Stage 0, 1 & 2

Brief, Design and Planning

Duration of this stage: 4-6 weeks

Planning: min. 8 weeks from submission

0.1.    Initial phone call to discuss your proposals and introduction.

0.2.    We will provide you with a budget guide based on your requirements further to our discussion by email (usually same day).

0.3.    If Architect service fee guide estimates fit your budget the next step would be to meet at the property, discuss your brief in more detail and then provide you with a formal fixed fee agreement that is valid for 30 days (maximum 2-3 working days).

1.1.    Once the agreement is accepted and signed the initial site survey will be arranged and the commencement invoice will be issued (usually 50% of the overall staged service fee).

1.2.    Survey drawings are worked up into detailed existing drawings including plans, elevations, sections and drainage locations to allow for detailed analysis of the current property.

1.3.    Proposed designs and prepared and issued by email prior to a face-to-face meeting to finalise the proposals.

2.1    Once we agree on your preferred design option we will begin to prepare the Planning drawings and documentation necessary (should planning be required).

2.2.    Planning is submitted and managed on your behalf – decisions should be due within 8 weeks from validation (checked by the local authority for completeness) of the application. We aim to deal with all Planning issues at source and will keep you updated on progress – consulting with you should any issues arise or alterations to the proposals be required.

Stage 3

Detailed design / Tender

Duration of this stage: 6-8 weeks

Building Control application times vary

3.1. Once Planning approval is received we begin the detailed design phase and we will request that a new appointment agreement be signed between us to cover the technical details and construction information. This agreement will clearly list all potential fees required in an easily legible format so there are no surprises.

3.2 At this stage we will also engage our preferred Building Control Inspectors, Party Wall Surveyors (where required), Structural Engineers and any other consultants that may be required; e.g. Tree Surveyor, etc. All fees from 3rd parties will be formally quoted and collated for you in an easily viewed format.

3.3. We begin the detailed technical drawings coordinating all elements including structural steelwork, interior design elements, kitchen and bathroom layouts etc. The completed drawings will then be submitted to Building Control on your behalf and any adjustments made as required.

3.4 Once the detailed designs are completed we will distribute the information to all relevant parties and engage in a handover meeting with your selected builder to go over any final items. If any further information is required this will be provided at this stage.

Stage 4

Site support and additional services

4.1 At this stage you are usually in the capable hands on your chosen contractors who will likely be able to implement the designs, however sometimes there are additional elements that may require our input. This stage is very flexible and we can provide most services that may come up e.g. interior design including item sourcing, landscape design, etc.

4.2 If you think you may require any services that have not been provided please do let us know and if we do not do these in house we will know someone who we work with that can.