Creating fantastic places, spaces and buildings
We work across a number of sectors, principally one-off houses (including self-builds), conversions, housing-led mixed-use developments and masterplanning, together with commercial and public projects.
LOW CARBON NEW BUILDINGS
NEW BUILDINGS: the sky's the limit here, and our knowledge of the planning process, modern methods of construction and own aspirations for our clients help you achieve your dream project. We have had successful experience with a number of Self Build projects utilising timber frame, SIPS and ICF in their construction.
RETROFIT
EXISTING BUILDINGS AND RETROFIT: we take tired, inefficient or redundant buildings and turn them into incredible new environments, transforming them with careful consideration.
LOW ENERGY CONSERVATION
HISTORIC BUILDINGS: We apply our low energy approach to already beautiful structures, maintaining the character whilst improving the fabric to 21st century standards.
The Process and the Services We Offer
Stages 0-2 Strategic Definition, Preparation Brief and Concept Design
Our initial client conversations form the beginning of a brief to be interrogated and questioned We work to understand our client’s core objectives key requirements and
aspirations for the project, the business case, constraints of budget and programme Feasibility is explored in order to assess a number of options and their viability with respect to the project specific constraints
The conclusion of stage 0 1 forms the strategic brief for the project Other members of the design team that are required will be identified at this stage Structural Engineer, Quantity Surveyor/ Cost Consultant, Energy Consultant, Ecologist, Flood Risk Assessor, Arboriculturist and, depending on the complexity of the project, Mechanical and Electrical Consultant.
During the Concept Design stage (Stage 2 we produce an option appraisal to communicate and review the evolving concept design. We use our Revit software to produce 3 D models which are always helpful for clients to get a feel for the spaces within and around the building and amplify 2D drawings that are presented. We develop a good idea as to construction strategy and conclude this stage with a preferred outline architectural proposal and, following this, preliminary cost information from a quantity surveyor. We can also seek pre application advice at the conclusion of this stage.
We find that involving the planners at the right time in the evolution of a scheme often helps to positively inform the work in stage 3 and increases the chances of a successful planning application
Stage 3 Developed Design
From the preferred option, we develop the design in greater detail, producing planning drawings with further information outlining materials, appearance and the layout of the building and the site. At this stage we obtain quotations for other consultant reports required for planning purposes and they are appointed by you. We then liaise with these specialists and incorporate their information into the design. The consultation with the Local Planning Authority informs the evolving design and at the conclusion of this work stage documentation is prepared and a full application for planning permission is submitted. We can also approach Building Control for initial pre application advice at this stage. We are partnered with LABC and receive this service free of charge. We will then liaise with them to ensure that the evolving proposals are compliant with Building Regulations.
Stage 4 Technical Design
Following Planning Permission and client approval of the developed design, we develop all technical aspects of the scheme in detail. This involves regular design team meetings over a period in order to fully coordinate all aspects of the design structure, services and architecture. We work hard during this stage to produce detailed information that, amongst other things, will be used for a competitive tender that enables a like for like comparison of tender returns.
The end product of this work stage is a set of detailed drawings and specification and/ or schedule of works Other members of the design team structural engineer, mechanical and electrical consultant, energy consultant will produce similar information that is also fully coordinated with all disciplines. In addition to ultimately tendering the works, the above information is then used for:
• Updating/ finalising the project cost plan by Quantity Surveyor/ Cost Consultant (if required)
• Full Plans Submission to Local Authority Building Control
• The Principle Designer (under CDM Regulations 2015 to prepare a Pre Construction Health Safety Plan
• Preparation of Tender Documents
Potential building contractors are identified and appraised, tenders are obtained. We will often enter into negotiations with one or two top bidding contractors, representing our client in order to bring the contract sum down. In the process we work with you and the contractors to identify appropriate cost saving measures as many contractors can use their wealth of experience to make suggestions for our consideration. As a result, if necessary, revisions to the technical design can be made at this stage.
We would always recommend and Building Contract be entered into between the Client and the Contractor in order to look after the interests of both parties. Once agreement is found on the tender sum and all elements of the design, the building contract can be let.
The building Contract will be signed at the very beguining of the next stage and the site handed over to the contractor for the duration of the works.
Stage 5 Construction
During the construction phase the architect administers the building contract, including regular site inspections and review of progress, issuing of instructions and certifying amounts to be paid to the contractor Site inspections are typically fortnightly but can vary as the project progresses, depending on the complexity of each stage of the build.
Stage 6-7 Handover and Close Out and In Use
Following practical completion of the works the architect continues to administer the contract making final inspections and, if necessary, providing information to the Quantity Surveyor/ Cost Consultant for final accounting of the building contract sum.
Whether the job is private/ domestic or commercial in nature we can carry post occupancy visits and feedback to help ensure complete client and user satisfaction as well as the continued improvement of our own practice. Preserving the successful collaborations and relationships we build through good and open communication during the process is very important us.
Ultimately, we have stayed in touch with all of our clients and collaborators, gaining repeat work and recommendations from many of them.
References are Available Upon Request
Self Build Architect | UK Architect | Shropshire Architect | Shrewsbury Architect | Ellesmere Architect| North Wales Architect | Buckinghamshire Architect | Swindon Architect | West Midlands Architect | Worcester Architect | Gloucester Architect | Wolverhampton Architect | Bridgnorth Architect