Client Relationship
Our clients enjoy a dedicated and personal working relationship with either Laurence or Paul.
This ensures that you benefit from having a fully qualified architect as your fixed point of contact and the designer responsible for delivering your project from concept through to completion.
We are purposely a small practice which enables us to control the quality of the work and service that we consistently provide.
As fully qualified architects and members of RIBA we pride ourselves on the scope of professional knowledge, the possibilities of materials, creative 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.
We adhere to the RIBA plan of work.
View RIBA Plan of Work PDFView RIBA Working with an Architect PDF
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 fixed 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.
Advise 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 a
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Environmental approach
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.
If you are considering building a new house or extending and remodelling your existing home, please contact us and we can then arrange an initial meeting free of charge to discuss your project in more detail. 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.
We will guide you though the complete process from start to finish, helping to secure all necessary planning, listed building consents, and building regulation approval. We can also help and advise with tender process and the selection of a suitable builder. We can supervise the build through to completion, assuring the quality of workmanship and ensuring your money is well spent.
