CONSULTATION & SURVEYING YOUR PROPERTY
In order to get the ball rolling I will set a time/date to meet at the property. During this meeting I aim to establish your requirements and provide you with any guidance required to achieve your design brief.
If you love 'Pinterest', or you've taken some inspiration from 'Instagram' or your favourite TV programme please show me - I would love to see your idea's as this helps me develop your concept. It's great to get an idea of how you live and the style you're thriving to achieve. Simple things like, 'we need somewhere to wash the dog' or 'we have too many shoes' will allow me to detail your plans around your lifestyle, making sure every inch of your development works for you!
As well as the exciting bit's I will also discuss the Planning and/or Building Regulations process, costs, policies' and our fee. When I get back to the office I will send you an email with a written brief, my fee proposal and contract of terms.
If you're happy with everything I've discussed and you're keen to get things moving I can survey your property during this meeting or at a later date. The survey will enable me to prepare accurate drawings of your proposed development. This involves measuring the internal and external dimensions of the building, taking necessary photos and locating any existing drainage runs, boundaries, site restrictions, site levels etc.
SCHEME DESIGN'S & PLANNING PERMISSION
Following my meeting (subject to my lead period) I will start work on your scheme designs. The drawings will be 'tailor-made' to your requirements and designed to make maximise use of the space available. With my extensive design experience I hope to add value by suggesting little tweaks you may not have thought of to help you get the most from your project.
Once I am happy that I've explored all of your options the drawings are presented for your feedback, comments and approval. You will receive a set of the Existing Plans and Elevations, Site and Location Plans as well as the Proposed Scheme Drawings. I will modify your proposals until you are 100% happy with the design, giving you full control of the final outcome. Finalised drawings will then be submitted to the Local Planning Authority.
Sometimes, your proposed development may not require Expressed Consent (Planning Permission) and could fall under the legislation set out by the General Permitted Development Order. Please be assured during the design process I will keep you informed on the necessary permissions required, the process of submission and the cost made payable to the Authority. Don't panic, not only inform you of the process, but I will take care of all the paperwork.
DETAILED DESIGN & BUILDING REGULATIONS
Following determination of your planning application the next step is the completion of the Construction Drawings and submission of the Building Regulation's Application. I can provide the Construction Drawings, which detail the proposed designs, showing cross-sections and including a full specification outlining materials/details relevant to gaining Building Regulations compliancy. Put simply - the Construction Drawings are the instruction manual, they provide all the details the builder requires to complete a successful project and I will of course deal with the building regulation application and any other paperwork.
Prior to the commencement of work on site an application should be submitted to your chosen Building Control body. The Construction Drawings will be checked and consultation will be made with any appropriate authorities (e.g. fire and sewerage). If your plans comply with the Building Regulations you will receive a notice stating that they have been approved. If the plans are not satisfactory you may be asked to make amendments or provide more details. Alternatively, a conditional approval may be issued.
When building work starts, the Building Inspector will make on-site inspections during various stages of the work - e.g. in connection with foundations, damp proof courses and drains. A completion certificate will be provided at the end of the building work to show that the work complies with the Building Regulations.
On some occasions when you start work things may be uncovered that were not foreseen, should this be the case, don't panic - I will discuss the details with your chosen builder in order to develop the most practical and cost effective solution. I'm only a phone call away and will update the plans accordingly should any of the details change.
STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS
In addition to our design/drawing services I also provide straightforward uncomplicated structural service's to Home Owners, Builders and Developers. Whether you need beam calculations for an extension or a knock through to remove a wall, advice on roof alterations and loft conversions, or you need guidance on foundation type and sizing or a retaining wall, I can provide the appropriate structural design to ensure your project is a complete success. With my wealth of experience, I can quickly identify economic, practical structural solutions.
If you have appointed other architectural consultants, I can still work closely with them, developing your brief into a detailed and co-ordinated design with full structural calculations.
Want to discuss your project requirements in more detail? Please contact me, I would love to discuss your project and provide the advice/assistance.
VIEW MY PROJECTS
There may be no better way to communicate what I do than through images.
As you browse the site, take a few moments to let your eyes linger here,
and see if you can get a feel for what I do best.