Our Process
Below is what you may expect whilst on our typical process.
How does our typical project look?
At this stage one of our team will have an initial video call to talk through your project and what you are looking to get out of the project. We’ll gather any ideas you have and use them for inspiration to come up with initial designs for your project and discuss our typical payment structure. If you’re at this stage, we encourage the use of some tools to help get a better idea of what you’re looking for:
How long will this take?
We aim to get a good idea of your project within about an hour. No pressure if it takes a little longer.
What will I get?
Introductions to our dedicated team member, outlining the core ideas and strategies.
Our stage fees % of total project costs:
Free
If we’re the right fit for your project, we’ll take first payment at this stage. This ensures we can get the assets we need to get your project on the go. This also acts as a deposit for our team’s time to dedicate to your project and allows us to complete an initial survey of the property.
After payment, you can arrange a suitable time for one of our team to carry out a measured building survey, this usually takes around 4 hours depending on the size of the property and the type of work being carried out.
After the survey, a set of as-built plans are created and a copy is given to the homeowner for their records. These are simple floor plans and exterior elevations – a minimal set showing what currently exists on site. A surveyor is typically contacted at this stage if required and scheduled to produce a site survey – this survey is eventually incorporated into the as-built legal documents when your project is finished.
What’s next?
You will then meet with the team to discuss the designs and what you like/dislike about each design. They will then make any changes that are required and repeat the process until you are 100% happy with the design.
How long will this take?
We aim to get this narrowed down and agreed in the first week.
What will I get?
Agreeing terms and the information requirements. Documenting the brief.
Our stage fees % of total project costs:
~1%
Once the design is finalised a full set of planning drawings will be produced and the planning application will be completed ready for submission following final approval from you. That is of course, assuming you need it. If not, we may be able to press on without an application.
How long will this take?
This can depend on your local council. We aim to get the information produced and ready within a couple of weeks, but this may take up to 10 weeks.
What will I get?
A full planning pack. This includes all the drawings and information you’ll need to submit a planning application.
Our stage fees % of total project costs:
~3%
Once the design is finalised a full set of planning drawings will be produced and the planning application will be completed ready for submission following final approval from you. That is of course, assuming you need it. If not, we may be able to press on without an application.
How long will this take?
This can depend on your local council. We aim to get the information produced and ready within a couple of weeks, but this may take up to 10 weeks.
What will I get?
A full planning pack. This includes all the drawings and information you’ll need to submit a planning application.
Our stage fees % of total project costs:
~3%
Once planning approval has been granted, we can then prepare the construction drawings for your project. At this point we take into consideration your preferred heating systems, insulation, windows etc.
We can advise you on all these issues and talk you through all the different options. Each project is individually specified depending on the clients needs, budget and construction preferences. This is an optional service and a submission can be made under Building Notice depending on your requirements.
How long will this take?
There are a couple of routes to take at this part of the process. We can advise the best approach to suit your time needs.
What will I get?
A full building control pack. This contains all the drawings to adhere to the building regulations. A lot of these drawings can be used by your builder.
Our stage fees % of total project costs:
~2%
This stage isn’t required, but is recommended if you are working to a strict budget.
If you would like to progress to tender, we will meet with you to decide on a full specification for the project, this includes things like finishes, joinery, decorating etc.
Once the tender package is complete, it is sent out to a number of builders who will then return a price for the project.
How long will this take?
We can produce this pack of information within a couple of weeks.
What will I get?
A detailed specification of all the products you need for your project. This accompanies the drawings required to install them in the way you want.
Our stage fees % of total project costs:
~3%
This is just as much about us as it is about you. The only way we can ensure we have fulfilled your needs and performed the best way we can is to discuss your project. This element is always funded by us, so let us take you out for a coffee and see how we can do even better next time.
How long will this take?
No more than an hour.
What will I get?
An opportunity to generally discuss the project with us once complete. You can highlight any immediate teething problems that can be addressed and solved in collaboration.
Our stage fees % of total project costs:
Free
This is just as much about us as it is about you. The only way we can ensure we have fulfilled your needs and performed the best way we can is to discuss your project. This element is always funded by us, so let us take you out for a coffee and see how we can do even better next time.
How long will this take?
No more than an hour.
What will I get?
An opportunity to generally discuss the project with us once complete. You can highlight any immediate teething problems that can be addressed and solved in collaboration.
Our stage fees % of total project costs:
Free
Note: This structure represents a typical project. At our initial meeting, we may need to make different arrangements to suit your needs.
Why do we use BIM?
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the term used to describe modern processes that architectural designers and other construction industry stakeholders use to ensure the design and management of a project is as efficient possible. BIM is not typically a major factor for residential projects but we understand the importance of using industry standard practices for all projects no matter the size.
