architects
So what is the process we will go through to turn your ideas into reality?
Below we will briefly explain the stages
So what is the process we will go through to turn your ideas into reality?
Below we will briefly explain the stages
Our Design Process
A project can seem daunting at the start, like a steep hill in front of you. Knowing how and where to begin is half the battle. We can help you. We will interpret your vision of what you want to achieve and help make it a reality within the constraints of the site, the regulatory authorities and your budget.
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We will listen to your aspirations and come up with a design that is personal to you. We provide the expertise, guidence and inspiration you need and with your input we will develop your brief together and give you ideas that can be taken forward. Where budget is a limiting factor, we can suggest alternative ideas to try to meet your needs, perhaps in a different way to how you originally imagined it might be done. We often need to think out of the box and also make sure opportunities for overall improvement to your home are not missed.
We like to have a friendly and professional working relationship with clients, where good communication from both parties is key to allowing creative ideas to blossom.
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We follow the RIBA Plan of work structure for our design process and there is more information on this on RIBA's website.
So what is the process we will go through to turn your ideas into reality?
Below we will briefly explain the stages :
0. First Meeting
We will come and visit you at the property and talk through your ideas.
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You may have lots of ideas or not know where to start. Either is fine with us. We will discuss your brief and what you want to achieve.
We'll look at the building and site's features, challenges and opportunities alike. We'll talk about budget and timescale expectations, our and your responsibilities and project priorities.
1. Brief and appointment letter
We will write to you via email setting out our understanding of your brief, our fee proposal and other key information such as other costs to consider and anticipated statutory hurdles.
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There will be a list of surveys, reports and consultants that are likely to be needed to get your project underway and ultimately your desired scheme designed and approved. Once appointed, we can begin to help you appoint any necessary consultants.
2. Concept Design
We then work to bring your ideas to life in the form of concept designs or sketch scheme designs as we call them. This can include site analysis and thinking about the proposals from different angles.
Using 3D modelling and animations alongside schematic plans we can give you a good impression of the spaces and looks that can be achieved to enable you to decide on what you like or don't like so that we can develop and refine the design.
3. Planning
Together we will decide on a scheme to take forward to planning. We prepare final drawings and documents needed for planning and submit the planning application.
We will manage your application as agents, dealing with queries as they arise.
Once your project is approved, we move into the detailed technical design phases.
4. Technical design
We then develop the detailed technical design drawings and information needed for a building control application and for builders to quote from/tender for the work.
We can help you find the right builder and any additional consultants for your needs, and sometimes they will be involved in refining the construction details with us.
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We will help guide you through the best way to appoint a builder depending on your project.
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5. Construction
As a team we celebrate as your project breaks ground and the designs begin to come to life.
We keep in the loop with site activities, recording and monitoring the works to ensure compliance throughout, as well as helping the builder to get the details just right.
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Your contract will normally be direct with the builder but we can advise and act as consultants as needed on site.
6. Completion
The months of effort are starting to pay off, as your spaces emerge and finishes are installed.
We help with the organisation of the completion paperwork, issue the as-built drawings and work with the contractor to ensure that you have the information needed to maintain your home and that you are happy with the work.
... It's time to enjoy your new home!