Services
Initial Contact
The instigator for almost any project is the client, and to be successful, we listen and interpret their requirements correctly, whilst aiding their inspiration and adding value. This brief is important as the client needs to understand what will be drawn/constructed, just as much as we need to understand their requirements. @ Architect are here to give the client the best options to achieve their brief, and to guide them on the best course of action, based on many factors: on the whole, advising our clients whether the brief is practical or not.
“The dialogue between client and architect is about as intimate as any conversation you can have, because when you’re talking about building a house, you’re talking about dreams.” Robert A. M. Stern, 1939
Every project is unique and adapted to suit the client’s individual needs, call us to discuss yours.
Stage One:Survey
@Architect undertake a full spectrum of surveying services ranging from:
- Dimensional building surveys to Topographical land surveys
- Land registry title plans to Licensing plans
- Site and Dilapidation’s inspections
An accurate measured survey is essential in order to:
- Ensure that proposals are accurate
- Make sure the proposed sizes are true and represent real spaces
- Show the client comparisons to the existing sizes in order to them to visualise the proposal.
“You cannot simply put something new into a place. You have to absorb what you see around you, what exists on the land, and then use that knowledge along with contemporary thinking to interpret what you see.” Tadao Ando, 1941
Stage Two: Concept Design
@Architect undertake a full spectrum of surveying services ranging from:
- Dimensional building surveys to Topographical land surveys
- Land registry title plans to Licensing plans
- Site and Dilapidation’s inspections
An accurate measured survey is essential in order to:
- Ensure that proposals are accurate
- Make sure the proposed sizes are true and represent real spaces
- Show the client comparisons to the existing sizes in order to them to visualise the proposal.
Stage Three: Detailed Design
From extensions, to new builds, from refurbs to development sites, whether your project is residential, retail or local authority, we can help you achieve your goals!
This stage involves refining the outline drawings into ‘fine line’ drawings that are submitted for planning applications. This is also the stage where things can change dramatically, and can, at times, be a very long and frustrating process but, @architect pride themselves in trying to make the experience the best it can be, by offering project management services to try to relieve the pressure from the client.
“Form follows function – that has been misunderstood. Form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union.” Frank Lloyd Wright, 1867-1959
Stage Four: Building Control
Within the modern construction industry, regulations and methods are continuously changing and evolving. Staying ahead of these changes requires continued research and development. From the disabled discrimination act to new sustainability, thermal and sound insulation regulations, we strive to ensure that our clients and their projects are up to date.
This stage comes after the approved planning permission, and continue with the nitty gritty, and work out the details with the contractors that are going to build our design. This is when the final refinements can be made to the design and the full implications of steel work etc. can be checked.
This stage involves producing drawings and a schedule of works that are presented to both building control and contractors. This stage involves a lot of project management which we can provide for you within our services.
“In my experience, if you have to keep the lavatory door shut by extending your left leg, it’s modern architecture.” Nancy Banks-Smith, 1929
Stage Five: Contract Procurement
We can give you advice on:
- How to choose a contract
- What contract to use
- How to choose a contractor
- How to tender a project
- The pitfalls to look for
“To build may have to be the slow and laborious task of years. To destroy can be the thoughtless act of a single day.” Sir Winston Churchill, 1874-1965
Contract procurement in real terms means ‘getting a price and agreeing a contractor’. This is the make and break point of the entire scheme as, if the price is too expensive, everything stops. Our role at this point is to advise you on the prices received. All contractors price their services differently according to their strengths and weaknesses, as they may sub-contract their weak points. This means, @Architect will sort through the prices and check the contractor’s references and other information provided to make sure you are getting the best deal and the best service possible.
Stage Six: Project Management
@Achitect have many strong links with the nation’s breweries and restaurant chains, from small entrepreneurs to blue chip companies. Due to the wealth of experience within the company, we can provide services ranging from the production of licensing plans and title deeds, to undertaking full design services including supervising works on site.
“Living a life is like constructing a building: if you start wrong, you’ll end wrong.” Maya Angelou, 1928
The project management aspect on site is where our drawings and your ideas become reality – we would love to think that a project’s drawings reflect all of the necessary detail in order to construct the project, however, from our experience, especially with existing buildings, this is almost never the case. As an attempt to overcome this, we are always available if a contractor hits a snag.
This is also the chance that a design can be made or broken. The contractor will always advise the client on the best way to proceed in his view, so it is very important that the initial design ideas are understood by the contractors and everyone involved in the project including architects, interior designers, project managers and construction workers. you are getting the best deal and the best service possible.
