Our Service

We base our service on the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) scope of architectural services and offer a flexible design and management role that can either help you throughout the whole process, from an initial consultation to completion of the building work, or if you would prefer we could develop a schematic design suitable for a planning application that you could then choose to develop directly with a builder.

The Design Process

Outline Design - This is a broad brush thinking stage that starts to throw possibilities at the identified main objectives, and kick starts the creative process. This is time when we would make an initial visit to meet you and see the property, We will bring experience and creativity to the table, ideas can be sketched out, questions answered and possibilities explored. It will be useful to think about your objectives and come up with a wish list, which we can develop jointly into a brief.

Scheme Design - This is where accuracy is introduced. Based on accurate survey information, we would develop drawings that show the overall plans, sections and elevations. The process will generate a series of questions that will need your consideration, and the design will develop based upon your answers. Scheme level drawings will be produced which will form the basis of further development and building. Visualizations could be produced and interior design mood boards could be developed with you if desired. This stage will identify if planning is required or whether the work can be considered as permitted development. It will culminate in a planning application if required.

Detail Design - Any project involves a myriad of detail that needs to be addressed. Whether it is structural calculations, a building regulations application, construction details or party wall issues. It is important to decide how much you are going to define with a detailed set drawings. you should balance the cost of working these details out in advance against the need to control what your builder is going to build. Anything not defined exactly will be left to the builder to decide.

Specification - At this point it is important to consider which materials, finishes, fittings, appliances, tiles, sanitary ware, bricks, lights, and so on, are to be incorporated into your design. The choice of materials makes a vast difference to the quality of finish and cost of the project. If simple, this information can be added as notes to the drawings, but more often it is contained in an outline schedule of works or even a full specification document. It is useful at this stage to carry out a final cost check.

Building your Design - This can be the most expensive and disruptive stage of all, therefore obtaining competitive prices, choosing the right builder for you, and agreeing a suitable contract are vital if your project is to be successful. The timescale for the building works needs careful planning.

Contact

Please feel free to get in touch for a no obligation chat about your ideas for a home extension or refurbishment. Complete the form under CONTACT, call Phil on 07545 280320, or email phil@fabric-as.com