Our Process
From vision to reality, we’ll guide you through the process of creating your dream project.
Our experienced team of Hertfordshire-based architects and designers will collaborate with you every step of the way. Once an initial brief has been discussed and agreed, we will embark upon the architectural design process with you, using the RIBA framework. We will communicate with you at every stage in order to ensure that the ideas that we are developing suit you, your budget and your design ambitions.
The Six Stages
RIBA – Plan of Work
The RIBA Plan of Work is the standard structure that design and construction projects follow. This structure allows for us to break the overall process into clear sections to help manage your project and ultimately to develop the best design for you.
We have summarised the six recognised stages to help guide clients from initial concept designs through to helping them to appoint builders and ultimately to build projects out on site.
Discussing the project stages from the start allows us to plan timeframes and to evolve the design in relation to a defined set of key project stages.
The Brief
Once a brief has been discussed and agreed, we would embark upon the Architectural design process with you, communicating with you at every stage in order to ensure that the ideas that we are developing suit you, your budget and your design ambitions.
Stage 0/1 – Feasibility Analysis
This is the most exciting part of a project when we take a brief and then exchange ideas with our clients. We test drawn options in order to help define what the project parameters are and to establish what are the key objectives from the clients perspective.
This stage involves analysing the existing site or building in order to identify where value can be best added and how to maximise the benefits that can be gained by considering the orientation, sun path, surrounding built context and many other factors.
Stage 2 – Concept Design
A vital aspect of our architectural services, this stage is about bringing together ideas and pulling them together into a workable design. Together, we distil the brief into a cohesive concept design and present this using plans, elevations and 3d models.
This stage often involves a Pre-Application submission to the local authority in order to gauge the opinion of the planners. We then consider the concept design against the construction budget, the programme and other key project parameters in order to sense check the project at an early stage.
Stage 3 – Developed Design
In this stage we develop a concept design into a proposal that is ready for a planning submission. At this point the size, materiality and all key external information is defined. We create a set of accurate, dimensioned drawings that can be considered by the local authority and give your project the best chance of success.
We act as your agents for the duration of the application and make sure that the planners have all of the information that they need as the application is considered. Once planning is granted you have a legal consent to build and we can then move on with confidence, to the next stage.
Stage 4 – Technical design
During this part of our architectural services, we develop the planning drawings into technical drawings that will give the contractors all of the key detail needed to build out your project.
We first of all work up Building Control drawings and work with Structural Engineers and other key specialists to design the shell of the building, considering all of the key elements of structure, insulation and energy & carbon reduction.
Once completed we then help define the interior design of the property and help to specify bathrooms, kitchens, floor finishes, and many other key elements. When Building Control is approved we then help package up all of the information and distribute it to contractors for pricing and agree a programme for the construction phase.
Stage 5/6 – Construction
We can help you manage your construction project on site and can work with high-quality builders in order to help ensure your vision is delivered on site.
We can be appointed to act as Contract Administrators on your project and can help draw up a contract that helps control cost and programme so that all parties are clear on their roles, responsibilities and expectations.
Once your building project is complete we can help with any final assessment of defects and will ensure that your new home or project is fully functional, beautiful and ready for you to enjoy.
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Whether you know exactly what you want or are starting entirely from scratch, our Hertfordshire-based residential architects work alongside you to develop an end-result that suits your taste, your style and your budget. We work alongside you to transform your vision into reality.