What are the benefits of using an architect rather than going straight to a builder?
Going straight to a builder means that you miss out on the most important design stage.
It sounds obvious but builders specialize in building things and architects specialize in designing functional and beautiful spaces.
By using an Architect you’ll end up with a home that is right for you and that you'll love living in.
You’ll also ensure that you get the maximum return on your investment with the finished project adding value to your property.
Are architects expensive?
Absolutely not. An architect can actually save you money.
They can manage your build to ensure that you get value for money.
They will often find the extra light and space that you did not know you had.
And remember the initial consultation is FREE.
What is the benefit of Design and Build company?
We believe a major cause of project failure is the lack of communication. Architects are by nature and training creative thinkers. Creative designs are assembled into drawings and documents. The knowledge and time is spent on assembling these lines and cannot be extracted from the project. However these lines are often interpreted by another person that can misread the intent leading to mistakes.
Years of experience working as architects and project managers showed us little has changed between the designer - builder barricades. We have thus came forth and established fundamental principle where each construction is run by a trained architect whilst all jobs on site are coordinated by an accredited project manager. We romanticize about being the master builder once more. We would love to build you designs.
Do you have any tips on how I can control my budget?
Being a one-stop shop for design and construction creates a single point of responsibility. We will tightly manage your budget from initial brief all the way until completion.
Will I need to apply for planning permission?
It’s impossible for us to tell without having a clear understanding of exactly what you’re trying to achieve.
In some cases work can be carried out under the permitted development scheme however in the majority of our client cases a planning application is needed given the scope of work.
There are specific conservation areas where significant deviations from the traditional style are all but impossible. An architect with local experience will be able to work with local councils to increase the chances of having your plans approved.
We’ll know in your initial FREE meeting with us if a planning application is required.
How long will it take for me to get planning permission?
This varies depending upon the size and complexity of the project and the local authority. Most straightforward domestic planning applications are decided within 8-12 weeks.
Our in-house Planning Consultants have complete knowledge of the planning process and over the years have established strong relationships with local authority planning departments.
What’s involved in getting my project approved?
There are 3 main stages:
Concept. After we’re instructed we prepare a survey of the building or site and produce feasibility or sketch designs. We also have informal discussions with the local authority and check to ensure there are no public sewers, electricity cables or gas pipes that might affect your project.
Planning. We work up the drawings to a level required by the local authority for planning or listed building consent and submit to the Local Authority.
Building Regulations. The technical detail required and specification is added together with any other consultant information, and we submit to the local authority for Building Regulations approval.
Are we guaranteed to get planning permission?
Nothing is guaranteed although we pride ourselves on our 99% success rate for planning applications.
The English planning system is fairly prescriptive but the final decision is made by the individual planning officer or by committees, and their views can, as you would expect be highly subjective and open to broad interpretation of the ‘rules’.
Building regulations on the other hand is a much more straightforward matter as they are rigidly fixed and approval can always be obtained of the correct technical information is provided with the application.
What are building regulations?
Not to be confused with planning, Building Regulations are there to ensure that buildings are made to a minimum quality standard for such things as structure, fire escape, drainage, ventilation and insulation.
Building regulation matters are usually handled by Building Control Officers in the Building Control Department of your local authority but increasingly private licensed inspectors are an alternative.
Unlike planning, there is no committee and you should not have to endure a long wait for approvals.
I have an interior designer I want to use. Will that cause problems?
Not at all, we frequently work with interior designers chosen by our clients.
I have an contractor I want to use. Will that cause problems?
Not at all, we frequently work with other contractors chosen by our clients. Once designs and permissions have been obtained we will be very happy assisting your chosen contractor on site.
I already have an architectural proposal I want to use. Can you help me to build it?
Yes of course. We often work with other architects. Delivering design-led projects does require certain expertise and our architectural background is always considered a benefit to deliver difficult designs on time and within set budget.
