Template architects offer a full package of architectural services from brief development through to the delivery of the finished project. Please a breakdown of the stages below, as set out in the RIBA Plan of Work (see helpful links at the bottom of the page).
01 / Appointment and Brief
Following on from an initial enquiry, we would come and visit your property to meet you and to fully understand the requirements of the project. Following this you will then receive a fee proposal. Providing you are happy, our appointment will be confirmed using appropriate documentation. We will then discuss your brief in more detail delving into your project requirements, aspirations, budget and timescale.
02 / Concept Design
At this stage we discuss design ideas, encapsulating a number of options which have been created based on the project brief. There will be a mixture of design reviews to discuss the ongoing development of your scheme. This will include 3D internal and external views to assist in visualising the design.
03 / Planning Drawings
Once we have a finalised scheme, we will develop the drawings into a full set of planning drawings and apply to the Council for Planning Approval or Permitted Development. If your building is listed or in a Conservation Area then we will also make the relevant applications.
04 / Building Control Drawings
Once Planning Approval or Permitted Development has been granted, the next stage is to produce a set of detailed technical drawings. Other consultants, such as a structural engineer, may be required at this stage and we will coordinate the input from these consultants. Our technical drawings will show how the building is to be constructed and address all aspects of compliance with the Building Regulations, such as thermal efficiency and building safety. Following your approval of the detailed design, we will submit this for Building Regulations Approval to either the Council Building Control Department, or an Approved Building Control Inspector. This package of information can be used for Tender (helping you appoint a contractor, should you require a more detailed package of information you may also need construction drawings).
05 / Construction Drawings
We will produce the drawings necessary to explain the construction works to a contractor in order to build the project. Our services also include detailed interior drawings and plans such as precise kitchen and bathroom designs, and bespoke interior architectural details. In addition we will write a detailed specification document itemising all of the work involved in the construction of the design. Collating this information before works starts ensures that the project is of the best quality possible.
06 / Tender
We will suggest recommended contractors that are suitable for your project, and invite chosen contractors to tender for the work. Once tenders have been received we will report to you and assist in selecting the best value contractor for your project. As well as completing the paperwork on your behalf to be signed by you and your contractor. A well written building contract is essential to give you peace of mind during the construction.
07 / Construction
As part of our role during the construction phase we will maintain day-to-day contact with the builder on your behalf. Additionally, we will regularly visit the site and carry out inspections of the work to ensure that it is to the quality stipulated in the contract documents
If we identify any defective or incorrect work during these inspections, the contract empowers us to issue Architect’s Instructions to the builder to rectify this, at no cost or delay to the client. We will deal with any queries arising from site and will provide the contractor with additional information as necessary. We will also regularly value the works completed, issue interim certificates of these valuations, and check the invoices from the builder to yourselves.
08 / Completion
As contract administrator we will certify when Practical Completion is achieved. We will carry out a detailed inspection, and if necessary will draw the contractor’s attention to any issues which are not in accordance with the contract and which need to be addressed before we will certify Practical Completion. Once Practical Completion has occurred and you have taken occupation of your new building we will continue to be on hand, and will carry out further inspections so that we can instruct the contractor to return and rectify any defects arising. Only at the end of the defects liability period will we carry out our final inspection and issue our Final Certificate.
If you have a project in mind, please do contact us at hello@template-architects.com / 07890907273
Links
RIBA – Working with an Architect for your home