Services

Having had an initial consultation to establish the outline brief we would then carry out a measured survey from which to produce ‘as existing’ plans. We then enter the scheme design stage, exploring designs for as long as it takes, and then producing a set of ‘proposed’ drawings at 1:50 scale. These are also suitable for a Planning Application, and concludes what we call Stage1.

After the ‘Planning’ stage we move onto a larger scale to produce detailed drawings and also a Schedule of Works, which itemizes and specifies the full job, and which is filled in by builders when they tender. This whole package is sent out to builders for pricing. This concludes what we call Stage2.

Stage3 then involves selecting a builder, appointing building control, arranging contracts and setting up project management schedules. We then oversee the works on site with at least weekly site visits.
How long does the process take?

Stage 1 typically takes 3-4 weeks
Stage 2 ideally takes 8 weeks, to reach selection of a builder (whilst the scheme is in Planning)
Stage 3 on site, depends on the size of the job.

No our service provides all that you will need.

We do anything from £10,000 to £500,000.

Since most of the jobs are dealing with existing London houses the palette of materials is naturally ‘low-energy’ and simple. I think the key to sustainable practice is simply reducing heat loss, and the current codes under the Building Regulations are fairly stringent already.
With new builds it gets much more exciting, I am always keen to use very natural materials with time honoured construction techniques. Where possible I would also encourage the use of renewable energy technologies.

I normally request a fee equivalent to an hour of time for an initial consultation. This covers part of my time and hopefully some valuable input at a critical stage, it is refundable upon an appointment.

This meeting normally lasts up to an hour, on site, in which we discuss design ideas, your brief, the budget/likely cost, building process, other consultants etc.  It is followed by a letter summarising the project, explaining what I can do for you, with my fee proposal, and terms of business.

Within the residential market I aim to respond to the feeling that my client wishes to bring into their home, without imposing any current trend or style. However, my tendency would be to steer towards a simple homely feel within the contemporary yearnings for more space and light.

That is absolutely fine. I have a core of 3-4 different contractors whom I have used happily for many years, but I always welcome new blood. In any case the Tender Documents should be sent out to at least 3-4 builders to receive a good spread of prices which fairly reflect the market.

Yes, I am happy to liaise with interior designers, and have done on occasion. It is always good to have more ideas and resources to draw from.