Architectural Services in Hertfordshire
From vision to reality, we’ll guide you through the process of creating your dream project.
Our experienced team of Hertfordshire-based architects and designers will collaborate with you every step of the way. Once an initial brief has been discussed and agreed, we will embark upon the architectural design process with you, using the RIBA framework. We will communicate with you at every stage in order to ensure that the ideas that we are developing suit you, your budget and your design ambitions.
Hertfordshire Architectural Services
Projects are exciting and can be life changing but they need to be managed and controlled so that your wishes and requirements are carefully planned out in terms of budget, workload and programme. There is a useful guide from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), which we use to help structure projects for you so that they can be planned from start to finish.
Although we offer a complete scope of architectural services in Hertfordshire, you can employ us for as much or as little as you are comfortable with. This includes anything from an initial architectural consultation to a far more involved architectural design session right through to complete management of your project from feasibility to construction.
RIBA – Plan of work
Stage 0/1 – Feasibility Study
This is when we’re at our most creative. We begin with a feasibility study to develop a thorough project brief. This stage involves highlighting any opportunities or constraints presented by the existing site or building and getting the ball rolling with initial concept ideas. Following a site visit, we prepare a feasibility study report with our recommendations, together with a budget cost, programme information and everything you need to move forward.
Stage 2 – Concept Design
A vital aspect of our architectural services, this step is about refining ideas and integrating feedback. Together, we develop the brief to create a single, preferred concept design. We then review this vision against the construction budget, assist with bringing in other outside consultants if needed, and discuss pre-application planning feedback with the Local Authority, along with any other due diligence steps to make sure everyone agrees with the concept design layout in principle.
Stage 3 – Developed Design
This involves submitting a planning application. Here, we confirm the form of the building and the external materials. First, we develop the concept into a detailed plan, elevation and section. Design statements and reports are prepared before submitting a formal planning application to the Local Authority on your behalf. We are proactive with all planning applications, following up and keeping in close contact as things progress.
Stage 4 – Technical design
During this part of our architectural services, we focus on the detail. Throughout the technical design stage, we lock down the practical details to prepare construction information for contractors to provide accurate costs. In coordination with other consultants, we then discharge any planning conditions, draw up full working construction drawings, specify internal and external elements, submit building control applications and agree on a timescale for the build.
Stage 5/6 – Construction
This is about bringing your project to life. We can oversee the construction period from the moment contractors set foot on site, to the day of the final handover. How closely we are involved will depend on the type of contract. Above and beyond acting as your architect throughout the construction, we can also manage contractors, impartially administer the building contract, help to resolve any issues and prepare for a seamless completion.