Links

Royal Institute of British Architects:

• www.architecture.com

Architects Registration Board:

• www.arb.org.uk 

The Planning Portal:

• www.planningportal.co.uk

The Health and Safety Executive:

• http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/areyou/domestic-client.htm

Advice

A building project is a major undertaking and there are many things to consider, not least of which is money. If you are looking to obtain a budget estimate for your work then £2500 per square metre of floor space being created is a good guide. This should not be treated as an accurate costing, just as an aid in the early stages. Alternatively, why not get in touch with a local builder and see if they can give you an indication of costs. Their figures are often not fully inclusive but should help guide you. It is better to scale back your project to suit your budget rather than try to complete everything and end up accepting a reduced standard.

Many people are unaware that they have an entitlement to extend their property to the rear, to the side or in the roof without the need for planning permission. There are limitations as to when and by how much but often clients’ requirements will fall within these brackets. A ‘Certificate of Lawfulness’ should still be obtained from the Council to confirm that the proposals are acceptable. More details can be found on the Planning Portal website (see Links) or your local Council’s website.

If you would like to find out more, please feel free to get in touch and I can arrange to come over for an initial consultation and discuss the project with you in more detail.

Other Consultants

When working on any project, there are other services and expenses you should consider. These include the following:

• Planning applications: The Council charge a fee for applications. This is often a couple of hundred pounds but can vary according to the type and size of the project.

• Building Regulations: The details can be considered by either the Council or an Approved Inspector. The fee is generally related to the scale of the works but will often be between £500 and £1500 for a domestic project.

• Structural Engineer: Most projects require some input from a Structural Engineer. Their fee proposal will reflect the complexity of the calculations required but will often be in the region of £1000 to £2000 for a domestic project.

• Party Wall Surveyor: If you are building within certain proximities of your neighbours then you will need a Party Wall Award. Surveyors costs range from around £450 upwards depending on requirements. Be aware that you may also be liable for the cost of your neighbour’s surveyors.

• Principal Designer: Under Health and Safety Legislation, Domestic Clients have now been assigned a Role and Responsibilities. As a domestic client, your duties under the CDM 2015 regulations are very limited however the regulations state that, in most cases, the client must appoint a Principal Designer (potentially your architect) as early as possible to plan, manage and monitor the design of the project and co-ordinate matters relating to health and safety during the design stages. This will be an additional appointment with its own fee structure.

• Other specialists you may wish to consult include a Landscape Architect, Interior Designer, Lighting Consultant and Kitchen or Bathroom companies.

Be aware that almost all costs provided for a project will exclude VAT.

History

Services

• New build architecture
• Extensions and loft conversions
• Interior design
• Space planning

Each new project will start with a client consultation. From this discussion a brief will be developed and series of sketch designs and ideas can be produced.

After developing the proposals alongside the client a final set of drawings is produced which will be suitable for submission to the council for a planning application.

The information is then followed up with the planning department and any necessary adjustments are made.

Once planning permission has been obtained, further information is produced in order to obtain Building Regulations approval and for tendering.

During the construction process regular visits are made to ensure smooth running of the project.

We are as happy to be consulted on projects that require only some design input as we are to overseeing full projects from inception to completion.

Design

• Every project is individual and will have its own set of parameters and challenges.
• We seek to produce contemporary, elegant architecture using clean and simple lines.
• Designs will be sympathetic to the surroundings without attempting to replicate the existing.
• The results are intended to be both beautiful to look at and inspiring to be within.
• Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in how we can work together to create a beautiful space.

Using an Architect

        Why use an Architect?

• Architects are trained to take your brief and can see the big picture.
• Architects look beyond your immediate requirements to design flexible buildings that will adapt with the changing needs of your business/family.
• Architects solve problems creatively.
• When they are involved at the earliest planning stage, they gain more opportunities to understand your requirements, develop creative solutions, and propose ways to reduce costs.
• Architects can save you money by maximising your investment.
• A well-designed building can reduce your bills now and increase its long-term value.
• Architects can help manage your project from site selection to completion.
• In many building projects the role of the architect includes co-ordinating a team of specialist consultants such as landscape architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, interior designers, builders and subcontractors.
• Architects can save you time.
• By managing and co-ordinating key project elements they allow you to focus on your personal activities.
• They create total environments, interior and exterior, which are pleasing and functional for the people who work and do business within them.

From the RIBA Website