You will need an architect if:

• you need assistance to steer your project in the right direction
• you would like advice on possible changes to your home
• you would like professional impartial advice

Architects can assist with:

• Converting your ideas from your imagination to reality
• Ensuring that the proposed design is viable
• Considering all possible obstacles and limitations
• Bespoke solutions
• Ensuring your design adds value to the property

When you have a quality architect on board you can be confident that your project will progress with your best interests at the centre of everything. An architect will have a major impact on your project, and good design will have a positive impact on your future day-to-day life.

Someone who uses the title ‘Architect’ must have attained the necessary qualifications; completed specific practical experiences and has passed all relevant exams. All architects must be registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and are bound by the Boards Code of Conduct. Some architects may choose to become members of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and they are known as Chartered Architects.

Some people use the title, ‘Architectural Designer’ or similar, but they are not qualified architects. When looking for an architect, it is important to check the ARB’s Register of Architects where all genuine architects are registered.

Legitimate architects are professionally obliged to place their clients’ interests above their own and must comply with the ARB’s Code of Conduct.

We offer full architectural services from initial feasibility and appraisal, through the planning process (including listed building consent), to design, construction and completion. 

You can choose to appoint us for partial services or a full architectural package.

Yes, we do. We will visit your property to discuss your requirements in detail. The more information you can give us, the better we can understand your brief.

We will explain the design process, the statutory applications required for your particular project and the building process. We will also agree with you which of our services you require. Following this consultation, we will prepare a detailed quotation for your consideration.

Not at all. We represent a very small percentage of your overall costs. We resolve problems, open up unexpected solutions and offer guidance at all stages. We will achieve a more efficient result you might have thought possible within the budgetary restraints you give us.  Indeed, the use of an architect will often save you a significant amount of money over the course of your project. Architects are fully transparent and open about services and costs, non-coordinated design teams require huge input from you and could have significant fees hidden within inflated construction costs.

Following the consultation, we prepare a detailed fee proposal as our fees are based on the size and extent of proposed works and services.

During the consultation we will discuss the type of service you require:

• Partial Services – in most cases this is work done up to the planning phase and fees are generally fixed.
• Full Service – this would include planning, building regulations, tender package,  plus managing the project onsite known as contract administration which would be calculated as a percentage cost. 

No, we can provide an indication of these costs but they do not form a part of our fee.

The size and complexity of your project will determine what other professionals will need to be involved. If required we can suggest and arrange a suitable team to guide your project forward.

Once we have had the initial consultation we will have a clearer understanding of what you are trying to achieve and whether a planning application is required.

If planning permission is needed we will be able to advise as to the type, as there are several different categories. Planning applications depend on the extent of the proposed works and whether there are any property constraints such as the property being listed or located in a conservation area.

We have good working relationships with numerous local authorities and this will increase the chances of having your plans approved.

Although this is something we cannot guarantee, we pride ourselves on our high success rate for planning applications. 

Planning policies are constantly changing and vary from local authority to local authority. When a planning application is made, the design quality of the proposal is amongst the most important element that planning officers assess.

Each planning application is assigned to an individual officer with the final decision being made by that officer or the relevant committee. The planning policies of the local authority and how they are interpreted can be highly subjective and open to interpretation, therefore it is important to be fully aware of all the issues that may arise when submitting an application.

Building regulations should not be confused with planning permission. The building regulations are there to ensure that buildings meet a minimum quality standard for structure, fire escapes, drainage, ventilation, and insulation amongst other things.  

Building regulations are handled by your local authority, or by private licensed inspectors known as Approved Building Control Inspectors.

Building control is required for almost all projects, and for all the projects we ever worked on as only minor renovation works may be exempt.