Our responsibility to you!

 

An Architect’s service can vary significantly depending on the size and complexity of project as well as the specific requirements of the client, we will always tailor our service to suit both your budget and requirements.

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For private residential work such as house extensions and single ‘one off’ properties, an architect’s role can cover all areas of the project, from initial briefing, through to contract administration, encompassing architecture, hard landscaping, and interior design. We will if required obtain any necessary fee quotes from supporting consultants and advise accordingly as well as co-ordination of their input into the project.

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Larger projects usually have a full design team with a number of other specialist consultants that assist the client in developing the designs. In this case, an architect’s role is typically more focused. The architect can act as the lead consultant, when we will be responsible for co-ordination of the project pulling together the input of all the other consultants.

 

Typical Services

 

Concept Design

At this stage, we will meet with you and begin planning the project. The architect will want to find out what your requirements are for the project. They’ll record any ideas you have as well as any key aspirations.

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Feasibility Studies 

During this stage the architect may prepare a range of preliminary design options. These will be in sketch form and sometimes will include 3d visuals to really help you imagine the direction your project could take. These studies will show whether your requirements are really possible on the site that you have. The options will respond to your budget and stated requirements. This will be an opportunity to visually see the potential constraints and also unexpected opportunities that your project may deliver.

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Design Development

Once the design has been agreed, this will be developed further, the architect will begin to outline potential material choices, the scope and quality of the finished project will be further defined. The size and scale of elements will be drawn into the proposal to allow better cost forecasting. At this stage a preliminary budget may be created to ensure that your overall budget covers the design proposal.

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If planning permission is required, the architect will share information about the design with the local authority through a planning application submission. The application will include detailed descriptions of the proposal, its scale, scope, and materials. This helps the local authority decide if the proposals are in harmony with the wider area.

 

Construction Documents

Following on from a successful planning application design development continues: the drawings and product specifications are developed further. The detailed construction drawings will also be used to obtain building regulations approval. At this stage the architect will invite tenders from a range of contractors. Sometimes a Quantity Surveyor will become involved at this stage to make sure the proposed bids truly reflect the scope of work.

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Administration of the Contract

The Architect will assist in the preparation of the contract between the client and the contractor. Architects are usually the main administrator of the construction contract for residential projects. During the build regular site visits will ensure that the build process is following the construction documents and design intent. On each visit records will be taken to ensure that materials and the quality of work are acceptable.