Services

• Architecture and design services
• Project management/Construction contract administrator
• Planning/Building regulation applications
• Refurbishment, alteration and extension
• Historic and listed buildings
• Condition surveys/planned maintenance
• CAD drawings
• Specialist services

Architecture and design services

We provide a full architectural design service for refurbishment, alteration, extension and project management services. We can assist clients on all types of buildings with the specific requirements. These services would include initial feasibility studies, to see whether a scheme is viable and provide cost estimates, with the development of a scheme with our clients, to the preparation of plans for submission to the local authority for planning permission and building regulation approval, or to support a listed building or schedule ancient monument application. There may be incidents when permissions need to be in place before proceeding to the detailed design stage, especially when external funding may be sought.

Project management/Construction contract administrator

This is usually carried out in connection with refurbishment, maintenance and repair works on all types of buildings. Project management involves the preparation of specifications incorporating specialist services, tendering and managing building contracts, from inception until completion. The service would include cost control, certification of accounts and variations, issue of the relevant certificates in accordance with the chosen building contract, to ensure that our client’s receive the right project delivered on time and within the agreed budget.

Planning/Building regulation application

Once a scheme has been worked up and developed with our client, drawings can be prepared for the submission for planning and building regulation submissions.

Refurbishment, alteration and extension

When working on existing buildings great care and sensitivity is required to unlock its true potential. Ideas develop from initial discussions into workable solutions that are carried over into the construction process.

Historic and listed buildings

These buildings require more sensitivity when undertaking repairs and alterations, and negotiation with conservation officers or English heritage. Detailed drawings, specifications and making listed building/schedule ancient monument consent applications for the repair, alteration, refurbishment and maintenance of traditional buildings can be undertaken for our clients.

Condition surveys/planned maintenance

This provides clients with an asset management plan, so that buildings can be maintained proactively rather than reactively, ensuring that funding can be allocated towards future elements of the building fabric, so provision is made for their replacement. Building materials will come to the end of their useful life at some stage, where upon it becomes more cost effective to replace rather than to maintain. This helps to ensure that there are no sudden nasty surprises to deal with and the possible effects of an element failing resulting in more extensive damage. Clients are able to budget for the likely future costs regarding the maintenance of their buildings.

CAD drawings

The majority of drawings will be produced using a computer aided design (CAD) package. Floor and elevation drawings produced can then be used by other engineers to incorporate their relevant input as necessary.

Specialist services

DDA Disability Discrimination Act (1995): Access audits can be undertaken to ensure that where a service or facility is being provided to the public, everyone has the required access to these, so no member of the public is being discriminated against.

CDM co-ordinator under The Construction Design and Management Regulations (2007)

The majority of building projects involve the CDM regulations where clients have specific duties to ensure compliance. With more complex projects that become notifiable there are additional duties placed on clients, one of which is the appointment of a CDM co-ordinator, who once appointed can assist in ensuring the regulations are being followed correctly.

Party wall matters

Any building owner or occupier proposing to undertake work which may affect a party structure will need to be aware of the implications of this act. This may involve work on an existing wall or structure shared by another property; the building of a free standing wall or a wall of a building up to or astride the boundary with a neighbouring property; the excavating near a neighbouring building.

Provide advice on hazardous materials including asbestos

Should hazardous materials be present and will be disturbed by any proposed project, advice can be provided on how to deal with them during the construction process to ensure compliance with the current legislation.