People often describe BIM as just 3D modelling. Though we do use 3D models to create our information, BIM is not only the model. BIM is all about creating all the information that the client wants with an agreed process by the client’s appointed team.
By following these processes we can record, manage and utilise the client’s brief to ensure the client gets exactly the information they need in the right place, and at the right time. The benefit for us is that we can use a standard process to help us and our team. The benefit for you is that you can be certain that what your team is creating is exactly what you want.
At this stage one of our team will have an initial video call to talk through your project and what you are looking to get out of the project. We’ll gather any ideas you have and use them for inspiration to come up with initial designs for your project and discuss our typical payment structure. If you’re at this stage, we encourage the use of some tools to help get a better idea of what you’re looking for:
How long will this take?
We aim to get a good idea of your project within about an hour. No pressure if it takes a little longer.
What will I get?
Introductions to our dedicated team member, outlining the core ideas and strategies.
Our stage fees % of total project costs:
Free
If we’re the right fit for your project, we’ll take first payment at this stage. This ensures we can get the assets we need to get your project on the go. This also acts as a deposit for our team’s time to dedicate to your project and allows us to complete an initial survey of the property.
After payment, you can arrange a suitable time for one of our team to carry out a measured building survey, this usually takes around 4 hours depending on the size of the property and the type of work being carried out.
After the survey, a set of as-built plans are created and a copy is given to the homeowner for their records. These are simple floor plans and exterior elevations – a minimal set showing what currently exists on site. A surveyor is typically contacted at this stage if required and scheduled to produce a site survey – this survey is eventually incorporated into the as-built legal documents when your project is finished.
What’s next?
You will then meet with the team to discuss the designs and what you like/dislike about each design. They will then make any changes that are required and repeat the process until you are 100% happy with the design.
How long will this take?
We aim to get this narrowed down and agreed in the first week.
What will I get?
Agreeing terms and the information requirements. Documenting the brief.
Our stage fees % of total project costs:
~1%
Once the design is finalised a full set of planning drawings will be produced and the planning application will be completed ready for submission following final approval from you. That is of course, assuming you need it. If not, we may be able to press on without an application.
How long will this take?
This can depend on your local council. We aim to get the information produced and ready within a couple of weeks, but this may take up to 10 weeks.
What will I get?
A full planning pack. This includes all the drawings and information you’ll need to submit a planning application.
Our stage fees % of total project costs:
~3%
Once the design is finalised a full set of planning drawings will be produced and the planning application will be completed ready for submission following final approval from you. That is of course, assuming you need it. If not, we may be able to press on without an application.
How long will this take?
This can depend on your local council. We aim to get the information produced and ready within a couple of weeks, but this may take up to 10 weeks.
What will I get?
A full planning pack. This includes all the drawings and information you’ll need to submit a planning application.
Our stage fees % of total project costs:
~3%
Once planning approval has been granted, we can then prepare the construction drawings for your project. At this point we take into consideration your preferred heating systems, insulation, windows etc.
We can advise you on all these issues and talk you through all the different options. Each project is individually specified depending on the clients needs, budget and construction preferences. This is an optional service and a submission can be made under Building Notice depending on your requirements.
How long will this take?
There are a couple of routes to take at this part of the process. We can advise the best approach to suit your time needs.
What will I get?
A full building control pack. This contains all the drawings to adhere to the building regulations. A lot of these drawings can be used by your builder.
Our stage fees % of total project costs:
~2%
This stage isn’t required, but is recommended if you are working to a strict budget.
If you would like to progress to tender, we will meet with you to decide on a full specification for the project, this includes things like finishes, joinery, decorating etc.
Once the tender package is complete, it is sent out to a number of builders who will then return a price for the project.
How long will this take?
We can produce this pack of information within a couple of weeks.
What will I get?
A detailed specification of all the products you need for your project. This accompanies the drawings required to install them in the way you want.
Our stage fees % of total project costs:
~3%
This is just as much about us as it is about you. The only way we can ensure we have fulfilled your needs and performed the best way we can is to discuss your project. This element is always funded by us, so let us take you out for a coffee and see how we can do even better next time.
How long will this take?
No more than an hour.
What will I get?
An opportunity to generally discuss the project with us once complete. You can highlight any immediate teething problems that can be addressed and solved in collaboration.
Our stage fees % of total project costs:
Free
This is just as much about us as it is about you. The only way we can ensure we have fulfilled your needs and performed the best way we can is to discuss your project. This element is always funded by us, so let us take you out for a coffee and see how we can do even better next time.
How long will this take?
No more than an hour.
What will I get?
An opportunity to generally discuss the project with us once complete. You can highlight any immediate teething problems that can be addressed and solved in collaboration.
Our stage fees % of total project costs:
Free