Services
Elegant Architectural Ltd provide the full range of architectural services from preparation and design to construction and use. With most projects, the stages of each project are broken down into the stages described on this page.
Stage 1 - Concept Design
The project brief
We set out the initial objectives for the project i.e what are you looking to achieve? What budget are you working to? What timescale are you looking to have the works started/completed by?
Surveys
We will conduct a full measured survey of any existing buildings and, depending on the scale of the project, a topographical survey of the site to determine ground levels.
Concept design
We prepare a couple of sketch proposals for your consideration and look how we can feasibly provide the maximum potential in line with the project brief.
Pre-application advice
Depending on the scope of the project, it may be beneficial to have a preliminary meeting with the local authority to discuss proposals and to determine overall acceptability of a scheme.
Stage 2 - Detailed Design
Developed design
The initial concept design is developed to include all necessary information for submission of a planning application / listed building consent / certificate of lawful development.
Reports / planning statements
Alongside the design drawings, it is common to submit a design and access statement which outlines the key aspects of the proposal. Depending on the scheme, it may be necessary to provide additional, specialist reports i.e. heritage statement, structural report, etc.
Submission to local authority
We will collate all of the necessary drawings and reports and submit to the local authority. We seek to oversee the application process and keep you appraised of any updates as and when available i.e. comments from neighbours, consultants, etc.
Stage 3 - Technical Design
Technical design
Further to receipt of planning approval, it is at this stage the design is developed to full construction drawings for compliance with building regulations and submission to building control - these are also the drawings your builder will work from.
Approval of conditions
It is typical for there to be conditions as part of a planning approval that need to be agreed with the local authority prior to commencement of the development i.e. samples of materials, etc.
External consultants
There will be the need at this stage to appoint a structural engineer for foundation and superstructure design. Depending on the scope of the project, there may also be a requirement for additional consultants.
Building regulations application
We will collate all of the necessary drawings and reports and submit to building control. Once the plans have been appraised, works can commence on site. Your builder will need to call out building control at set points in the build so that they can be inspected and approved.
Stage 4 - Pre-Construction
Specification
Also known as a schedule of works, this is a document we prepare to be read alongside the construction drawings which itemises each of the key aspects in the build. This document describes the materials and workmanship required for the development giving you, the client, more certainty about the quality of the end product as well as the cost.
Tender
We will collate all of the construction drawings, specialist contractor documents and the specification and prepare a tender pack for builders to price against. It is generally accepted that we will go to 4-5 different contractors to price the project. Upon receipt of all of the tender returns, we will collate the prices returned and compare to identify the preferred tenderer.
Pre-contract meeting
Once a contractor has been appointed, we advise having a pre-contract meeting i.e. before works commence on site. This is an opportunity for the project team to meet and to plan the construction stage. Key items to discuss include programme of works, roles, responsibilities and lines of communication.
Stage 5 - Contract Administration
Contract administration
Should you wish us to administer the contract for the build (larger scale projects) our role would be to:
- regularly attend the site, inspect works undertaken and value works done
- attend regular site meetings to discuss progress
- issue instructions to the contractor
- issue certificates under the building contract i.e payment certificates
Other Services
3D Visualisations
We can provide photo-realistic 3D images of your project. These will provide you with a realistic image of your project so you can visualise the project and your chosen materials more clearly. 3D visualisations can also be used for selling projects off plan.
New build SAP calculation
We can provide SAP calculations and an On Construction Energy Performance Certificate for new build projects. A SAP calculation is an assessment of the buildings energy performance and is required prior to commencement of works by Building Regulations.
Should you wish to discuss your project with us please get in touch for a free of charge initial consultation.
