Architectural services
Drawings
We meet with you at your home to discuss your requirements and objectives. During this meeting we can assist you to understand the appropriate regulations – for example, whether your project falls within Permitted Development or whether Planning Permission is required. We make no charge for this initial meeting.
If you decide to appoint us, we will come back to carry out a measured survey, and from this we will create “existing” plans. Based upon our concept discussions, we will prepare one or more draft schemes, and once you have selected your chosen scheme we will prepare “proposed” plans.
Planning Permission
If your project falls within “Permitted Development”, you will not need Planning Permission as such, but we would strongly advise that you apply for a Permitted Development Certificate – this is not strictly necessary, but it will provide you with peace of mind that you cannot be challenged post-construction. We will process the Permitted Development application for you.
Where Planning Permission is required, we will submit the plans on your behalf, and will monitor the progress of the application. Should the Planning Officer require amendments, we will in most instances prepare amended plans without additional charge. While it is difficult to generalise, our experience of “first time passes” is in excess of 90%, and in most other cases plans will be approved on the back of relatively minor alterations.
Building Regulations & Structural/Thermal Calculations
Building Regulations are designed to ensure structural integrity and thermal efficiency. We will prepare all the necessary drawings, including structural and thermal calculations. We will submit your application for approval, and we will liaise with Building Control over any changes they may require.
Schedule of Works
In order to quote accurately for your build, your chosen contractor(s) – hopefully us! – will need a schedule which sets out in detail the work to be undertaken. This is known as a Schedule of Works, and for a large project it can be a fairly lengthy and complex document. It is a very important document, aimed at ensuring that there is no misunderstanding between yourself, your architect/designer, and your contractor. As designers and builders, we are exceptionally well-placed to prepare your Schedule of Works.