The Design Process

A client’s guide to building your dream home.

Have you been dreaming of building your perfect home? We understand that the process can seem daunting, even overwhelming. But don’t worry – we’re here to help. With our expertise and proven professional process, we’ll transform your vision from a hand-drawn sketch into a stunning, finished reality.

Let's make a difference together.

CLIENT CONSULTATION

We will normally visit the proposed project with you, enabling us to introduce ourselves and discuss the normal process of undertaking a project, the legislation involved, and likely timescales. This is also an opportunity for us to undertake an initial analysis and assessment of the site and/ or building. If you have any initial ideas or thoughts about the project or any specific requirements, we will discuss these with you and suggest possible alternatives you may not have considered.

After the initial visit, we will produce a letter outlining the project's basic requirements and summarising any discussions we have had. This letter will also include a fee proposal for our services at various stages of the project, enabling you to choose the right level of service.

A silver MacBook laptop, a white smartphone, a black Sony camera, and a green potted plant on a white surface.

A white two-story house with a dark front door, brick accents, and a gray Mercedes-Benz parked in the driveway under a blue sky.

Rustic white wooden gate in front of an old stone building with a steep roof, green foliage on the side, and a clear blue sky above in a rural setting.

A smartphone, a black field notes notebook, a spiral-bound notebook, and two black markers on a light wooden desk.

SURVEY

For all projects, an accurate survey of the site and any existing buildings is needed to enable the plans and elevations to be drawn. For extensions and internal remodelling, we can generally undertake the survey and produce the existing drawings ourselves; however, for larger projects or new sites, we recommend that a professional surveying company be appointed for these works.

Architectural blueprint of a building floor plan with measurements and annotations.

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

Once we have accurate drawings to work with, we will start developing ideas for the project. These are normally a combination of sketch drawings, including plans, elevations, and perspectives (3D views), which enable us to analyse the project and develop the best solution for you.

We will normally run through a series of options with you to get your input and see which option (or combination of options) will suit you best. Once the design direction has been decided, we will work up the scheme in more detail, normally utilising 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. This enables us to produce coordinated drawings that provide accurate visuals of your project, allowing you to understand the spaces within the building better.

When these drawings have been completed, we will present them to you for comments before preparing a final pack of design drawings for you.

A sketch of a modern house with a slanted roof, large windows, and a deck with outdoor furniture, surrounded by greenery and trees.

Site plan showing several large trees, a rectangular building with a dark roof, and surrounding landscape features outlined with property lines.

Architectural blueprint of a house plan showing rooms including bedrooms, kitchen, living room, bathroom, porch, and surrounding yard with trees.

A sketch of a modern house with a large rooftop solar panel, surrounded by a backyard with a tree and a fenced yard.

PLANNING PERMISSION

For the majority of projects, Planning Permission will be required from the local Planning Authority, confirming that the proposed development can legally proceed. There are some small projects that do not require permission, which are considered Permitted Developments.

Following discussions with the local Planning Authority we can arrange for the relevant drawings, visuals, and ‘design and access statements’ to be collated with the application forms and submitted.

Architectural design plans, site photos, and material samples for a building project

BUILDING REGULATIONS

Building Regulations in the UK are mandatory requirements ensuring people's safety, health, and welfare in and around buildings. They cover aspects like structural integrity, fire safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility. These regulations apply to most building works and are enforced by Building Control.

We advise waiting until planning permission is granted before undertaking this stage to avoid abortive work.

During this stage, we develop our drawings, add additional technical information, and liaise with the Structural Engineer and Services Consultants to prepare the Building Regulations application.

Architectural plan showing front elevation and cross-sectional details of a building with windows, stone and wooden exterior finishes, and measurements.

CONSTRUCTION

Tender Action: During this stage, the final elements of the project, including materials and colours, are finalised. We then produce a complete set of construction drawings and specifications, enabling builders to review and provide a detailed price for the construction of your project.

If required, we can manage the tender process for you, arrange for several builders to price the job, conduct interviews, and help you review their prices and relevant experience.

Contract Administration: We can also administer the building contract until its completion. This involves meeting with the design team and builders, responding to queries, reviewing on-site works, and certifying payments.

Under construction house with scaffolding, wooden framing, and partially completed roof, with a blue sky and trees in the background.

Attic under construction with exposed wooden framing, insulation, and large roof windows showing cloudy sky outside.

Interior of a building under construction with exposed brick and wood framing, construction materials, tools, and a plastic chair visible.

House under renovation with new steps leading to the back door, construction materials, and tools visible in the yard, with a cloudy sky overhead.

Ready to Build Your Dream Home?

Turn your vision into reality with our expert guidance. From initial sketches to the final build, we’ll be with you every step of the way. Contact us today to start the journey towards your perfect home.