Architects - Frequently asked Questions
What type of architectural practice are you?
The root of our practice is residential design. From remodelling of houses and homes to extensions, loft conversions, and new build houses. We also have extensive experience working with developers for small to medium residential development opportunities. We have recently helped a developer gained planning consent for a small block of 10 apartments in Southwest London, and also eight apartments in Cranleigh, Surrey.
We strive to unlock the hidden potential in homes and developments, securing planning permission and delivering imaginative projects on tricky sites.
Can you help me design a :
• rear / side extension to my house
• a loft conversion
• a new build house
Yes, we can help you with all of the above. We specialize in innovative and clever ways to extend existing homes, as well as designing new homes to suit modern family life. We understand the planning restrictions and consider buildability, and construction matters to suit your budget, whilst always referring back to the brief that we have worked up with you. Our aim is to ensure the final solution gives you what you need (it will be you living there, not us) and future proof your home for years to come.
What is the difference between planning approval and building regulations approval?
Planning permission and building regulations approval are both essential steps in the construction or renovation of a building, but they serve different purposes:
Planning Permission ensures that your project complies with local planning policies and environmental considerations. It focuses on the design, scale, appearance, and impact of the proposed development on the surrounding area and neighbours. It is typically required for larger projects or those that significantly alter the exterior of a building.
Building Regulations Approval deals with safety, structure, and functionality of the building itself. It ensures that your project meets the Building Regulation standards for keys points like fire safety, energy efficiency, structural integrity, plumbing, and electrical systems. This approval is necessary for the construction phase, regardless of whether planning permission is required.
In short, planning permission regulates how a building fits within its environment, while building regulations approval ensures that the building is safe and habitable.
Can you guide us through the design, planning consent and construction phase of work to our house?
Depending on the scale of the project, the architectural process can be complex and involves lots of stages. we offer a flexible service and can support you from inception to completion of the works on site. Our preference is always to design, plan and administer the works on site until the project is finish. However, we can tailor our input to suit your requirements.
Can you help with tendering the project and managing the contractor on site?
Yes, we can assist with both the tendering process and on-site contractor management. Once the design phase is complete, we would prepare detailed tender documents to invite bids from builders that are suitable for your project. We also offer project management services, overseeing the construction process to ensure the project runs smoothly, stays on schedule, and dealing with contractual certification. We works closely with the contractor on-site, ensuring that the design intent is followed, quality standards are met, and any issues are promptly addressed, always keeping you informed.
Why do I need an architect?
An architect brings expertise in design, planning, and problem-solving to ensure that your project is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. They help transform your ideas into a clear vision, providing creative solutions while adhering to building regulations, and budget constraints. An architect also coordinates with contractors, engineers, and other professionals to ensure the project runs smoothly, stays on schedule, and meets your needs. By hiring an architect, you are investing in a experience specific to your project.
Can you help me upgrade my old and dated house to a modern family home?
If you live in a period property or listed home, it may not suit the way a modern family now tends to live. We specialize in providing creative design solutions to fully reflect your brief, allowing for all the necessities of a modern life. We aim to design a space that is visually impressive as well as efficient and functional to suit you.
Will Design include 3-D visualization?
If 3-D visualization will help you get a feel for the design ideas, of course we can add this within our services. The level of input on 3-D visualization really depends on the complexity of the project. With simple extensions we find that clients may have friends and family who have similar extensions and can visualise the design ideas. Whilst with more complicated extensions, we can consider static 3-D images or video fly through.
We’re looking for creative thinking for a difficult site / house. It’s got to be functional to suit our family and work life?
We are passionate about combining our technical thinking and creative enthusiasm to put forward a design proposal to suit your needs. With your involvement, a project design process tend to start with simple sketches, and through discussions with you the design develops from there. We will always seek your input in each stage.
Can you help us with difficult planning constraints?
Yes. We pride ourselves on dealing with difficult sites and sometimes neighbours. We also have a great track record with gaining planning consent in Conservation Areas.
Can you help us with planning the application and dealing with building regulations approval?
We can assist you throughout the entire process of securing planning permission and ensuring compliance with Building Regulations. Our team is experienced in preparing and submitting planning applications to local authorities, and we provide support in addressing any requirements or concerns raised during their review process. We also help navigate the building regulations approval, ensuring your design meets all necessary safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency standards. In some cases the detailed design stage will need input from other consultants such as Structural Engineers, MEP designers etc. We can guide you through this phase.
Do you work with listed buildings?
We do have experience working on listed buildings. It can lead to a further layer of planning approval and a more detailed submission. We would need to discuss this in more detail to fully understand the scope of the works. We believe in conservation as it is the essence of sustainability.