House Remodel and Extension - Buff Brick, Black Timber Cladding, Crittal Windows - Loughborough, Leciestershire, Charnwood Borough Council

HOW WE WORK

WE PROVIDE MORE THAN JUST DRAWINGS

At arch/FORM we pride ourselves on providing more than just a ‘drawing service’. We are client focused and specialise in identifying the needs and architectural preferences of our clients - who may not always know what those are until we uncover them during the design process!

WITH YOU FROM START TO FINISH

As a RIBA Chartered Practice, we can work with and guide you from as early as designing your project brief, all the way through the design process to planning, building regulations, finding a contractor and even assist with project management until completion on site.

PROJECT SPECIFIC GUIDANCE

At the start of the process, we will design a project pathway which will cover each of the key stages and how we will collaborate with you to develop your project. We like to keep things simple and clear so, at each stage of the process, we will always let you know what we need to do & what you need to do.

/ DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE PROJECT GUIDE

We follow the RIBA Plan of Work and have produced a guide for homeowners or those looking to undertake a residential project to accompany them through the process and provide the key steps in progressing through each stage.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

We're committed to ensuring every project is fit for purpose with a sustainable legacy. To that end, arch/FORM are proud to support Architects Declare - a forward-thinking initiative of practices across the UK raising awareness of the climate and biodiversity emergencies.

We can assist our clients in mitigating the impact of their projects and, where possible, will advocate for the re-use or upgrading of existing buildings as a more carbon-efficient option to demolition and new build.

/ HOW WE CAN HELP YOU

Our Services

OUR SERVICES

Please scroll below to see a list of the services that we can offer through out each of the stages within the RIBA Plan of Work and beyond.
While there is no 'typical project', the stages and services below can act as an outline for most projects, with additional steps added dependent on your project requirements.

STAGE 01

After we have discussed your project we will then prepare you a fee proposal and a schedule of service based on our discussions.

arch/FORM Fee Proposal and Schedule of Service

GETTING STARTED

A phone call or meeting to discuss your project and see if we are the right architect for you.

We will then discuss the outline design brief of your project and our potential scope of service dependent on your project requirements.

arch FORM Phone Call Consultation 01509 737612

/ MEET & DISCUSS

/ UNDERSTAND INITIAL DESIGN BRIEF

/ FEE PROPOSAL & AGREEMENT

STAGE 02

Using the measured building survey, we will prepare the existing drawings of your home.

We will also review the existing site context and note any site constraints, such as planning policies or site features which may be taken advantage of.

arch/FORM Measured Survey CAD Plan - architectural drawing

DESIGN BRIEF

Once we have been appointed we will visit the property to undertake a measured building survey.

While we are there we will discuss the project with you in further detail to enhance the design brief.

/ DEVELOP DESIGN BRIEF

/ PREPARE MEASURED BUILDING SURVEY

/ DEFINE SITE CONSTRAINTS & OPPORTUNITIES

STAGE 03

Next, we can meet to discuss the design options and which parts of the designs you prefer in order to create an initial concept.

We then recommend that we apply for pre-application advice for your project from the local planning authority to receive initial feedback.

arch/FORM House Remodel and Renovation Concept Axonometric, Masterbedroom and En-suite

INITIAL DESIGN

We will then begin by testing out design ideas through sketches, block 3D models and plans and elevations, including any thoughts or preferences that you would like to see explored.

arch/FORM Concept Sketch - Single Storey Rear Extension, Buff Brick, Brick Detailing, Pergola

/ DRAFT, EXPLORE & TEST

/ PREPARE INITIAL DESIGN OPTIONS

/ MEET & DISCUSS

/ APPLY FOR PRE-APPLICATION ADVICE

STAGE 04

We will then prepare full presentation planning drawings for your project, including the preparation and monitoring of your planning application.

PLANNING

Stage 03 involves developing the design further, including any feedback received from the pre-application discussions.

We will also select external and internal materials, fixtures and fittings and prepare an initial design review against the thermal requirements within the building regulations.

arch/FORM 3D Perspective - Side and Rear Wrap Around Extension, Warwickshire

/ DEVELOP DESIGN PROPOSAL

/ PREPARE PLANNING DRAWINGS

/ SUBMIT & MANAGE PLANNING APPLICATION

STAGE 05

Once the drawings are complete we will prepare your building regulations application and liaise with the building control officer to achieve compliance confirmation.

BUILDING REGULATIONS

This stage is the most intensive and involves preparing building regulations packages, including detailed drawings, schedules and specifications.

We also collaborate with consultants such as structural engineers depending on your project requirements.

arch/FORM Architecutral Drawing - Building Regulations Section - Loft Conversion and Extension, Whitwhick, Leicestershire

/ LIAISE WITH & MANAGE CONSULTANTS

/ PREPARE BUILDING REGULATIONS DRAWINGS

/ SUBMIT & MANAGE BUILDING REGULATIONS APPLICATION

STAGE 06

When the construction begins we can be on hand to undertake site inspections and monitor the quality of the construction, providing additional information and drawings as required.

If we are acting as contract administrator we will also provide certificates for payment and other contract events.

CONSTRUCTION

During this stage we will manage the tender process for you by preparing tender documents, registering the interest of building contractors and liaising with them in to obtain prices for your review.

We can also provide advice on suitable building contracts and act as the contract administrator.

Barn Conversion - Construction Roof Steelwork with mezzanine floor. Oundle, Cambridgeshire

/ PREPARE TENDER DOCUMENTS

/ ACT AS CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR

/ PROVIDE ADDITIONAL DRAWINGS AS REQUIRED

/ MONITOR CONSTRUCTION QUALITY

STAGE 07

Once the items have been rectified, we will issue a Final Certificate (if acting as your Contract Administrator) signaling a payment of any retained money within the contract to your contractor.