Whether it is the need to improve the flow, create more space, or develop a new building, it is the initial concept design that will be our starting point, we would undertake a visit to site and carry out a measured survey, meet with the client to take their full brief to form the conceptual design.

On taking the clients brief and working up the conceptual design it may become apparent that to achieve the ideal solution that the project will necessitate being phased so that you as a client can keep operating from site, this may be partially utilising the premises and / or in conjunction with using portable accommodation units, this will be reflected in the overall design.

When the concept design has been agreed with the client, a construction cost estimate is prepared, it takes into consideration your location, type of project, length of time required on site, the full works involved such as demolition, soil removal, structural alterations, building repairs with full material take offs, building contractors preliminary costs and overheads and any site constraints such as tight access or phasing of the project providing a comprehensive construction cost estimate that is able to be scrutinised by funders.   This is true value ensuring your project is on budget and viable from the outset.

As a project develops towards a planning application, our experience of working nationwide allows us to adapt to each area and has given us  impressive success rates when it comes to achieving planning permission.

With every project are different requirements for planning whether the building is a Grade II Listed premises and requires more careful consideration to preserve and enhance the building or a new build premises on greenfield land presenting a design that would be acceptable, fitting in with the site and surroundings but most importantly meeting your needs as the client. We simply work with the planners, put forward your requirements in a robust design and choose suitable material finishes with detailing reflecting the surroundings providing a robust case for your project.  To support a planning application it may be necessary to have additional surveys carried out such as acoustic (noise) assessment, traffic monitoring, ecology (bat) survey, flood risk assessment we have a wealth of expertise on hand to enable the requirements.

All projects from internal refurbishments, extensions to new builds must comply with building regulations.  Producing detailed sectional information, construction drawings with fixtures such as sanitary ware, fittings such as base units, electrical layout with fire alarm and data wiring,  written specification of works, this we prepare after very detailed discussions with you on your requirements and this forms part of the overall tender package and building regulations application.

As an experienced practice we have a wealth of knowledge of choosing building materials & surface finishes that are suitable for the intended purpose, ease of maintenance, value for money and longevity.  We take the time to detail every nut & bolt for the client and not leave this to chance or a building contractor, we obtain fixed priced tenders so the prices are on a level playing field.  We help you with pre construction matters such as an asbestos survey, drainage survey and throughout we assume the legal role of principal designer ensuring a design role that goes well beyond the concept stage.

Choosing the right contractor is important for us all, we can help you make the right choices when it comes to ‘going out to tender’ as we want a building contractor that is able to effectively manage your project fully.

Once the decision is made to proceed with the project, ‘contract administration’, sometimes referred to as a ‘site management service’ is a service that we are able to provide and that offers some extra peace of mind and is widely regarded as money well spent.

This is not to be confused with ‘project management’, contract administration is more about managing the contractor than managing the project itself. We will come to site at agreed intervals and check that the building contractor is adhering to the detailed drawings. If there are queries we will raise them and resolve them for you. The aim is to ensure that you are getting the results that those detailed drawings have promised and leave dealing with the builders queries to us, our aim is for your practice to continue to operate as normal during the building works.

Being on hand throughout the build process, answering day to day queries, issue variation instructions, cost reporting and certified valuations are some of the works carried out through to completion of the building works, we snag the finished works close to work completion, have a formal building handover, ensure duties are completed by the building contractor for the health & safety files and building regulation final certificate.

It is normal for new buildings to take time to expand, contract and settle, after an agreed period of time after you have occupied the building, we will inspect and prepare a schedule of any defects / snagging that is required, the contractor will touch up any areas needed as a result of this bedding in period. We also check that all things are in good working order and operating as they are designed to be to ensure we have a successful completion.