Studio
ABOUT US
We are creative, inventive, honest and collaborative at every step of your architectural journey.
With a genuine passion for contemporary design and a wealth of architectural knowledge, we listen to and understand your hopes, dreams, and concerns. This could be an existing or new build project. We identify previously unrealised opportunities within an existing plan or a site, to deliver exciting and achievable proposals for you.
We understand that embarking on a building project of every shape and size can be daunting. Our skills allow us to collaborate with you, to guide you through the design and construction process. We’ll prioritise your wants and needs whilst considering your budget, develop sketch concepts, and create physical scaled models to deliver you the most inspiring and engaging designs.
Beyond this, we’ll do all that is needed to realise your project, including making a planning application, producing construction drawing packages and looking after your project on site from start to finish while it is built.
We are problem solvers. Our experience allows us to establish and advise you on the best solution to suit your needs. We create designs of exceptional quality that engage and inspire you.
We are incredibly proud of our RIBA Chartered Practice accreditation, which confirms our commitment to both you, and the highest professional and ethical standards.
HOW WE WORK
These are our typical key stages in developing and delivering a project for you, and they can be tailored to your individual project needs.
They are related to the RIBA Plan of Work Stages and are part of our commitment to providing a fully transparent service.
STAGE 0 BRIEFING
THOUGHTS & DREAMS
In this stage, we discuss what to expect from your project and help you consider important factors before deciding whether to work with us.
Having first spoken, we will have an initial idea of what your aspirations are. If not, we have a short questionnaire designed to quickly understand the important details of your project.
Next is a video call with one of our Directors and design team, discussing your project in depth. We will provide preliminary advice on feasibility, including planning and budget considerations.
We then present a scope and fee proposal to move forward with your project. This will include a detailed brief identifying your project’s key goals and objectives.
STAGE 1 FEASIBILITY
UNLOCKING POTENTIAL
Here we arrange to meet in person at your home or site and this is our first chance to experience the project site up close.
We will undertake in-depth research of the site and local area, all of which can impact design and highlight further opportunities and constraints.
A measured survey will likely be required and carried out at this point, aiding further understanding of the site, its topography and neighbouring properties/sites.
At our site visit, where we get to know you further, we undertake a photo survey and together with the measured survey develop an existing 3D CAD model of the site and its surroundings. All to inform concept design development.
STAGE 2 CONCEPT
VISUALISING IDEAS
This is where we get creative! Getting to grips with your brief and our feasibility findings, we will be testing out ideas through initial sketches, 3D modelling and CAD drawings.
At the end of this stage, we meet with you (either online or at our studio) to present the Concept Design – walking you through the proposal, using plans and CGI images to explain the rationale behind your design.
Following our presentation, we happily field any questions you may have or explain further any points you raise.
If required, a pre-application will be submitted at this time to the Local Planning Authority and a meeting arranged with the case officer.
STAGE 3 PLANNING
PREPARING APPLICATIONS
We will develop your approved concept design into a refined set of CAD drawings ready for a Planning Application. Alongside this, a design and access statement and any other supplementary reports are prepared.
We have honed a reliable approach and methodology over the years, leading to our impressive track record of planning success.
We stay in close contact with your local authority planning case officer, addressing any queries that may arise in an effort to affect a positive outcome.
Typically from the submission of the application, the local authority determination period is 8 weeks.
STAGE 4 TECHNICAL
FINALISING DETAILS
We coordinate the consultants required for your project, such as a Structural Engineer and a Quantity Surveyor, to produce a comprehensive drawing package. This allows Tendering Contractors to understand how the project is to be constructed and provide accurate costs.
We can develop the interior design and unique features such as custom joinery items. We discuss and agree on all material finishes. Interior design is currently excluded from the example costs.
We explore the scheme with our clients using our immersive real-time 3D visualisation software, displaying realistic materials and light conditions.
The selection of a main contractor for the project marks the conclusion of this stage, and final preparation for the realisation of the project begins.
STAGE 5 BUILD
UNDERTAKING WORK
We assist in overseeing the project during construction. Regular site visits are carried out and recorded, ensuring works are progressing in accordance with the agreed program and the construction drawings.
We will liaise with the Contractor, Building Control and others, resolving queries throughout, administering a formal building contract, managing change control, and coordinating valuations together with a Quantity Surveyor.
At the end of this stage, we issue a Practical Completion Certificate when your Contractor has met all of their obligations, and hand the finished project over to you to enjoy.
