Design Process

Your Brief

Each project and enquiry is unique. It is therefore essential that we meet to discuss your aspirations, needs and the nature of services required. The first meeting is free of charge. Following the meeting the Letter of Appointment will be sent to you confirming the brief and the proposed conditions of appointment including the fee quote for your consideration. For the historic appraisals the initial meeting might not be necessary but the background research will be carried out before the quotation is offered to the Client.

Outline Proposals

To be able to understand the building, its character and advise on the approach the survey of existing house is required. We would be happy to arrange it for you or to prepare digital drawings from dimensioned originals as appropriate. At this stage your requirements, budget and timetable will be discussed in detail; information regarding site conditions and constraints will be obtained and the sketch design/proposals taking account of likely priorities will be prepared for your approval. The concept design might take a form of hand drawn sketches or be prepared in digital format depending on the nature of the scheme. The ideas are discussed in detail at a meeting with the Client enabling us to review the design. Up to 3 approaches might need to be considered in order to come up with the solution that is right for you.

Scheme Design

Once your approval of the outline proposals is obtained, pre-application discussion with the planning authority will be undertaken as necessary. We will discuss with you the outcome. All the documentation required to apply for the planning permission or listed building consent - including drawings and the written statements will be then prepared for your final approval.

Monitoring application

Following the submission it might still be necessary to negotiate with authority as required and include any amendments. We will keep you informed as to the progress of the planning process.

Detail design & Production

Once the approvals are obtained we will develop scheme design; advise on and obtain approval of components, services layouts and performance, type of construction, & quality of materials The production information will be prepared including working details, schedules, specification of materials and workmanship, all in sufficient detail to enable a contractor to prepare a competitive tender, and to submit application for building regulations or other statutory approvals.

Tender Action

At this stage we will research and prepare list of tenderers for client approval; invite, appraise, advise on and negotiate with prospective contractor; advise on building contract and arrange for signing.

Operations on Site & Completion

Once the Contractor is appointed we will administer the contract; inspect the progress and quality of the works; certify value of works completed and payments to the contractor; provide further production information as necessary.