How I Work
Many people find the architectural process complex, but it doesn’t have to be. My approach is straightforward and follows a 4-step process based on the industry-standard RIBA Plan of Work 2020. This guide outlines every stage from initial briefing to final construction, making it clear and accessible for all clients, regardless of their background in architecture.
1. Consultation
- Initial Discussion & Brief
When you get in touch, I’ll ask for some key details about your project. Depending on your location, we can discuss everything face-to-face, via phone, Zoom, or Teams. If possible, I’ll also arrange a site visit to better understand the space and assess any potential planning issues. During this initial discussion, we’ll also consider whether your planned investment might qualify as Permitted Development, which can streamline the process. For more complex projects, such as barn conversions, we may discuss the benefits of submitting a pre-application to the local authority. You can ask questions, raise concerns, and clarify your ideas. Most importantly, we’ll focus on creating a brief that truly addresses your needs.
- Fee Proposal and Stages of Work
After our consultation, I will send you an email with my fee proposal, the next stages of work, and an estimated timescale. If you're happy to proceed, I will begin working on your project. The proposal will also include any other consultants or surveys required to help develop the designs. For more complex projects, I will prepare a tailored project strategy based on your brief, the specific requirements of the local authority, and a detailed analysis of the investment’s location. This will be a clear and detailed document designed to guide you through the process efficiently.
2. Concept & Planning
Once we’ve agreed on the fee proposal, I’ll start developing the design based on your brief. This includes sketches and plans, and I’ll keep you updated to ensure we’re aligned with your vision. If needed, I’ll work with consultants to refine the design. We’ll review the plans together and make any adjustments until you’re happy. Once you're satisfied, I’ll prepare the planning application and submit it to the local council on your behalf via the Planning Portal, monitoring the process with the case officer.
Planning applications typically take at least eight weeks to process once validated. Fees range from £258 for an extension to £578 for a new build. All applications made online that attract a fee over £60 will have a service charge applied.
Planning permission is an independent process, handled by the local planning department.
Changes to your design can affect other areas of the project, impacting both the timeline and budget. To avoid delays, it’s important to be fully satisfied with the design before we submit the application. Any changes after approval may require a new application, which could delay the project.
3. Technical Design
Once planning permission is granted, we move on to the Building Regulations stage to ensure your design meets safety, accessibility, and environmental standards. I’ll prepare detailed technical drawings and documents to comply with these regulations. In most cases, collaboration with a structural engineer is necessary to ensure the design is structurally sound.
Once the drawings are ready, the building regulation application can be submitted to Building Control. For small domestic projects, the contractor can submit the drawings for approval and manage any necessary inspections directly to ensure the process runs smoothly.
It’s important to finalise the design before submitting to Building Control, as any changes made later could affect compliance with the regulations and require additional approval, potentially delaying the project.
This phase ensures your project is safe, functional, and ready for construction.
4. Construction
Starting construction is an exciting step in any project. To guide this process, I prepare a detailed Building Regulations package and technical drawings. These are created based on the client brief we developed together during the planning stage and further refined using my experience and expertise in practical solutions. Clear and precise, these drawings ensure the building process runs smoothly and efficiently, giving contractors the confidence to proceed while minimizing questions and avoiding delays. If any issues do arise, I’m always available to provide support and keep the project on track.
