First Steps
Sketch Idea for a New House in Unstone, Derbyshire
First Steps
- Feasibility. We will assess any likely Planning and Building Regulations issues with the Local Authority before we start work.
- Survey. We would need a set of existing drawings as a first step. We would take the appropriate measurements on site and draw the existing situation.
- Sketch Ideas. We usually draw our initial design ideas freehand over our accurately drawn survey. These drawings will show you how your project might look, give you ideas to consider about shape, colour and materials along with ideas for layout and landscaping.
- Managing Costs. Once you are happy with the layout, we will revisit the Local Authority with our sketch ideas to make sure there are no concerns. We would then ensure you have a detailed cost estimate of the whole project, before we take our drawings to the next stage.
Obtaining Planning Consent
Obtaining Planning Consent
Drawings submitted as part of a Planning Application for a new house in Chesterfield.
We would then work up our drawings, on the computer for accuracy, and produce drawings sufficiently detailed for submitting for Planning Consent. You would be fully involved in this process to ensure you are happy with all aspects of the project. We would prepare all the documents required on your behalf.
Construction Drawings
Detailed Construction Section
Once Planning Consent has been obtained we would produce highly detailed drawings, for submission to the Local Authority for Building Regulations Approval and to obtain a quotation for the construction work from one or more contractor.
We would carefully detail all the finishes, fittings and materials as well as the construction details. This would involve discussion with you on all aspects of the detailed design including for example, staircase details, fitted cupboards, light fittings and landscape proposals.
Choosing your Contractor
We have worked with a number of excellent local contractors and would help you to find one who would best be able to construct your project. We would provide all the information necessary to ensure you have a detailed quotation for all of the work and advise you as to whether or not this price is reasonable.
During Construction
Progress Photograph of our Holymoorside House
We would draw up the contract between you and your contractor. This would clearly define issues such as insurance, when payment will be done, a programme for the work with start and finish dates and how the contractor will approach the project.
We would make regular visits to the project in order to monitor progress and the quality of the work.
On Completion
Before and After Photographs showing Renovation of Grade 2 Listed Coach House
We will check everything is properly finished and draw up a list of any items which require further attention. Once these have been resolved, we would agree the outstanding payment to the builder. A percentage of this, under the contract, is withheld by you, usually for six months. We would revisit with the contractor and draw up a list of any problems. These would be attended to at no extra cost; at which point the final payment of the retained money will be released by you.
Awards
A recent project to construct a new single storey sustainable house in the garden of our client's previous home has attracted much attention in the press.
We have won awards for many of our projects. Our Surestart project won the first RIBA East Midlands Award for Environmental Initiative as well as an award for design. 
Our work has also been published in numerous journals including Self Build and Design Magazine, The Architects Journal and Building Design Magazine.
Our commitment to sustainable design is demonstrated by our successful competition-winning house, constructed at Nottingham University. It requires little to no heating, and can be reproduced as a terrace for a third of the cost of conventionally constructed buildings.