Our Design Process

From initial briefing to technical design, we’re here to guide you through the design process for your project.

Line drawing of a large house with multiple stories, windows, and a prominent front door, along with a detached garage.
Line drawing of a large house with multiple stories, windows, and a prominent front door, along with a detached garage.

STAGE 01

BRIEFING & PREPARATION

This initial stage is all about us getting to know both you and your home - what already works for you, what doesn’t and where the design opportunities and constraints lie within the existing building fabric and site conditions in relation to all relevant design considerations.

    • Discuss and agree the project design brief with client(s)

    • Undertake a full measured survey of the property & compile photographic record

    • Produce a full set of scaled existing building & site plans and external elevations

A 3D architectural model showing a modern house with a brick section, black wood siding, a grey shingled roof, and a glass sunroom with a green frame, situated on a sloped lawn with a pink flowering tree.
A 3D architectural model showing a modern house with a brick section, black wood siding, a grey shingled roof, and a glass sunroom with a green frame, situated on a sloped lawn with a pink flowering tree.

STAGE 02

CONCEPT DESIGN

This is where the fun starts and where we add the most value. We take pride in taking our time to explore all options until we’ve got the most from the space for you - we haven’t done our job if we don’t come up with something you hadn’t previously considered.

    • Investigate relevant Town & Country Planning issues in relation to proposed works

    • Explore design options, taking account of likely structural, planning, regulatory and budgetary constraints

    • Prepare & present up to two design options in sketch plan layout format

    • When applicable, prepare sketch 3D model views to better illustrate design intent

Logo for Planning Portal featuring a dark blue circle with a white cutout in the shape of a 'P' and a small green segment, alongside the text 'PLANNING PORTAL' in black.
Logo for Planning Portal featuring a dark blue circle with a white cutout in the shape of a 'P' and a small green segment, alongside the text 'PLANNING PORTAL' in black.

STAGE 03

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING

Once we’ve got the bones of a design that you’re happy with, we’ll incorporate your comments to tweak it, flesh it out and draw it up in more detail with a view to submitting relevant Planning or Lawful Development application to your Local Authority.

    • Develop initial design intent

    • Prepare drawings and documentation for the relevant planning application(s)

    • Advise regarding any other consultant appointments that may be required to prepare additional documents (i.e. tree report, flood risk assessment etc.)

    • Submit application(s) on behalf of client - NB. Planning application fees are payable by the client in addition to design fees

    • Monitor application and liaise with planning officer as required to secure consent

Architectural blueprint of a multi-story building cross-section, showing stairs, walls, windows, and structural elements.
Architectural blueprint of a multi-story building cross-section, showing stairs, walls, windows, and structural elements.

STAGE 04

TECHNICAL DESIGN & BUILDING CONTROL

During this final stage, we coordinate the structural design input and prepare technical architectural design information as necessary for a building regulations application. This can also be used for costing purposes by your preferred builders.

    • Advise on the appointment of a structural engineer and coordinate their design input

    • Develop scheme design and prepare technical design drawings and specifications

    • Make an application to Building Control for the design to be checked ahead of construction

    • Liaise with the Building Control officer as necessary in relation to the architectural design and amend design information as required to secure approval of the design