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Designing your new space

Professional, Experienced & Qualified Architects.

"A passion for beautiful structures."

Whatever the scale or challenges of your project, our clients enjoy a dedicated personal working relationship with a qualified & experienced architect who will carefully navigate the project; from design, planning through to construction , from concept to completion with the highest quality & attention to detail.

Fully qualified and registered, Paul & Lawrence have a proven track record of 20 years in bringing the highest quality designs to reality, having designed and built 100's of structures.

They are also affiliate members of the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Scroll down to learn about the design and development process.

 

View completed projects
Designing your new space

Effect of natural daylight

How daylight enters a building can have a big impact on the interior space.

The direction and quality of the light will change throughout the day and will vary through the seasons.

“Light from above casts shadows within the double height entrance space. The light and shadows move throughout the day and enliven the space.”

Ordered and functional spaces

Spaces are not always defined by walls.

Changes in finishes, volumes, lighting and acoustics can define a space.

Partitions, changes in levels, furniture, edges and corners of surfaces that are aligned create a sense of order and balance that also help to define notional zones or areas within a building.

Generous integrated storage and services will help to leave the living spaces uncluttered.

Flow of movement throughout a building

How different spaces connect to one another.

Spaces can flow vertically as well as horizontally. Double height spaces with a gallery to above or below allow vertical communication within a building.

A variety of volumes of spaces within a building provide interest and different feelings. A snug cosy room will provide a different experience to a double height dining area with a gallery landing above.

Spaces that flow and provide glimpses from one area through to another create architectural interest and a sense of ‘journey’ within a building.

Flexibility and adaptability of spaces

Spaces that are flexible to function differently at different times of the day or can easily be adapted to function differently as your family grows and your requirements change.

“The lounge is connected to the open plan kitchen / dining room with full height over sized doors. This gives us the flexibility of having a more open plan living space in the summer and more of a snug lounge in the winter. Customer feedback”

Connection between interior and exterior

All buildings should respond to the context of the site.

Blurring the boundary between inside and outdoor spaces can integrate a building within the landscape or garden. Purposely positioned glazing can capture a particular framed view of the landscape or garden.

Views towards the site and views from the site can inform the design. Spaces that have the ability to open out onto the garden or outdoor ‘living areas’.

 

Architectural style

The form, scale, detailing and palette of materials all contribute to defining the architectural style and ‘feel’ of a building.

We don’t look to impose a pre-determined style on our designs. The architectural style of a building will be influenced by a number of factors specific to each project: site context, landscape, urban context, planning policy, building function, end user etc. A building is designed considering the context of the site.

A building may reflect or provide a contrast to the environment and architectural context. A contemporary extension to a traditional house can create a dynamic juxtaposition.

The use of colour, texture, form and materials are contribute to the aesthetics and feel of a building or space.

Eco-friendly design

As architects we strive towards making our designs as environmental and sustainable as possible.

With global warming, rising sea waters and deforestation we all have a responsibility to have an awareness of our actions and lifestyle with respect to the well being of our immediate and wider environment.

Budget and time

Understanding your budget and aspirations from the onset of a project is fundamental.

We can advise on project and build costs at an early stage to ensure that we keep within your budget.

Once we have a clear understanding of the full scope got works we will also be able to give an approximate build time to complete the works.

Design, planning & construction
Intelligent Design

We believe that creating great buildings is not all about big budgets.

It is creative thinking and a clear understanding of constraints, opportunities, regulations and requirements that enables us as designers to realise the potential of your project.

"Well designed spaces and buildings are uplifting and have a positive influence on our sense of well being.

The Process
Royal Institute of British Architects
Working with a RIBA Architect

As fully qualified architects & members of RIBA we navigate projects through a tried tested development process. We pride ourselves on the scope of professional knowledge, the possibilities of materials, create thinking, beautiful design of spaces and the completion of projects that meet clients expectations.

We provide an attentive, informative and engaging service with regular client review meetings to keep you involved in the process and informed of any key decisions.

Here is an overview of the (RIBA) key stage development:

RIBA Stage 0

An initial meeting and visit to your home.

  • Discuss and listen to your requirements, aspirations and budget.
  • Have a look around your existing home and site to visualise and appreciate any constraints and opportunities that may influence the design.
  • Talk through initial ideas.
  • Agree project brief.

We do not charge for this first meeting. This meeting provides us with a clear understanding of your project allowing us to prepare a fee proposal and outline scope of works tailored to your specific project.

RIBA stage 1 - 2

Concept design

Following our first meeting we will produce an initial concept scheme exploring potential designs and options. The concept design will be presented to you using 3d sketches, scaled plans, mood boards, 3d exterior and interior visuals.

We then develop the design further taking on board your comments. We will arrange meetings as required to discuss further the proposals as the design develops.

As the design develops we can advise on likely build costs.

RIBA stage 3

Preparation of planning submission

Once you are satisfied with the concept scheme we will progress and refine the design to prepare planning drawings and supporting information required to submit to the local authority to obtain the relevant planning approval.

Advice on any other approvals or reports required for submission to the local authority. i.e. ecology, tree report.

RIBA stage 4

Detail drawings

This stage of works commences once you have planning approval.

At this stage of the process we will require the input of other consultants. i.e. structural engineer, energy consultant, services engineer.

We provide a comprehensive package of detailed drawings. The more information that is provided at this stage will enable a builder to be more accurate with their pricing. We produce the necessary drawings, details and specification to ensure that all aspects and the quality of the design are understood and delivered on site. 

These drawings are also used to obtain Building Regulation Approval.

  • Review planning conditions and discharge pre-construction planning conditions.
  • Advise on building contract and method of procurement.
RIBA stage 5

Construction

  • Production of further detailed drawings as required to assist works on site.
  • Checking and commenting on specialist sub-contractors drawings / design.
  • Site meetings as required to deal with matters arising from site, inspection and signing off stages of works.
  • Administration of building contract.
RIBA stage 6 - 7

Completion

  • Snagging, handing over of building and conclusion of building contract.
  • Advise client on compliance with pre-occupancy planning conditions.
  • Preparation of as-built drawings and information for Health and Safety file.
Resources

More about the RIBA process.

Lets work together.
New projects
Where to start?

If you are considering using an architect for building a new house or extending and remodelling your existing home please get in touch 

Following an initial chat and if suits, we will then arrange an initial meeting at your home, free of charge, to discuss the potential and opportunities of your project.

Following this meeting we will then be able to advise and provide you with a detailed breakdown of our fees and an outline of our proposed scope of works.

Get in touch now