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Our process
Each project is different and has its own unique set of challenges and opportunities. As an RIBA Chartered practice we offer full architectural services to cover all stages of the process.
After listening to your requirements, we can advise you on the best route to take and tailor our services at each of the different stages.
RIBA work stages 0-1
We start with a free of charge initial meeting at your house, or virtually, to discuss your requirements in detail and establish if there are any constraints that need to be considered. We also advise on the need for any other specialist services that may be required such as a party wall surveyor and structural engineer. Following this meeting we provide you with a fee proposal that outlines our services as well as your brief which is taken forward onto the next stage once you have appointed us.
Once appointed, we start by completing a measurement survey of your existing house or site and meeting to finalise and agree the brief that will drive the concept design.
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Free max 1 hour initial consultation either virtually or at your property
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Establish the brief and all architectural services required
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Verbal up-front discussion of design ideas and advice on which statutory permissions are required
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Establish if any other specialists need to be involved
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Provide a fee proposal and quote following the meeting
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Undertake a measurement and photographic survey of the existing building and prepare a set of 'as existing' drawings
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Discuss and agree the final brief before moving to the next stage
RIBA work stage 2
This stage is all about us generating great ideas and designs for you based on your brief and requirements. and then creatively exploring how your brief can be achieved in terms of space, light as well as how it will best function to complement your lifestyle. We present these ideas to you as a series of sketches and if you would like us to we can create conceptual 3D models to allow you to visualise the spaces and forms more easily. At this stage it is also possible to obtain an estimated budget cost from a quantity surveyor to make sure the design can be achieved within your budget. Once we have settled on a final design we can decide whether the design requires planning permission, can be achieved under permitted development and if we need to ask the local authority for some pre-application advice.
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Prepare sketch concept design for discussion
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Provide concept 3D model of the design
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Identify design solutions and discuss possible construction methods
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Submit an application to the local planning authority for pre-application advice if required
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Agree the final concept design before moving to the next stage
RIBA work stage 3
Once we have established the correct planning route and received any pre-application advice required, we will produce a package ready to submit to the local authority. We add a layer of details onto the concept design drawings in terms of external materials and communicating the proposals in the best way to achieve approval. Once submitted, we monitor the application and make sure we liaise as closely as possible with the assigned planning officer.
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Prepare CAD planning drawings to support a planning application, Lawful development certificate application and/or listed building consent application to the local planning authority
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Submit the relevant application to the local planning authority and monitor during the determination period
RIBA work stage 4
This stage involves designing the more technical details of the scheme including making sure all health and safety aspects of the project are taken into account as well as the energy efficiency. We obtain building regulations approval on your behalf from the local authority and liaise with the structural engineer who provides the structural design that is incorporated into our design.
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Advise of any planning conditions and prepare architectural information to support the application to discharge any pre-commencement planning conditions
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Co-ordinate the relevant information required from other consultants to be included in the technical design
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Prepare the technical design drawings and written specification and submit a building regulations application to Southern Building Control Partnership to achieve Building regulations approval
RIBA work stage 5
In order to be able to get detailed quotes from builders, an extra layer of information needs to be added during this stage including internal finishes and electrical and lighting layouts.
Once a suitable builder has been selected and the building contract has been signed, construction can start on site. As Architects, on larger and more complicated projects, we can offer a contract administration service that can help maintain that the quality of the design is delivered by the builders to the correct specification, on time and to budget.
RIBA work stage 6-7
Once the builder has completed all works as per the contract, the project is practically complete. After you have taken back ownership of the site there will be defects to be rectified by the builder over a period of time. Once these have been completed, the contract will end and you can enjoy your completed project.
We would love to hear from you about any project you have in mind
Get in touch
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Issue Practical Completion Certificate under the Contract
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Initiate the defects liability period under the contract, inspect the works after 12 months on and issue Final Certificate once snagging is completed
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Prepare technical drawings (including construction details, lighting and electrical plans, finishes schedule) and detailed specification/ scope of works
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Help comprise a list of tenderers
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Invite and appraise tenders to be discussed
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Advise on duties under the building contract
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Manage the contract between you and the builder throughout the course of the works including payments for works completed
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Carry out weekly site visits to monitor progress and make sure the works are completed as per the Contract documents