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.
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.
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.
After we have discussed your project we will then prepare you a fee proposal and a schedule of service based on our discussions.
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.
/ MEET & DISCUSS
/ UNDERSTAND INITIAL DESIGN BRIEF
/ FEE PROPOSAL & AGREEMENT
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.
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
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.
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.
/ DRAFT, EXPLORE & TEST
/ PREPARE INITIAL DESIGN OPTIONS
/ MEET & DISCUSS
/ APPLY FOR PRE-APPLICATION ADVICE
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.
/ DEVELOP DESIGN PROPOSAL
/ PREPARE PLANNING DRAWINGS
/ SUBMIT & MANAGE PLANNING APPLICATION
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.
/ LIAISE WITH & MANAGE CONSULTANTS
/ PREPARE BUILDING REGULATIONS DRAWINGS
/ SUBMIT & MANAGE BUILDING REGULATIONS APPLICATION
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.
/ PREPARE TENDER DOCUMENTS
/ ACT AS CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR
/ PROVIDE ADDITIONAL DRAWINGS AS REQUIRED
/ MONITOR CONSTRUCTION QUALITY
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.
ALL YOURS!
Your work is completed, and you take possession of your new space.
We keep in contact and following a defined time period in your building contract, usually a year, a list of any defects is to be provided to your contractor for rectification.
/ YOU TAKE POSSESSION
/ RECORD & RECTIFY ANY DEFECTS
/ FINAL CERTIFICATION
Please keep in touch and let us know how you are enjoying you are getting on!
We also enjoy receiving feedback, so please let us know how you found the process with us!
ENJOY!
Project complete! We hope you have enjoyed the process with us, and make the most of your new space.
/ ENJOY!
/ LET US KNOW HOW YOU ARE GETTING ON
/ GIVE US FEEDBACK!
WE CAN ALSO PROVIDE
Full 3D Visuals of your project.
Interactive walkthrough of your project.
Physical scale model of your project.
Land registry drawings.
Drone photography and videos.
Principal Designer (CDM 2015 / Health and Safety) services.