Dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s, our meticulously thorough process is guided by RIBA best practice and implemented with care by specialists in house.
It might not set pulses racing, but then our design work should do that.
Chartered architects work to a strict code of conduct set down by the RIBA and ARB so you know that you're in safe hands. The RIBA’s ‘Plan of Work’ sets out the key stages of a construction project from conception to completion, and is a tried and tested roadmap for any given scale of project but broadly involves the following work stages:
At our initial consultation we’ll start by listening carefully to your objectives and challenges, discussing them openly and honestly within the context of your proposed site. This stage allows us to assess your project’s viability as well as define a clear and agreed brief. After this meeting, we’ll prepare a detailed fixed-fee proposal outlining the scope of work, services included, projects stages, timescales and payment structure.
Once appointed, we’ll begin developing the project brief -- there might initially be lots of questions, but once established this becomes a working document from which the project stems. We may gather information about the site, any background or planning history, commission site surveys and generally establish a good set of information to fully understand the site. This stage often involves preparing an initial feasibility study which might involve site appraisals or strategic approaches.
With this stage, we want to test ideas and assess what’s achievable, viable and appropriate for the site in question as well as for your brief and budget. We’ll begin developing your project’s concept design proposals; dependant on our appointment this may involve a few options so we can fully understand and align site responses, target budgets, project aims and aspirations. By the end of Stage 2 we’ll have established a clear design direction to take forward into the next stage – Planning.
Once you’ve chosen a preferred option, we’ll progress the design development and any associated documents, ultimately culminating in a planning application. We’ll also coordinate with any consultants your project requires, like structural engineers, planning experts or specialist Passivhaus designers. Our main aim at this stage is to secure planning permission while developing a design that meets your needs and maximises your project’s full potential.
After we’ve secured a planning approval, we prepare the detailed technical drawings and any information required for Building Regulations approval and construction. These drawing will provide all the information and detail needed by the builders for accurately pricing the project as well as completing it to standards which align with ours. Dependant on the tier of services, we may also develop the detail design for the interiors, fi-out and any joinery, furniture or exhibition design.
If you’d like us to, we’ll support you with the tendering process, contractor appointments and contractor management, and we can continue to support your project during construction either by answering queries or full construction oversight and contract administration roles.
We can support you through handover, snagging, defects periods and final certification. We can also assist with full turn key services, where clients require support with furniture and art commissioning.
We support our clients throughout the entire process, providing any additional assistance needed to understand evolving needs and requirements as people are settling in. This commitment is a key reason many of our clients return to work with us. We’re also dedicated to continually improving our services, which is why we actively seek client feedback to help us enhance what we offer.
Our Fee Structures
Gold
Our Gold tier provides a comprehensive service for complex or high-value projects, including Passivhaus, listed buildings, and multi-consultant teams. We are often supporting clients from the very early days of the project, often with funding bids; helping you shape your vision. We then deliver planning, technical design, and full contract administration, including chairing progress meetings, monitoring quality, supporting valuations, and issuing certifications. We can also undertake Lead Designer and project coordination roles where required. Acting as your professional representative throughout construction, this tier ensures clear communication, proactive management, and consistent oversight from concept to completion.
Silver
The Silver tier is suited to moderately complex projects where clients are comfortable or experienced in liaising directly with contractors. We provide planning and technical design information, with some elements developed by specialist contractors or consultants where appropriate. Clients manage day-to-day communication during construction, while we remain available for design clarification and limited support at key stages. This tier is well suited to projects involving multiple consultants, contractor-designed elements, or sustainability ambitions, offering flexibility while maintaining architectural input without full contract administration.
Bronze
Our Bronze service is suited to straightforward, lower-complexity projects or where clients are comfortable managing delivery independently. We develop your brief through concept design and planning submission, providing a clear and considered proposal aligned with site constraints and local authority requirements. Following planning approval, responsibility for technical design, consultant coordination, and construction oversight transfers to you and your appointed team. This tier is ideal for simple projects, or experienced clients and developers who are confident managing the technical design or construction stages without ongoing architectural support.
Process & Fees
When you’re a client, we know that starting any building project can feel complex, even if it’s not your first. The process and fees are particularly important to understand clearly, which is why we’ve worked hard to develop and perfect a carefully tiered Gold, Silver and Bronze structure giving you choice regarding the level of service you require from us, how much design complexity is involved, and what you expect of us regarding project and construction oversight. It’s a system that outlines the level and scope of our services for any given project, and it’s one our clients find reassuringly transparent and easy to follow.
Whether you’re a public sector body, commercial developer or residential self-builder, working within your budget will always be one of our priorities. It’s worth remembering, though, that committing enough thought, detail and expertise at the project’s start will almost certainly save you time and money in the long run.
No hidden extras or nasty surprises.
After an initial consultation, we’ll give you a tailored fee proposal outlining the scope from the chosen tier, costs, timescale and payment terms. Fees are typically set as fixed sums for each stage, allowing you to progress step by step while maintaining control of your budget.
Don’t worry; if any extra work is necessary outside of the agreed scope, we’ll always discuss it with you first and secure your agreement before starting.
Our fees are checked against industry benchmarks and – if you’d like us to – we’ll happily advise on likely third-party costs like any planning and building regulations fees. Payments are aligned with key project milestones, and our services broadly follow the RIBA Plan of Work, ensuring a clear and smooth process from concept through to construction.
