Engaging an architect is a practical decision for anyone looking to build a new house, alter an existing home, or undertake a construction project.

We can provide valuable guidance throughout the design and construction process, extending our services beyond drawing plans.

We can help manage paperwork, ensure value, and bring creative vision to your project to offer peace of mind. our input can be flexible, allowing you to decide how involved you want to be in the process.

From the design stage to navigating building regulations, we can oversee the entire project or only specific aspects, depending on your comfort level with the tasks involved. This tailored solution can cater to your unique needs, whether you prefer full management or assistance with complex areas.

For any further inquiries, please feel free to contact us.

Working with an architect for your home - RIBA publication 

How do I use an architect - RIBA publication 

We have the experience to successfully complete your project, overseeing design, approvals, construction, and budget management.

Preparation

Consulting us at the earliest stage will allow us to gain a real feel for your needs so that together we can establish a clear brief and a realistic budget. This will help reduce the overall design costs and help minimise any potential problems early on.

Developing the design

We will work with you to develop designs that will interpret your ideas imaginatively, maximise your investment, ensure your project is cost effective and can help add real value to your home. We will come up with a range of ideas for you to discuss, develop and refine together.

The Approvals Process

We can help with the approvals required before your project can go ahead, including preparation of applications to the local authority for planning consent (where needed) and for Building Regulations plans approval (which covers the functional requirements of buildings to safeguard the health and safety of the people using them, energy conservation, access and convenience for people with unique mobility needs).

Construction Phase

Guiding you through the construction phase we can help you select suitable builders, obtain appropriate prices for construction, monitor progress and standards, liaise with other specialists and oversee the construction through to completion.

As your project will be unique to you, our fees vary depending on size and complexity of your project and the services that you require. 

Value for money

Our experience and insight can help stretch what can be achieved within your budget and add value to your project. We can suggest new ways of utilising space and light, enrich the palette of materials, finishes or fittings, and propose design solutions that will reduce your overall running costs whilst maximising the energy efficiency of your home. At a fraction of the cost of your project, our fees will prove a sound investment.

Cost

We have three ways of charging which are as follows, 

1. A flat rate,  we can do this once we have established the amount of work involved

2. A percentage of the estimated overall project cost, is for larger/ more complex projects.

3. As an hourly rate for very small projects, this is used where the complexity of the work does not correlate  to the size of the project, and/ or the amount of work involved can not be reasonably estimated at the start of the project

For most clients your home is your biggest single investment. and our fees are small in comparison to the overall cost. When you reflect upon the cost of employing us and the value we can bring to your project, you will find that our fees by far outweigh the ‘so-called’ benefits of undertaking a project without the guidance of a professional architect.

We provide much more than just the drawings for your home. We can provide a tailored solution to meet your needs, which you can be as involved in, or separated from as much as you wish. 

If you choose to have a full service, we can take you through the entire project, to completion or work with you only on the services that you wish for. 

Good advice has its price but the cost of skimping on design quality is far higher. Design fees will usually constitute just a small fraction of the total construction cost and pale into insignificance when measured against the operating costs over the lifespan of a building. High quality design can reduce those operating costs by maximising the efficiency of the building. A building that has received the input of design professionals right from the start will result in greater value in the long term.

In larger practices architects usually are working on several projects at once. As a smaller practice, we are more flexible and responsive, maintaining creative control and quickly responding to the needs and demands of our clients. We give every project our full attention and will work with you on a one-to-one basis, providing a highly personalised service. Our relationship with other disciplines enable large projects to be dealt with in a professional and efficient manner.

This depends on the size and complexity of your project. Our work is mainly completed prior to building work beginning on site, and this can take several months due to the time scale of the local authorities’ applications.

Should a quick build time be required, we can design this in to the scheme, so that time efficient building methods can be employed to get a shell completed within a shorter time than traditional (sometimes cheaper) construction methods.

Planning permission is needed for building work to allow the local Council to manage development. Homeowners may extend their homes under permitted development rights without planning permission, depending on the house type, neighbor proximity, and potential impact. However, these rights limit the type of extension you can have.

Building Regulations plans approval is required to administer the Building standards - this covers the functional requirements of buildings to safeguard the health and safety of the people using them, energy conservation, access and accessibility.

Both approvals are typically valid for three years and can be extended. It is advisable to secure all approvals before starting work.

You will find more detailed information on the above on your local Council’s website. 

Consent is required for listed buildings and conservation areas to protect historic value and control local architecture. Alterations to a Listed Building need listed building consent. Some conservation areas allow modest extensions under permitted development rights, but stricter rules may apply if there is an Article 4 directive.

Planning fees are regulated and are a standard price dependant on what you wish to complete. Housholder applications are a fixed fee, however commercial fees vary dependant on size and type. Below is a link to fees for house holders and a link for commerical projects.

Householder Planning application fees

Commercial planning applicaiton fees

Building regulation fees can now be ubmitted through the planning portal and can alter based on cost or size of build. These are subject to VAT.