Our planning team are members of the Royal Institute of British Architecture (RIBA) and Architects Registration Board (ARB) and therefore follow the RIBA work stages from 0-7, although on residential projects, we streamline this process into three working stages.

We will initially come out and visit the site free of charge to discuss your design options, help you understand the building process and answer any questions. We show examples of work and the documentation prepared is equivalent to RIBA stage 0. This allows us to provide you with a fixed fee proposal for all works required, so that you know exactly what your costs will be.

Following an initial appointment, Stage 1 commences, reflecting RIBA stages 0-3. This includes a full measured survey of the property, after which the design process starts. We do not put any limit on the number of designs within our fee, and will keep going until you are happy with it. This is initiated by providing you with three, individually unique designs to help give food for thought on what works best for you compared to different potential costs and impacts on the existing structure.

Once a design has been finalised, a planning application is submitted to the council (if required) for approval. The full process, of which will be managed on your behalf, maintaining communication with the planning officer, coordinating a site visit and making any necessary changes if required.

Upon successful planning consent, Stage 2 starts, reflecting RIBA stage 4. This begins with introducing other consultants into the process, depending on what is required. Generally, these include a structural engineer and a CCTV drainage surveyor. Following which, a significantly detailed set of drawings is put together, along with other associated documents, such as room data sheets going into all internal finishes, for the full holistic cosmetic scope.

Once costs have been finalised, and we have all the detailed information to be able to build from, the works can start on site and Stage 3 begins, reflecting RIBA stage 5. This covers any project management on site and takes you through to the finished product. After which RIBA stages 6-7 come into play to handover the project for use.

Throughout all 3 stages, the uniqueness that we are proud to possess is the construction based consultancy that is offered free of charge to enable the design to be created to an accurate and achievable budget.