Glasgow Architect - Extensions, Renovations, Bespoke Housing and Interior Design.

UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS

You may have an initial home improvement idea but do not know where to start or you might be construction savvy but would like to know how we work.

In short, we are here to help you with as many of the following stages that you appoint us for. The stages are:

Initial online or site consultation

This is exploratory in nature and is a key fact finding mission for us as we gauge the parameters of the project. This is very much with a view to getting a clear strategic definition of the brief, budget and scope of services required so we can provide you with our fee proposal.

Preparation and Brief

The aim of this stage is to ascertain whether the project is feasible. The amount of work we do at this stage is very much dependent on the scope of works required. We often get asked to include overall costs at this stage and it is very difficult to give a realistic figure due to many factors such as contractor availability, level of finishes and complexity of design. As the project develops we will narrow in and work with our client to get the best overall value possible. If we can be told the project budget at the outset we will design to those parameters.

This stage can involve us carrying out the following tasks:

  • Ascertain your requirements.

  • Obtain site information from you.

  • Advise you of your duties under CDM regulations.

  • Visit site and carry out preliminary appraisal.

  • Identify project and construction budgets.

  • Develop outline brief.

  • Agree preliminary timetable.

If you accept the project brief and our fee proposal, we would then get you to sign an appointment for us to move on to the Concept Design Phase.

Concept Design

This is the exciting part where we will draw up initial sketch proposals which answer the requirements of the brief. The intention is to agree on final sketch plans after going over the various options available with you. We can go back and forth at this stage until you are happy with the final design. We are always mindful to give an indication of the differences in complexity and costs when providing initial sketches to assist you with your decision.

This stage can involve us carrying out the following tasks:

  • Prepare initial design proposal.

  • Provide indicative guidance on cost and timetable.

After discussions we will get you to agree to the concept design and move on to the Developed Design Phase.

Developed Design

The concept design is now developed to show the appearance, how fixtures and fittings are incorporated and how important details of construction are intended to work. The agreed budget will be taken into account when developing the design information in harmony with previously identified objectives for instance quality, long-term maintenance and energy performance.

This stage normally culminates in us providing the information for design and layout to accompany the clients application to the local authority for planning permission.

This stage can involve us carrying out the following tasks:

  • Consult with local authorities and utilities as required.

  • Progress the initial design.

  • Prepare application for planning permission.

  • Submit application for planning permission.

  • Advise on procurement methods.

  • Report on timetable, agree revisions.

Once this stage is complete we can move on to the Technical Design Phase.

Technical Design

This stage is where we prepare, based on what has already been agreed, detailed technical information, suitable for the contractor to use in construction of the project and will include obtaining the necessary statutory consents.

This stage can involve us carrying out the following tasks:

  • Progress developed design.

  • Co-ordinate work of other consultants.

  • Report on timetable, agree revisions.

  • Prepare warrant application.

  • Submit warrant application.

Once we get the green light from this phase you can then move the project on to Construction.