| Working with Us

We[e1]  base our process, on the tried and tested RIBA Plan of work, together with our experience of seeing countless[e2]  projects through from start to finish. We have a basis of how we like to work, which we have set out below, But but the most important thing is that this is a discussion with you, and we will tailor our services to exactly what you need for your project. We hope this gives you a good idea of what to expect:

 [e1]Generally: love it, it is a lot of words but I think it explains the process really well to a homeowner. Maybe there can be something graphically (i.e. subtle background Colour) to identify the 3 phases. 

 [e2](questionable but probably fine)…I think you counted 23?

Collaborative

Clarity

Creative

1 | Getting in Touch

Give us a call or drop us an email, we are always keen to have a chat,
​hear your ideas and discuss any initial thoughts or queries. ​

2 | First Steps

We are proud to offer our first steps meeting as a free, no obligation, no pressure service. We would love to meet with you and have a chat over a cuppa to discuss ideas and what we can do for you. 
 
We know that, at the outset, you will have a lot of questions, thoughts and ideas, this is an opportunity to help you distil this into an achievable brief and strategy for the project. This brief isn’t just a schedule of rooms, but itsit’s what is important to you, in how you use spaces, what your routines are, what is your preferred style or favourite material? We will bounce some ideas around with you, what might be possible, how long will it take, what will it cost? Together we can create a plan to move forwards.
 
We want to get to know your site as well. If it’s your existing home, we will look at every nook and cranny to discover the good and the bad[e1] . If it’s a muddy field, we will get our boots on and explore, taking in views, where the sun rises and sets, noise, neighbours, the location of services and everything in between!
 
It is quite likely at this stage that we would recommend a measured survey, to provide accurate measurements as a basis for our designs.
 
Following our meeting, we will send across a fee proposal and project brief that can form the foundation for of our collaboration with you moving forwards. 

 [e1]I get what you’re trying to say but, some people wont appreciate us nosing around their cupboards etc before they’ve signed up to work with us? Is there a better way to say this…plus I’d wouldn’t expect the looking at every nook and cranny would happen until we survey.

3 | Forming a Concept

We love this stage, and think you will too. This is a creative, collaborative process in our studio, our team will sit around a table, sketching, modelling and playing with materials to explore ideas and make sure that we come up with the best solutions for your project. 
 
We will check our the concepts meet our sustainability aspirations, ensuring you have great thermal comfort, low bills, and great levels of natural light. We will make sure the concepts work within the opportunities of the site and local legislation, and are affordable for you. 
 
We will then sit around a table with you, and pour over 2d 2D and 3d 3D drawings, to communicate our ideas. Right now, the concepts are rough around the edges, and we will probably bring out the tracing paper to sketch some more with you to really refine how the spaces could work best for you.these concepts ideas.
 
Hopefully, through this process, we can start to bring together a design that you absolutely love and we can further refine as the project moves forwards.

4 | Developing the Design

Refinement is the name of the game at this stage. A process of drilling down into the details to make sure everything is buildable, functional and beautiful. This includes looking at how materials inform and integrate with the design, the precise placement of windows and doors, interrogating the functionality of your internal spaces, and assessing every detail with you in 3- dimensions. 
 
We will prepare a refined set of drawings that can really convey the design and the thought that’s gone into it. We will prepare and submit the planning application on your behalf. If there are any complexities to your application, such as being a listed building, in a conservation Conservation area Area or a national National park Park we will prepare the required documentation too. We If you would like our input we can also help with discussing your plans with your neighbours. 
 
We hope and expect that this process should culminate in gaining legislative approval [e1] for your design. 

 [e1]This might need clarifying for some homeowners, what legislative approval means? I know that might need to be more inclusive than planning but do we need to mention planning? We aren’t getting building regs at this stage so it’s not inclusive of all legislative approvals for the design.

5 | Technical Design

Our role at this stage is to dive into the technical aspects of the project. This process is most simply described as putting together a thorough instruction manual for the building, a guide on the design of the building, and how to put it together and from what. In reality, this is a process that has complexities, creating the detailed technical drawings and specifications to ensure that the builder understands the design and builds your project to the expected quality.  
 
