be and the design comes to life!

From this point we will compile a full set of architectural drawings, existing and proposed plans, elevations, 3D views, etc.  It may be that your project is classed as 'permitted development' and does not need planning consent from the local council (don't worry, we will talk you through this!). If your extension or renovation project does require planning consent, then don't worry, we can advise on all aspects of this and will have been considering this from the outset of the briefing process. At the planning stage we will prepare the application for you, complete anything we can do ourselves and advise on where any additional consultants may be required. 

The next stage of the architect project is to prepare a thorough set of technical drawings that can be submitted for building control approval. We will work to the approved documents (government regulations) at all times to ensure this is as simple a process as possible. Getting things right at this stage will avoid too many queries from the builders on site, which can lead to delays, mistakes or costly backtracking! It will ensure that you enter a contract with the builders with as much control over the end result as possible. This level of detail is required to get an accurate quote from the builders and the end result you need in your home.

This is the most exciting part of the process, but it can also be the most daunting and is without a doubt the most expensive! This is why it is so important to be completely in control of the costs of the project from the briefing stage before anything is done on site! 

Our involvement at this stage is entirely up to you, we can assist with the tender process and finding a suitable builder, manage the contract and the project on site to make sure everything goes to plan, and ensure we are on hand for any queries or surprises that arise! Alternatively on smaller, less complex projects, we can hand all our drawings over to you and you can manage the build yourself!