Our Architectural Process
A simple guide to how your project moves from early advice through to design, planning, technical drawings, construction and handover.
Initial Advice
What happens:
- Discuss your ideas, goals and budget.
- Review the property and constraints.
- Advise on planning likelihood and project viability.
Outcome: You understand whether the project is worth progressing.
Brief & Survey
What happens:
- Measure the property or arrange a survey.
- Agree what you want to achieve, including rooms, layout and priorities.
- Confirm budget and programme.
Outcome: A clear brief to design against.
Between Stages 1–3
- Design development and client feedback.
- Planning discussions and adjustments.
Concept Design
What happens:
- Create layout options.
- Explore design ideas and spatial arrangement.
- Review feasibility, including light, access and planning considerations.
- Refine the design with your feedback.
Outcome: A preferred design direction.
Planning Design
What happens:
- Develop the design in detail.
- Prepare and submit the planning application, if required.
- Manage communication with the council.
Outcome: Planning approval or lawful development confirmation.
Between Stages 3–4
- Responding to planning conditions.
- Finalising technical details.
Technical Design
What happens:
- Prepare detailed construction drawings.
- Coordinate with the structural engineer and other consultants.
- Submit for Building Regulations approval.
Outcome: A buildable, compliant set of drawings.
Between Stages 4–5
- Selecting a builder.
- Agreeing costs and programme.
Construction
What happens:
- Support you during the build.
- Answer builder queries.
- Carry out site visits, if appointed.
- Help manage quality and design intent.
Outcome: Your project is built correctly.
During Stage 5
- Ongoing communication between architect, client and builder.
Completion & Handover
What happens:
- Inspect works and identify any defects.
- Ensure certificates and approvals are in place.
- Confirm the project is complete.
Outcome: You receive a finished, compliant building.
In Use
What happens:
- Review how the building performs.
- Address any defects during the defects period.
Outcome: The building works as intended.