Services

Area Architects can provide a range of services related to the design, planning, and construction of buildings. These include the following:

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Design services: We can create designs for new buildings, renovations, or extensions to existing buildings. We can produce drawings, models, and visualisations to help you understand the proposed design.

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Pre-Planning, Listed Building and Planning services: We can help you navigate the planning process, preparing planning applications, assemble a project team of consultants, liaise with the local authority and other relevant parties to ensure compliance with planning legislation. On a successful planning outcome, we can help with the submission of any planning conditions.

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Building Regulations services: We provide building designs that comply with relevant building regulations and supply construction drawings / specifications for the building contractor to follow.

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Project management services: We can manage the construction process, including tendering the project, coordinating with contractors and monitoring progress.

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Sustainability services: We can provide advice on sustainable design and construction practices, including energy-efficient building design, renewable energy systems, materials and techniques that reduce the environmental impact of buildings.

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If there is a service you require that has not been listed above, please contact us. The typical design process is listed below, with the works undertaken at different stages.

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Stage A – Pre Planning (RIBA Stages 0 Strategic Definition & 1 Preparation and Briefing)

Works undertaken at this stage will include some or all of the following:

• Site visit / Appraisal

• Define the client’s brief including aspirations, budget, timeframe, spatial requirements, access, sustainability and any particular materials, design features or style reference

• Research into constraints and appraise planning considerations

• Measured survey. Type of survey dependent on complexity of project

• Feasibility study of site / project

• Design options in plan

• 3D studies available

• Issue designs for Pre-Application Advice (Local Authority fees will apply)

• Initiate the collection of health and safety Pre-construction Information

• Drawing information will be based on a measured survey, unless otherwise agreed with the client

 

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Stage B – Planning (RIBA Stages 2 Concept Design & 3 Spatial Coordination)

Works undertaken at this stage will include some or all of the following:

• Design development

• Undertake design reviews with client

• Where required source the appointment of other consultants / reports

• Preparation of plans and elevations

• Preparation of other documents where required

• Outline material list

• Design and access statement

• Completion of any necessary forms

• Issue Planning Application. (Local Authority fees will apply)

• Communicate with Planning department and client during the application process

 

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Stage C – Building Control (RIBA Stages 4 Technical Design)

Works undertaken at this stage will include some or all of the following:

• Detailed design in Plans, Sections and Elevations

• 1:5 Details

• Specification

• U-value calculations

• Completion of Building Control forms

• Issue information to Building Control (Fees will apply)

• Responding to building control queries

• Electrical and services plans where required

• Pre-construction information

 

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At this phase of the works the client can use the information obtained from Stages A-C and approach competent building contractors to lead the project to completion. Alternatively, the Architect can also provide Stage D, Stage E or all three stages including Stage F. Our fee would reflect the level of service required.

 

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Stage D – Detailed Design (RIBA Stages 4 Technical Design)

Works undertaken at this stage will include some or all of the following:

• Setting out drawings

• Additional 1:5 details

• 1:25 Internal room layouts

• Floor finishes plans

• Door and window schedules

• Updated specification with sanitaryware

• Finishes and decoration information

• Full material specification

 

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Stage E – Tender (RIBA Stage 4 Technical Design)

Works undertaken at this stage will include some or all of the following:

• Project preliminaries and schedule of works

• Pre-construction information

• Contractor tender list

• Compiling and submitting tender

• Tender analysis comparison

 

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Stage F – Construction and Handover (RIBA Stages 5 Manufacturing and Construction, 6 Handover & 7 Use)

Works undertaken at this stage will include some or all of the following:

• Compile and administer contract

• Act as Contract Administrator

• Attend site visits and address any site queries

• Monthly valuations

• Certificates / Architects Instructions

• Client cost report

• Project completion

• Prepare Building Manual

• Manage the rectification of defects