Services
We have a range of architectural services we can offer working closely with our building service engineering colleagues. We work on projects from small to large, extensions and refurbishments, residential, community and commercial. Please see our case studies for more information. Building projects can take many forms and the following is a general guide as to what we do at each stage. Where we need additional expertise we have long established working relationships with other consultants who can assist– for example on larger projects we may need a quantity surveyor to help with providing an accurate picture of the costs from initial estimates to agreeing accounts with contractors.
First Steps
We listen closely and discuss your ideas to get a clear understanding and provide suggestions of how best to proceed. This can include feasibility studies, energy surveys and liaising with planning and conservation, building control, mains service providers and others to explore the possible ways of realizing your project. We will look at cost options and overall budget requirements.
Approvals
We can provide scheme designs to obtain planning and building regulations approvals developing the design and sustainability strategy to ensure the later detail design is achieved as intended without costly revisions. If your project involves a listed building or conservation area, we also have experience of obtaining the required consent and working with the relevant authorities.
Technical Design
We develop the approved design to provide drawings and information that make clear the design intent and the quality standards and detail methods to be deployed to enable building contractors to provide accurate prices. We can also help you select a contractor and advise on the appropriate form of building contract to commission the work.
Construction
We administrate the building contract and work with the appointed contractor to ensure a full and correct interpretation of the drawings and technical information provided. We work with all involved to ensure that the building works as intended and that its operation is fully understood by those who will be using it. The latter is particularly important in considering heating and ventilation systems.
Using the new building
Inevitably there is period of becoming familiar with a new or refurbished building and we provide assistance to ensure the building reaches its full potential in providing comfort and ease of operation. We are followers of the “soft landings’ approach see here for more details.
Evaluation
We have experience of detailed monitoring of building performance and post occupancy evaluations and have worked with Leeds Sustainability Institute and others over many years. We believe this to be an important part of our role as professionals to ensure we continually improve our understanding and service to our clients and the wider industry.
