Architects design and draw plans of buildings which are used in the construction industry. Architects also work on the restoration, conservation and renovation of existing buildings.

Architects ensure that the work is professionally done and that it meets the requirements of Building Control. Architects help to make sure the building is well-designed and realistic. An architect can also help you find the best builder for your work and can manage the project whilst keeping within your budget.

It is best to hire an architect as soon as you are ready to begin designing your construction project. The earlier the better! We are happy to provide rough estimates for the cost of your project and can provide some preliminary designs at the start of the process.

‘Always start with a drawing’ is our mantra. Test and explore the site or building through rigorous analysis, then trust those drawings as the process of communicating the idea to the builder commences. Building work can commence at any time of the year in the UK, we can have wet summers and dry winters, so don’t delay your preparation for an ideal time of year. Another factor is finance, some projects may need to be completed for a specific deadline or in a certain amount of time.

You will have an initial meeting with us to discuss your requirements and make sure that you are choosing the right architect for the job. We will discuss your ideas, concepts and our experience in relation to them.

After the initial meeting we will be in touch to make sure that you are fully satisfied. We will then develop a client brief including drawings from your ideas and concepts including information about budget and timescale.

If necessary, early on in the process, we sometimes take advice from a builder we are working with or whom we know has produced similar work for us. Having access to their practical construction expertise can save time and money later on in the process. However, when it comes to asking for quotations for building work it is best to do this after RIBA Stage 4 Technical Design. The drawings produced at Stage 3, which we submit for Planning consent, are not detailed enough to allow a builder to produce a firm and detailed quotation for work. You may be able to seek an idea of the likely budget required but this should only be treated as a rough guide of cost. It is worth noting, as a building industry standard, builders generally quote work exclusive of VAT.

The Design Team should be established as soon as possible to avoid abortive work. However, when it comes to asking for quotations for building work it is best to do this after RIBA Stage 4 Technical Design. The drawings produced at Stage 3, which we submit for Planning consent, are not detailed enough to allow a builder to produce a firm and detailed quotation for work. You may be able to seek an idea of the likely budget required but this should only be treated as a rough guide of cost. It is worth noting, as a building industry standard, builders generally quote work exclusive of VAT.