SERVICES
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
We provide a full range of architectural services across all RIBA work stages, from inception to completion.
On most of our projects, we provide a full architectural service across all RIBA work stages, from initial concept through to construction drawings. You can read more about our process here.
Occasionally, we may be asked to limit our involvement to the early stages of a project or, alternatively, take it over at a more advanced stage.
PRINCIPAL DESIGNER
We will act as the Lead Consultant throughout the project, coordinating the design input of all appointed consultants - this role is typically included in our base fee.
At the outset, we will advise you on which professional consultants need to be appointed and prepare the technical brief outlining the project requirements. We will then manage and coordinate the work of the wider professional team to ensure consistency and integration across all disciplines.
In addition, we can also undertake the statutory role of Principal Designer (Building Regulations) under the Building Safety Act 2022. This is a separate appointment with distinct legal duties and responsibilities and is therefore provided for an additional fee.
STATUTORY CONSENTS
We handle all statutory approvals on your behalf and ensure that their conditions are fully complied with.
Most building works require permissions from various authorities before they can proceed. Depending on the scope of the work, the location, and the type of property, these permissions may include planning permission, conservation area consent, listed building consent, freeholder’s consent, building regulations certification, party wall awards, and others.
At the start of the project, we always advise clients on which consents and approvals may be necessary. In complex cases, we recommend seeking pre-planning advice before submitting a full planning application.
At the appropriate stages, we submit applications to the relevant statutory authorities on the client's behalf. We monitor their progress, provide additional information as needed, and, if required, negotiate with the authorities.
In particularly complex cases, we may engage reputable planning, heritage, and other specialist consultants.
PROJECT MANAGMENT
We can assist you in managing the project during the design stages, overseeing the programme, risks, costs, and other key factors.
Where required, we can manage the project on your behalf.
We will prepare a detailed project programme, monitor it, and report regularly to you on the progress. Project risks will be identified and managed, and should any issues arise, we will inform you as early as possible and propose appropriate mitigation measures.
In collaboration with the cost consultant (QS), we will help you control and manage project costs.
At the start of the project, we can assist you in assembling the professional team, including engineers, surveyors, and others. We will suggest 2-3 suitable candidates, issue the briefs, run mini tenders, provide our recommendations, and help with the appointments. Throughout the project, we will advise you on the consultants' performance and their payment applications.
When the design is complete, we will organise the tender process and assist you in appointing the main contractor.
CONSTRUCTION STAGE
During construction, we oversee the building works, manage any changes, and can also administer the construction contract.
During construction, we oversee the building works regularly, ensuring they comply with our design, addressing the contractor’s queries, and providing additional information where needed. Upon completion, we inspect the works, prepare a list of defects, and monitor their rectification.
When appointed as the contract administrator, we act as the impartial intermediary between the Employer and the Contractor, managing the construction contract, controlling variations to the scope of work, assessing the contractor’s payment applications, and issuing interim certificates. At the end of the project, we issue the Certificate of Practical Completion and assist the QS in preparing the final account.
CONSULTANCY
We can assist you in assessing the potential of a property you intend to purchase, estimate its development potential, and identify any potential pitfalls.
If you are considering buying a property or site, we can help you assess its condition and potential, research its planning history, and advise on any limitations.
For commercial clients, we can develop a quick concept ("feasibility study") to estimate the future building’s parameters and development value.
These consultancy services are typically charged on a time basis.
INTERIOR DESIGN
On many projects, we offer architecture and interior design as a single, integrated package, including the procurement of furniture and fittings.
We often collaborate with interior designers and have built strong working relationships with many leading London and international studios. However, on some projects, we may handle the interior design ourselves, drawing on our substantial in-house expertise in this area.
Offering architecture and interior design as one integrated package makes a lot of sense, especially when the latter is an essential part of a minimalist, contemporary space. Practically speaking, this approach significantly improves coordination and offers cost savings by eliminating duplicate work.
Optionally, we can assist in selecting furniture, art, and decorative items, and procure them on behalf of the client. As a professional practice, we have access to substantial trade discounts, which we are happy to share with our clients