We can provide a comprehensive architectural service from project inception to completion. We also provide interior design services when required by our clients. In addition to this basic structure we offer a full range of specialities (see below) from which you can pick and choose.
Choose our comprehensive services or pick and choose from our long list of specialities
Our specialities
Appraisal, brief development and feasibility studies
Don’t feel you have to come to us with a clear brief. Often the first step is for us to examine the possibilities of a site or project. Only after this is carried out will the brief develop. This sometimes becomes a formal stage in the process, known as a “feasibility study”, in which we identify your needs and objectives, business case and possible constraints. The assessment of options may enable you to decide whether to proceed or not.
Measured surveys
At this stage we will produce plans, sections and elevations “as existing” of the property that will form the essential basis for further stages.
Research
We can undertake research as necessary to assist you with your project. We can look at precedent, markets, planning policy and other legislation as appropriate.
Concept and design
Our varied portfolio demonstrates our ability to assist you with the complete design of your project, from original concept to completion, inside and out.
Planning applications
If required, we can make a planning application for you. We are experts in town planning and experience of many projects where we have obtained difficult approvals for our clients. If need be we will personally attend local authority planning hearings, and have lots of experience of delivering reports to counteract objections.
Building regulations
Our designs meet all the relevant building regulations and standards, and we will make an application for building regulations approval where necessary.
Tender documentation and action
Taking our production information, we produce tender packs and will manage the tender process. We will assist you in compiling a list of suitable contractors, available to undertake the construction work. We issue and receive tenders and compile a tender report after analysis. This provides you with an indication of the comparative value of the tendering contractors.
Site Services – Contract administration
We can look after you during the construction phase. This involves advising you on a suitable form of building contract, and facilitating its agreement between you and your contractor. We will inspect and oversee the valuation and payments needed and the handover and completion procedures.
Unique project overview and design team management
We will provide you with a unique overview of your project highlighting timescales, risks and opportunities, and requirements for other consultants. On smaller projects additional consultants will typically be a structural engineer and buildings surveyor, but on larger builds you may require assistance from a building services engineer, a health and safety consultant, a drainage surveyor, a soil surveyor or a lighting consultant. We will partner these contractors for you and can assist you with, or manage, their integration into the project by acting as “lead consultant” at the head of the design team. between you and the contractor, to make instructions, assess appropriate payments, and respond to progress and problems on your behalf.
Project management
We are members of the Association of Project Management and can oversee your project even if you have other another designer appointed as contract administrator. On complex projects a project manager will assist you in managing timescales, specification and cost.
Technical design
We will provide all technical architectural and interior design information as required. We are skilled at discerning appropriate and cost effective construction details, specifying materials and drawing up schedules of work.
3D modelling
We can construct 3D computer-generated models of your project if required. This is often necessary for planning approval and we can model sunlight and shadows which can be an important part of the process.
Sustainability
Our designs are informed by environmental sustainability at every step, and we attempt to maximise this as far as feasible on each project. When appropriate we are able to adopt a more intensive sustainable approach and can incorporate features such as ground source heating, air source heating, solar water heating, photovoltaic panels, heat recovery ventilation.