The architectural process can be broken down into four key stages before construction. These include Brief and Preparation, Concept Design, Developed Design and Technical Design. To understand more, please visit our Services page

Sustainable architecture is the practice of designing and constructing buildings that minimise environmental impact through energy efficiency, the use of sustainable materials, and reduced waste - during construction, in use, and demolition. It aims to create healthy, durable, and resource-efficient structures that harmonise with the natural environment.

A formal request to a local authority for approval to carry out building works or change the use of land or buildings. It ensures that proposed developments comply with local regulations and policies. The process typically involves submitting detailed plans, drawings, and supporting documents, followed by a period of consultation and review before a decision is made.

In the UK, planning permission typically takes 8 weeks for a decision. For more complex applications, the process can take up to 13 weeks.

Option appraisals provide a valuable tool for decision-making. Various studies will be produced that endeavour to provide both a basis for discussion and inspire you. By exploring multiple options, you can make informed decisions that move your project forward. Some examples of these studies include:

Floor plan iterations: Various designs that respond in different ways to existing and natural attributes.

Material Studies: Facade studies or 3D models and visualisations with various material options.

Massing models: Various, typically "white-card", 3D models are produced which seek to understand the form, scale and spatial relationships of a building in relation to its context.

Building Regulations Approval is the process that ensures construction projects comply with safety, health, and environmental standards, typically granted by local authorities or approved inspectors. It involves the submission of plans, assessment of compliance, inspections during construction, and the issuance of a compliance certificate confirming that the building meets necessary standards.

Throughout the architectural process, we will engage and collaborate with various consultants. The following are mandatory, however, others may be required depending on the location and various other factors pertaining to your project.

Planning Officer: We will engage with the appointed planning officer and listen and respond to their requirements to secure planning permission approval.

Engineer: We will collaborate with an appointed engineer to obtain structural calculations and ensure that our construction drawings meet safety standards and regulatory compliance.

Building Control: We will collaborate closely with the building control officer, addressing their feedback and ensuring compliance with building regulations, to secure building regulation approval.

A topographical and building survey is a detailed and accurate representation of your existing home and site. The survey will be conducted by a Surveyor who will visit your site and collect information using various scanners, cameras and other technologies. They will then turn their findings into a .dwg file, usually comprising a site plan, floor plans, elevations and sections.

Please note it is advisable to seek advice from a professional before construction, typically however, the following applies:

Single-storey rear extensions:
• Detached houses: Up to 4m from the original house
• Terraced and semi-detached: Up to 3m
• Must be less than 50% of the outdoor area

Two-storey rear extensions:
• Up to 3m

Side extensions:
• Single-storey only
• 4m maximum height
• Must not exceed the width of half of the original house
• Must not extend beyond the principal (front) elevation