We will discuss the finer details of the design with you, from looking at the choice of materials, finishes and internal joinery, to the location of lights, switches and sockets. Many clients find this process the most exciting as we step closer and closer to the project becoming a reality.
 
This stage also involves coordinating with other specialists, suppliers and consultants. Most projects will require the involvement of a Structural Engineer, whilst some may require a Services designer, Passivhaus Certifier, an Ecologist or coordination with a specific supplier. We will handle all of this on your behalf and ensure that their information is integrated with ours. 
 
At this stage of work, we will also send the technical drawing information will be sent for a full full-plans check with a building control authority. A building Building iInspector will subsequently be involved during construction to ensure that the construction work is carried out to UK Regulations.

6 | Choosing a Builder

Choosing the right builder for your project is important. Finding someone a Building Contractor who has the right experience, you get on with and fits with your timeframe and budget aspirations is important. We will manage this process for you and help you to choose the right people. 
 
This process is often called ‘the procurement route’. There are options to consider, but our preferred method would be to select a main Main contractorContractor, selected via a Two-stage competitive tender process:
 

• We will send out an ‘outline’ technical package as soon as possible to a carefully selected list of potentialMain Contractors., This will to enable us to have early discussions with proposed Ccontractors and get a good idea of timescales and costs. Hopefully Normally[e1]  at this stage we can select a preferred contractorContractor, enabling us to collaborate with them as the technical design progresses. 

 

• Once the technical design is finalised, the revised information package will be issued to the preferred Ccontractor. Any adjustments to the proposed costs and programme can then be made prior to signing of contracts.

 
We always highly recommend that a standard form of building contract is used. This contract formalises the agreement between you as the client Client and the building contractorContractor.
 
We will advise on the appropriate form of building contract, and administer the building contract between you and the builders. 
In our eyes, a building contract is essential, to provide security and clarity to all parties, when entering into a large personal and financial commitment. 

 [e1]Hopefully might sound a bit like it might not happen which I guess is true, but maybe saying ‘normally’ gives a bit more confidence?? If you disagree just leave as is though…

7 | Construction

Now construction can get underway and your design becomes reality! We will be here throughout the construction process to help to shoulder some of the stress and make surehelp everything runs as smoothly as possible. Formally our role is as ‘Contract Administrator’, you can think of us as the go-between, answering questions from all sides and keeping everything moving in the same direction. 
 
We will visit site frequently to ensure that the works are progressing well and discuss any queries or concerns with the contractor Contractor and yourselves. We will keep a close eye on progress and quality, keep track of costs, health and safety [e1] and certify payments to the contractorContractor in line with the chosen contract. 
 
When the contractor has completed the works, and we are happy with the quality, we will issue a ‘practical Practical Ccompletion’ certificate. This is the point at which the builder will move out and you can move in!

 [e1]This is more on the Contractor than us at this stage, not sure if this comment is confusing

8 | Fine Tuning

You are moved in and hopefully really enjoying the completed project. It is not unusual for some aspect of the building to need adjusting as the construction settles and you start living in the building.  
 
Within the chosen building contract, there will be a rectification or ‘snagging’ period. During this period, we will still work with the contractor to resolve any issues that appear and tie up any loose ends. We can then issue the Final Certificate, at which point the final payment to the contractor will be due and you can sit back relax and enjoy your finished project. 

9 | Enjoy!

Hopefully at the end of this process we have together created a place that you absolutely love. This is our aim. We are always keen to stay in touch, and come to visit to see how the project is working for you. We especially love to hear about the performance of your building, its comfort and energy use. 
 
We are always keen to improve, so an important point at this stage is to reflect on the journey, and ask you where we could have been better, so that we can build on every project. 
 
Most of all, we hope that you have enjoyed the journey, and love your new space. 

FAQ's

We are sure that you have lots of questions when thinking about your new project. 
We have collated some of the questions that often get asked, to try and provide as much information as possible about us and how we work. 

FAQ's

Start your Project

If you have any questions about how we work, or would like to chat about getting started with your project.
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Get in Touch

Our Projects

Take a look at some of our projects to how ideas come to life through this process.
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Projects