Architectural Services

Design & Management of all types of Building project

Formulation of brief strategy working closely with the client

Development advice, residential and commercial

Specification writing

Contract management

Monitoring and management on site of modern and traditional techniques

Local Authority consents:

Planning; Listed Building; Building Regulations; Environment Agency; Highways

Specialist in the conservation, repair and alteration of historic buildings
Grant applications for funded projects

Standard Procedures

The services covered and likely to be involved in a project are as follows:

Initial site visit, discussion of client’s requirements and brief-taking

Measured survey for the purposes of planning and detailed drawings

Initial sketch proposals for client’s approval

Drawings and documentation for submission for Planning Approval and Listed Building or Conservation Area Consent

Drawings and documentation for Building Regulations Approval

Recommendation of and liaison with other consultants where necessary: Structural engineer, Mechanical and Electrical consultant, etc.,

Recommendation of suitable building contractors, preparation of Tender drawings and Specification, advice on the appointment of the contractor and appropriate Form of Contract for the Works

Administration of the contract on site, to include regular site visits, consultation with the contractor over unforeseen situations on site, inspection of works on site and control of compliance with the details and specification

Administration of financial aspects of the contract, agreement of unforeseen extras or client changes

Final checking of the Works and agreement of final Contract Sum.

Philosophy

A project is a success if the client achieves what they envisage, at a price they can afford, within a reasonable time scale. This may mean adapting to changes in design, budget and phasing of the works. The client should be kept informed of costs, fees and any other constraints, such as Planning or Listed Building issues.

Fee Structure

A simple time-based fee structure is adopted, with an estimate of the probable maximum expenditure, with pre-warning of addition fees (only experienced in extreme cases).

The Team

The Architectural Department currently includes three staff members for full technical and administrative support. We use computer aided design where appropriate, but employ traditional drawing skills for the majority of unique and sensitive projects.