services

We offer a comprehensive range of architectural services which together may be described as a 'full' service; from design inception to built project completion. On other occasions our involvement may be limited to a reduced set of services, particularly where our client wishes to take a more independent route to getting the project built.

 

The following schedule provides an overview of the typical services that we find to be applicable to many of the projects we work on, and we use a similar list to define our agreement with you as to what our commission will entail and thus the extent of our role. The RIBA's own 'Plan of Work' may also be used as an alternative agreement format.

 

Scheme Design

  • Measured survey; site and buildings
  • Sketch design work
  • Fact finding and consultations
  • Development of design proposal
  • Planning Permission submission
  • Preparation of written supporting statements for Planning applications
  • Organise and coordinate the preparation of specialised surveys and reports by others where required for Planning applications.
  • Organise and coordinate initial cost estimates by a specialist Quantity Surveyor

Construction / Technical Information

  • Initial technical development to establish the key technical strategy and specification.
  • Construction information (technical drawings and notes).
  • Building regulations compliance information
  • Building Regulations (plans) submission
  • Organise and co-ordinate the input of a structural engineer and other specialists where relevant.

Project Management

  • Extend the scope of the specifications and form a schedule of work, usually the basis of how the job will be costed by builders.
  • Obtain prices from builder(s). For example a selective competitive tender process, or a negotiated process.

Contract Administration

  • Prepare standard form building contracts.
  • Carry out the role of 'Contract Administrator' (a role set out within the building contract). Duties include; issuing all instructions to the builder, check and agree monthly payments, check and agree the builder's final account, inspect the work in progress, check programme issues, progress against that programme. Respond to builder's queries as work progresses.

Further Detail Design Issues

  • Kitchen and bathrooms: detail layouts, coordination with suppliers and makers.
  • Heating and plumbing: detail co-ordination, coordination with designers and suppliers. Advice regarding the selection of appropriate systems. Layout drawings.
  • Electrical services: co-ordination. Layout drawings. Lighting design and coordination with designers and suppliers.
  • Drainage: Specification of off-mains drainage arrangements and obtaining of consents if required.
  • Hard landscape and external works : design proposals, layouts and technical / construction drawings.

Component Design / Fittings and Finishes /Miscellaneous

  • Joinery details: examples include non standard windows, doors, fitted furniture and staircases.
  • Finishes selection: such as flooring, wall and ceiling finishes, tiles, etc.
  • Fittings selection: hardware, light fittings, radiators, bathroom fittings, etc.
  • Energy assessments such as 'SAP'.
  • Flood risk assessments where required for planning applications.