Package 1 (DESIGN to PLANNING)

(RIBA stages 0 - 3)

All projects will begin with a design meeting at your property to determine the project brief, which will compile your needs and aspirations for the project within the context of your budget. At this stage we will also discuss relevant planning policy and the submission requirements to achieve approval from your Local Authority. A measured survey of your existing property will need to be taken before any design work can begin and these drawings will form the basis of any planning application. On simple projects we provide this service for an additional fixed fee, however if more detailed or specialist surveys are required such as drainage, topographical or arboricultural we can assist you in appointing an independent specialist surveyor.

We will then produce a set of strategic design options which will test and experiment with different ideas for your project with the intention of providing exciting ideas for your consideration. These will primarily be in the form of 2D plan and elevational drawings but we can provide 3D models, sketches and illustrations/renders to help visualise each option, for an additional fee. All designs will respond to the national and local planning legislation as well as building regulations and the project budget. Whilst we strongly recommend this design option phase, if your budget is limited and your ideas clear this stage can be negated and we can progress straight to the planning application.

With the preferred option determined we will submit the existing and proposed drawings along with any other required reports such as a Design and Access Statement to your Local Authority planning department and will liaise with them on your behalf through to the determination of your application.

Package 2 (DESIGN to BUILDING CONTROL)

(RIBA Stages 0 - 4) Option 1

Following a successful planning application we will discharge any planning conditions and meet with you to discuss the finer details of your project and formulate a plan to enable it to progress to site. The next step will include you appointing the required consultants, such as a structural engineer and party wall surveyor to allow us to develop the detailed design which we will submit to Building Control to demonstrate how the design is compliant with UK building regulations. This information will focus on the performance specification of key elements such as walls, floors, roofs, windows and doors etc, and will not go into the finer detail or dimensions of internal finishes. For this reason this package is insufficient for complex projects that require a high level of detailed design or the involvement of our services beyond this point. For such projects we would recommend package 4, but for simple projects that you intend to manage yourself you could use this package of information to ask builders to provide quotations.

Package 3 (DESIGN to TENDER)

(RIBA Stages 0 - 4) Option 2

In addition to the essential technical design provided in service package 2 this package of information will comprehensively detail, dimension and specify all building elements, materials and other items to enable your project to be accurately priced, correctly constructed and meticulously managed by us on site. This package is required if your project is non-standard / complex and therefore requires a high level of detailed design and construction management. The Information we provide will primarily be in the form of 2D drawings but we can provide 3D models, sketches and illustrations/renders to help visualise the design, for an additional fee.

Package 4 (FULL ARCHITECTURAL SERVICE)

RIBA stages 0 - 7

We would love to be involved with your project from start to finish to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible and that the design is realised correctly, however we appreciate that some projects are very simple and that some clients would prefer to find their own builder and manage the construction project themselves. If you choose to appoint us for full architectural services we will carry out all of the RIBA work stages (0 - 7) including managing your construction project through to its completion. We only provide this service if we have previously provided you a comprehensive tender package as described in package 3.

We will initially put the project out to tender with a number of local and trusted builders and then review the tender returns to establish a preference dependent on cost and availability. If necessary we will try to arrange visits for you to view previously completed projects by the preferred builder. At this stage some design changes may be necessary to ensure the work is within budget but we will swiftly look to resolve any such issues. We will then assist you in executing a standard form building contract between you and your builder to ensure the interests of both parties are protected and then manage this contract throughout construction. This process is known as contract administration and it includes regularly visiting site to monitor progress and quality, organising interim payments between you and your builder, managing any design changes plus many other responsibilities intending to separate you from the stresses of the building contract.

Upon completion of the project we will inspect the works and note any issues to be resolved prior to handover, then finally with the builders gone you will be able move back in and start to enjoy your improved home, a home that has been designed for you, a home like no other.

For any project enquires please email us at info@scribearchitects.com