Working with Us

Working with an architect on your home is a personal journey and a relationship that can span multiple years. We work to understand our client’s needs and realise these in every project. Each house is a tailor-made product of the process.

We have an unrivalled track record of delivering the most demanding projects. We feel comfortable navigating complex briefs, planning processes and building to the highest standards.

Whilst our process is flexible, for many of our projects we are involved from concept to completion. Our team of project architects have vast experience and have all worked at the studio for many years.

Services

Our studio offers the full range of architectural services, being involved from concept design, through planning consents, construction information right through to house styling.

We are flexible in our approach – we can offer early-stage concept design services and / or planning services as standalone services, yet most of our projects see our involvement from the very start to the very finish. We can add value to all stages of the design and build, ensuring that the vision you have from the outset is carried through to the final product.

In these instances, we take on the role of Lead Designer. We will work directly with you and lead a team of consultants to coordinate the design of each discipline, whether that be structure, services, green technologies, audio visual, interior design, landscaping or any other specialists.

By putting a great deal of care into the work we do, the end result is a home that is unique to each client.

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Our Process

We follow seven stages of work that have been set out by the Royal Institute of British Architects [RIBA]. With many years of experience designing homes, we have refined this process so that it is specific to the nature of our domestic projects.

Brief

We take care to ensure that we fully understand your project from the outset. Building a home is very personal and it is imperative that we start the process by understanding everything you wish to have. We will advise you on what is needed to get going, including any surveys and known restrictions.

Establish the project budget, scope and expected timeframe
Take a detailed account of the brief and spatial requirements
Advise on any possible site-specific restrictions
Organise a measured survey of the building and site by a topographical surveyor

Concept Design

This is the stage where we start to explore the design of your home, both inside and out. We will explore the concept design in a 3D model and then present our ideas to you. Once a concept design is agreed with you, If appropriate, we like to work with a Quantity Surveyor who can produce a cost estimate for the whole project. This working budget allows clients to make the right decisions and gives clear direction for the project.

Explore the concept design in two dimensional drawings and 3D modelling
Present a Feasibility Study document showing off our design for your home and site
Produce an outline time frame for the whole project and a draft consultant list
Work with a Quantity Surveyor to produce a Cost Plan for the project

Statutory Consents

Getting planning permissions (and other approvals such as Listed building consent) is vital for the success of the project. We will advise you on the best approach for success and work with local authorities to get a positive outcome. This might involve pre-applications, design reviews or consulting local communities. Stage 3 also develops the design further, ensuring that spatial layouts and interior concepts are refined with other consultants such as a Structural Engineer and Services Consultant.

Produce and submit pre-application design proposals if the project requires it
Advise on any amendments to the design based on pre-application advice
Coordinate surveys and reports from other consultants [ecology, energy, trees, heritage etc.]
Develop and submit Full Planning and/or Listed Building documentation
Work with a Quantity Surveyor to update a Cost Plan for the project based on a firm design

Detailed Design

a/ Architecture

Detailing the construction information for the scheme is the largest stage of work for us. Coordinating every detail across a team of expert consultants. An instruction set for contractors and craftsmen to complete the project.

Develop the design of the building envelope in detail through drawings and 3D modelling
Carefully coordinate the design with all other design consultants as Lead Designer
Produce drawings and written specifications to complete a ‘Tender Set’ for pricing
Obtain competitive or negotiated prices for the whole works from high-quality builders

b/ Interiors

Together with the architecture, we often detail all the interior finishes for the project. Interiors are vital to the overall feel of your home. We can also work with Interior Designer’s to collaborate on projects and know how to ensure every detail has the same level of consideration as if we were designing it ourselves.

Develop the look and feel of the interiors for the project, down to the smallest details
Review samples and mock-ups of materials with our clients
Work with select suppliers and craftsmen to finalise the interior detailing
Produce drawings and written specifications to complete a ‘Tender Set’ for pricing
Obtain competitive or negotiated prices for the whole works from high-quality builders

Construction

Working closely with the builder and consultant team, we work to ensure that the vision detailed on the drawings is carried out to the high expectations of us and our clients. We help manage the process between the builder and client and can administer a professional building contract between the two.

Administer a contract between the client and builder if required
Supply supplementary drawings and information if required for clarity of any details
Visit site regularly and produce monthly finding reports for the client and builder

Handover

At the end of the construction phase, there is a handover period to help you settle into the home and learn how to best use and maintain the house over its lifespan. We have experience on what systems work well and what to avoid.

Ensure all planning conditions have been discharged
Review any defects that arise over the first twelve-month period after completion
Conclude the Building Contract between Client and Builder

Use & Ongoing Maintenance

All our homes are built with skill and care using some of the finest materials. They all require a level of care throughout their lifespan, and we can produce the following as required.

Supply information and drawings required for builder’s Operation and Maintenance Manual
Walk-through the home with our clients to discuss the finishes and technologies
Provide a list of known finishes, suppliers, contact details and special care requirements
Review energy performance through Post Occupancy Evaluation if appropriate