l project will include the following steps, but you are only committed to the phase you have agreed to at any point in time. I.e., because you invite us to provide drawings does not mean you are committed to carrying out the project with us, although this is our preference. We are also very happy to pick up a project once you already have drawings and/or Planning Permission.

We provide all aspects of building work including new builds, extensions, loft conversions, refurbishments, alterations, landscaping, orangeries etc. along with the requisite architectural and interior design.

Step one

An initial telephone conversation where we will discuss your requirements and will ask you about the budget for the project to ensure that we do not design something that is unaffordable. We are very good at bringing a project in for a set budget with a nip and tuck here and there, if the budget is reasonable. From this conversation we will be able to advise if your budget is realistic, along with the cost for the professional fees, i.e., drawing work, Planning Application and Building Regulations work.

Step two

A consulting meeting where we learn what it is you want to achieve. We can take your brief and turn this into reality, and we can provide as much design input as you like – we are award winning architectural designers. At this meeting we will discuss not only the design but also the practicalities of the project such as access to the site, timescales, how you will live with the work being undertaken and any temporary kitchen etc. that must be set up, the costs and the process you will go through, till it is completed.

Step three

The meeting will be followed up with a document describing the design and scope of work often along with pictures if we have tried to describe something to you that is more easily explained with photographs and sketches. This document forms the ‘brief’ for the project and will developed further before the final scope is agreed. Sometimes fine tuning the scope takes a while and can continue after the drawings are produced. We will also provide a very good estimate of the project’s costs at this stage and if it ends up going over budget you can cancel the measured survey which you will have booked with us by then.

Step four

A measured survey where we measure your property to provide the drawings. For some projects this will not be necessary, if for example you just want an interior design or a simple refurbishment, but for most it is. We will of course advise from the outset what is required and what is not.

Step five

Provision of drawings for your approval or adjustment. For our fee we will provide two minor amendments to the drawings.

Step six

Once agreed, submission to the Council for Planning Consent or for a Lawful Development Certificate and Building Regulations. We monitor the Council as they consider the proposals to ensure the most successful outcome as occasionally, we are asked to make changes to the design for them to pass it. So far in our 30-year career, we have never failed to get an Application successfully through Planning; but this can’t of course be guaranteed.

Step seven

Whilst the Council is taking their 8 or so weeks to consider the Application, we will be fine tuning the scope of works and its pricing to put this into a fixed price contract with payment terms and timescales. Most Clients wish to commence the project as soon as Planning is granted so we aim to have agreed the contract and start date in the hope that our Application is successful, and we are ready to commence immediately.

Step eight

Once we commence a project this is strictly project managed with the costs for this included in the fixed price contract. To provide a fixed price contract we must provide very good project management. We will provide you with our inten