We have a detailed understanding of buildings and the building process, and we will assist you to maximise the potential of your home or site with a bespoke, individually tailored solution.

Our services include the full architectural design process; from inception, feasibility studies, concept design and submission of planning applications and other approvals, through to detailed design, on-site project management and completion.

Feasibility and Appraisal
RIBA Stage 1

Before the design process begins, we take the time to understand your vision and what you hope to achieve with your home. During our initial meeting, we’ll explore your goals, lifestyle, and priorities in detail to create a clear and considered design brief. This conversation covers both practical requirements and any early ideas or inspiration you may already have. We’ll also introduce approaches to sustainability and share precedent projects and moodboards to help define the overall tone and direction of the design.

We also begin an open discussion about budget at this stage. Although it can feel early, having a realistic understanding of costs from the outset helps guide the design process in a meaningful and achievable way. Based on our experience, we can offer informal advice on what comparable projects have cost, ensuring you can move forward with confidence and clarity.

By the end of this stage, you’ll have a well-defined written brief, a curated set of visual references to support the design vision, and an initial working budget to inform the next steps.

Concept Design
RIBA Stage 2

With the brief agreed, we begin to translate your ideas into early design concepts. Every home comes with its own set of opportunities and challenges, and we’ll guide you through these to uncover the most effective and inspiring design solutions. At this stage, we develop initial sketch plans and simple 3D models to communicate the key ideas, giving you a clear sense of how the spaces might look and feel.

We also take a closer look at the budget, reviewing not only the construction costs but also finishes, fittings, and furnishings. Our aim is to present a realistic picture of the overall investment, helping you make informed decisions and avoid unexpected costs later in the process. While general estimates for construction can be misleading, we draw on our experience to highlight how different design choices, materials, and existing site conditions can influence cost. Ultimately, this stage is about understanding what’s possible — both creatively and financially — before moving forward with confidence.

With your approval of the sketch design and outline budget, we move into a more detailed stage of development. Here, the ideas begin to take clearer shape as we produce architectural drawings, explore physical and digital models, and refine the spatial qualities of your home. To help you visualize the design, we create realistic renderings, animations, and interactive 3D models that can be viewed easily on your phone or tablet.

These tools go beyond presentation — they’re an essential part of the creative process. They allow us to test ideas and uncover new opportunities, whether it’s adjusting a window for a better view, introducing a quiet reading nook, or integrating clever storage solutions into unused spaces.

Planning and Other Consents
RIBA Stage 3

At the conclusion of this stage, we prepare and submit the planning application on your behalf. Navigating the planning process can be complex, with different permission types, policy requirements, and local authority considerations to take into account.

Our team has extensive experience working across a wide range of planning contexts, including conservation areas, listed buildings, and sensitive sites. We’ll advise you on the most appropriate approach — whether a full planning application or a permitted development route — and ensure the proposal responds carefully to the character and setting of your home. Once the application is ready, we manage the submission, coordinate with the local planning authority, and guide it through the process until a decision is reached.

At this stage, we also collaborate with an independent Quantity Surveyor to prepare a detailed cost plan. This provides a clear, up-to-date picture of how the design aligns with current market conditions. While our early estimates are typically close, the cost plan offers valuable confirmation and, if necessary, the chance to make adjustments before planning applications or construction begin.

Technical Design
RIBA Stage 4

At this stage, we shift focus to the technical development of the design. This is where the finer details are defined — from the exact placement of windows to the dimensions of joinery and built-in shelving. While this phase is often less visible, it’s essential to achieving a beautifully executed result. Careful detailing and clear documentation ensure that the finished home reflects the design intent in every aspect.

We prepare a comprehensive set of construction drawings and technical specifications, allowing contractors to provide accurate pricing. A shortlist of trusted builders — selected for their craftsmanship, reliability, and interest in your project — is then invited to tender. Once the quotations are received, we review them with you in detail, clarify any questions, and help you select the right contractor for the build.

Building Regulations

As this stage concludes, we prepare and submit the necessary information for Building Regulations approval. This process confirms that the design complies with all relevant standards, including structure, safety, insulation, drainage, and accessibility.

We manage the submission on your behalf, liaising directly with Building Control to resolve any queries. During construction, we continue to coordinate with the contractor to ensure all inspections are completed at the appropriate stages, helping guarantee that the work remains compliant and properly certified.

Construction and Project Management
RIBA Stages 5-7

Once construction begins, we take on the role of contract administrator, overseeing the project to safeguard your interests and ensure the build reflects the agreed design. We typically recommend using a traditional building contract, which provides a clear legal framework and enables us to manage the work, schedule, and payments effectively.

We conduct regular site visits — weekly or fortnightly, depending on the stage of construction — to monitor progress and quality. Alongside these visits, we provide detailed reports, highlight any decisions that require your input, and keep you fully informed throughout the process. A key part of our role is certifying monthly payments to the contractor, ensuring that you only pay for work completed to a high standard. The contract also sets a clear completion date and includes provisions for delays, helping to keep the project on track and running smoothly.

Services Package                                                                                                                                   

Brief Development / Feasibility Study / Architectural Design / Concept Design / 3D Visualisation / Pre Application / Statutory Approval / Planning Application / Building Regulation Package / Building Control Package/ Detail Design / Furniture, Fixture & Equipment (F,F&E) / Tender Package / Construction Drawing / Construction and Pre - Construction Information / Contract Administration / Project Management / Bespoke Joinery.

Project Types

New Build / Refurbishment / Extension / Loft Conversion / Basements / Listed Buildings / Properties with conservation areas.