Every project starts with a conversation. We’ll discuss what you’re hoping to achieve, how you want to use the space, your budget, timescales and any ideas you may already have.We’ll explain the likely process, identify any obvious planning or technical considerations and establish the initial brief for your project. Following this, we’ll provide a clear fee proposal setting out our services, together with any other consultants or third-party costs we anticipate may be required.

Once appointed, we’ll arrange a convenient time to visit your property and carry out a detailed measured survey.Using our 3D laser scanning equipment, we accurately record the existing building and its surroundings, together with a photographic survey. We then use this information to prepare the existing plans, elevations and other drawings needed to begin designing.Getting this information right from the outset gives us a reliable foundation for everything that follows.

This is where your project begins to take shape.Using the brief and measured survey, we’ll explore different layouts and design ideas to understand how we can make the most of your property or site. Where appropriate, we’ll present different options rather than jumping immediately to a single solution.Through plans, sketches and 3D visualisations, we’ll help you understand how the spaces could look, feel and work. We’ll discuss the proposals together and refine the design based on your feedback until we arrive at a solution you’re happy to progress.

Once the design has been agreed, we’ll establish the appropriate planning route and prepare the drawings and supporting information required for submission.We’ll review the proposal against the relevant planning policies and, where specialist input is required - such as structural, arboricultural, ecology, highways or heritage advice - we’ll let you know and help coordinate the appropriate consultants.We’ll submit the application on your behalf and act as your planning agent, liaising with the Local Planning Authority and responding to queries during the application process.

With the design established, we develop it into the detailed technical information needed to get it built.We’ll prepare construction drawings and details covering the key elements of the project and coordinate our information with the structural engineer and other consultants where required. We’ll also develop the information needed to demonstrate compliance with the Building Regulations and coordinate the submission to Building Control.This is the stage where the design moves from what it will look like to how it will actually be constructed.

Before committing to a builder, we can develop the drawings into a more comprehensive tender package, giving contractors clearer information on which to base their quotations.Depending on the project, this can include detailed drawings, specifications, schedules, finishes, kitchen and bathroom information, lighting and electrical layouts and other key design decisions.We can then assist with issuing the information to suitable contractors, reviewing the returned quotations and identifying differences or exclusions - helping you make a more informed decision when selecting your contractor.

Our involvement can continue once construction begins.We can attend site meetings, respond to contractor queries, provide additional design information and help resolve issues that arise during the build. Where changes are proposed on site, we can review them against the original design and advise on their implications.The level of support can be tailored to suit the project and your experience, giving you access to architectural guidance from the first conversation through to completion.