Services
Services provided emphasise a flexibility in approach: from the highly bespoke and detailed dream extension, or an evidence-based low energy retrofit, to something simpler and low key or more utilitarian. Your requirements will be discussed in the initial meeting and a tailored fee proposal for your project put together accordingly. All projects are a collaboration between me as a designer and you as a client, and each have a unique character because of this.
A key factor when considering engaging my services is that you are getting me personally - with all my experience - to look after your project from start to finish, not a more junior member of staff working under someone else’s supervision.
Project workflow is aligned to the RIBA Plan of Work 2020, which runs through eight stages between 0 Strategic Definition (identifying your need for the project) and 7 In Use (project feedback and post occupancy evaluation). This describes the process as a series of stepping stones towards completion as illustrated in the diagram below. There is an emphasis on the process being circular, as while each project is unique - with its own start and finish - the ongoing practice of architecture is one of continuous development and refinement. A brief explanation of the work stages follows.
The scope of service suitable for your project can be discussed during the initial consultation, after which I will write to you with a fee proposal that fully details the services that will be provided.
The Work Stages / project stepping stones:
This is your identification of the need for the project. Where you might decide that you need to approach an architect and when you might formulate your initial "wish list" or brief in preparation for this.
This is typically the point at which an initial consultation is made - formulating the initial brief (including sustainability aspirations and budget).
At this point a survey of the existing building or site also needs to be obtained.
This stage is a flexible back and forth of design ideas - in the form of sketch proposals and consultation, where the direction of the design emerges. At the conclusion of this stage we arrive at a final brief and a concept design critiqued and ready to take forward into more detailed development.
This stage firms up the concept design to an agreed "spatial coordination" that fully answers the brief. What this translates as is not a fully technically resolved design, but a development of the sketched out concept designs into precisely drafted proposals. This is a conclusion of the initial design phase, in other words a "design freeze" - it is important to appreciate the importance of this milestone as the point at which the design needs agreeing in order to efficiently progress the project further. As it is at this point that a planning application (if required) is made, and where a structural engineer is engaged in advance of fully technically designing the scheme.
The agreed design is now developed into a fully detailed design and specification that is used to:
Obtain Building Regulations Approval.
Obtain a fully quantified cost for the construction of the project.
Provide precise instructions for construction.
While a "production stage", it is not merely technocratic. It is also about embellishment of the design: adding detail and texture. There is much design here which is important to the overall quality of the scheme - adding to, but not reinventing what has gone before.
During the construction phase the role of the architect is traditionally to administer the building contract, including regular site inspection and reviews of progress, and - more informally - to deal with technical queries on site as and when required.
It is not essential to employ an architect for this phase - it depends on how "hands-on" you want to be with dealing with the build process and / or how much control you want to invest by way of architectural oversight into the design realisation. An important factor when considering whether to engage an architect for this phase is the complexity of the project.
This is the conclusion of the building contract. In a traditional contract the architect certifies practical completion when the building is functionally ready for use, and final retention funds are released to the contractor after a prescribed bedding in time once any defects are rectified and when all remaining building tasks have been completed.
The engagement of architectural services for this phase can give peace of mind.
A good example of where this could be of benefit as a paid for additional service would be to appraise the real-world performance of a low energy retrofit in comparison to design predictions. This might lead to adjustments to systems and usage patterns to optimise building performance as part of a running-in exercise.
However, regardless of whether this is a commissioned work stage or not, in-use feedback will be sought to inform future design as part of continuous practice development and cultivation of a knowledge base to feed into future projects.
In addition to core architectural design services, the following are also offered:
Measured Surveys
For smaller projects, such as house alterations and extensions, measured site surveys are done “in house”. For speed and accuracy this is carried out using laser equipment. The exercise of spending time “on the ground” observing and drawing out the floor plans, elevations and sections is an important part of getting to know the site and / or existing building.
For larger schemes, or where significant land surveying is required, a specialist surveyor will need to be separately appointed.
Building Retrofit Analysis
As a stand-alone service, or as part of an enhanced design service, a detailed appraisal of existing building fabric efficiency and energy use can be undertaken. This can then form the basis of a (phased if necessary) plan for improvement. An example of this is illustrated in the Penistone Whole House Retrofit project and its academic forerunner the Solid Wall Terrace Retrofit Research Project.
Post-Occupancy Evaluation
Feedback from completed projects is vitally important as an ongoing learning exercise in architectural practice and can help the client get the most out of their building. This service can therefore also be discussed as part of project planning.