Our process

The first step is an initial phone conversation with one of our Project Directors. The main purpose of this telephone call is to discuss with you the key parameters of your project and establish if and how we can help.

Prior this informal conversation, our Project Director will consider the information provided and use the call as an opportunity to ascertain in more detail what you would like to achieve, the potential of the project and what restrictions there may be, and the scope of architectural services that is most suitable.

They will then offer some preliminary advice regarding the feasibility of the project in relation to planning restrictions and the target budget.

After we have established if and how we can assist you with your project, the next step is an introduction meeting with our Project Team.

The introduction meeting, which can take place at our Battersea office or virtually, is an opportunity for us to get to know each other better, discuss your project in more detail and give you a sense of what our collaboration will be like before you commit to working with us.

We begin with a short presentation about the unique process that we been perfecting over many years.

The three team members assigned to your project will introduce their specialised roles: Design, Technical Design and Project Management, using illustrated examples.

We proceed to discuss the details of the project and provide preliminary advice on design, planning, construction, budget and timeframe.

The next step is for us to issue our scope and fee proposal for the project. Depending on the particular requirements and the scope offered, our fees may be based either on a percentage of the construction cost, or on a fixed sum.

To provide our prospective clients with a broad picture of the project ahead, we include a full list of the other consultants that may be required to contribute, including estimated costs as well as a preliminary project programme.

To complete the pre-appointment process, we usually propose a visit to the site for the assigned Project Director to verify some of our early thoughts, answer any questions about the fee proposal and, most importantly, ensure all parties are happy to embark on the journey ahead together.

To enable us to build an accurate 3D model of the existing site and any existing buildings, we need a Measured Survey. This may be a 2D CAD survey or a 3D laser scan survey, depending on the particulars of the project.

We will obtain suitable quotes for you to consider. Depending on the chosen scope of the project, we will then either appoint the surveying company directly, or invite you to appoint them under us and we will liaise with them on your behalf.

Based on a combination of the brief, plus environmental, structural and planning considerations, we develop an exciting initial proposal. During interactive design meetings, we explore the proposed scheme within a 3D virtual environment, discuss any comments and tweak the model live in front of you to test out ideas and suggestions that might come up in the discussion. Following each meeting, we send all the information presented for review. Based on the comments we receive, we produce revisions and further develop the scheme before the next meeting. There are three steps within the initial design stage.

Planning in the UK in general, and in Greater London in particular, can be a complex process. It is an intricate maze of policies, standards and regulations that require both specialised and current knowledge and skills in order to navigate it successfully.

Over many years, we have developed a failsafe approach and effective methodology that has allowed us to maintain an outstanding track record, spanning over more than a decade.

During the Planning stage, we prepare and submit all of the drawings and documentation required for obtaining planning permission and liaise with the local council's Case Officers on behalf of our clients.

Depending on the nature of the proposed scheme and local planning restrictions, we may advise seeking pre-planning advice prior to submission of a full planning application.

Detail Design

During this stage, we develop the detail of the scheme and design special features and built-in joinery items.

We discuss and agree on all material finishes and select the kitchen and bathrooms with all fixtures and fittings. We then proceed to develop mechanical, electrical and lighting schemes and collaborate with our clients to select all the required details.

This enjoyable process is highly interactive. During design meetings, we explore the proposed scheme with our clients using our immersive real-time 3D visualisation software, displaying realistic materials and light conditions.

The ability to adjust the model live to try out new ideas makes the process all the more exciting, and our design meetings are designed to feel like a collaborative and interactive workshop.

Tender

Based on the approved Detail Design, we develop the Technical Design of the scheme in collaboration with the other consultants and prepare a drawing set with all information required for accurate pricing and selection of the main contractor for the site.

For most projects, along with the pricing document we will issue a full set of NBS (National Building Standard) specifications covering matters of best practice, compliance and quality control.

Our experience shows that the accuracy and level of detail included in this documentation plays a key role in obtaining accurate and reliable quotes, and helps to maintain the highest level of quality control during construction on site.

The selection of a main contractor for the project marks the conclusion of this stage, and final preparation for the realisation of the project commences.

Once a main contractor has been chosen and the final contract sum negotiated and agreed, the building contract is prepared and signed.

We recommend using a standard form of building contract that is appropriate to the size of the project. This would typically be one of the building contracts published by the JCT (Joint Contracts Tribunal).

Once construction work commences on site, regular site visits will be conducted to inspect the works and determine whether the project is proceeding in accordance with the contract. The contractor will be provided with further instructions, information and drawings as required.

The works completed on site will be valued monthly to determine the appropriate portion of the contract sum which can be released for payment.

Once all work is complete, our clients move into their new home. At this point, a rectification period will begin to allow the structure to settle and any minor latent defects to present themselves.

At the end of the rectification period, a visit will be arranged to conduct final inspections and arrange for correction of any apparent defects by the contractor.

Once all of these items have been completed, we conclude the building contract and allow our clients to continue enjoying the new home for many years to come.

We always remain available for any questions or advice that our clients may need and aim to stay in touch to hear about how clients experience and interact with the new home that we have created together.