I try to cater my services to suit your needs and look to discuss this when we first meet.
Often prior to our meeting I will ask you to confirm your details and this will allow me to conduct an initial appraisal before I can be certain on my fee.
An architect can offer a drawing only approach, with a quick turnaround service of basic plans and elevations, if your scheme is simple, relatively small or time is of the essence. This works well for some clients.
However, my experience of smaller projects is that they can be very time intensive, particularly as with limited space, things need to be well considered – take a motorhome or caravan arrangement for example.
Therefore, architects are trained to an extremely high level to be able to offer a broad spectrum of services that encompass a start to finish approach for any scale of project.
For each project I would typically cover the following:
● Understand your requirements and provide guidance in relation to planning requirements,
● Demonstrate and apply a working knowledge of building regulations and legislation requirements.
● Demonstrate and be able to implement structural innovation and alteration, with assistance from a qualified engineer for calculations and beam sizing.
● Consider choice of building materials and construction techniques that are fit for purpose and will provide a reasonable life span,
● Provide advice and explanations on appropriate use of building contracts and the need for insurance
● Assist in finding a builder and reviewing the cost of your project.
● Provide a steer on finishes, lighting designs, design for future use and growing families - through to care functions and alternative building uses,
● Discuss and consider energy consumption, improvements to energy efficiency, replacement of heating and boilers,
● Consider the health and safety implications for key elements of your project and provide appropriate information in relation to client and contractor responsibility
I apply the same strategy to each project and navigate you through a series of Work Stages set out by the Royal Institute of British architects. These work stages are often referred to as:
● Feasibility and Concept
● Planning
● Building Regulations
● Tender and On-Site.
Every project differs, each of my client’s requirements are unique, and every solution is innovative to ensure that I can maximise on the potential that your property may offer.
To allow for this, I offer a tailored service to suit your individual requirements, which starts with a feasibility study to assess the possibilities and get a feel for your needs and ideas.
“We were extremely pleased with their professional and helpful attitude to our project. Highly Recommended”
“Suzanne was just the Architect we needed, she produced a number of options to match our brief and guided us clearly through our selection process without trying to push her own agenda. Her proposals were exciting, innovative and sympathetic to the character of the original house.”
“Suzanne introduced a very professional and impressive architectral practice. The only barrier to using Suzanne’s services on this occasion was that her quoted fees were a bit more than we had budgeted for on our small project.”