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all RIBA stages 0-7 offered
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consultation
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measured surveys and drawings as existing
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feasibility studies
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concepts
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construction drawings
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construction advice
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planning applications
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building regulations
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heritage and listed buildings
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construction cost advise
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improve Health and Wellbeing
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site inspection and project management​
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urban planning
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design of small and large constructions
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child-friendly spaces
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co-design, self built
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unusual projects
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3D modelling as standard
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BIM
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Virtual Reality
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technical design
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facility management
The plan of work with its 8 stages is a framework used by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) to help guide the design and construction process.
We understand that some of the words used in this context may be specialised vocabulary. We are here to provide guidance and support to ensure that you have a clear and accurate understanding of our services and the commitment involved. If you come across any unfamiliar or technical terms, please don't hesitate to ask us for clarification. We believe that clear communication is essential to building trust and fostering successful relationships, and we are committed to helping you make informed decisions.
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0. Strategic Definition & Brief:
At this stage, we define the project's scope, objectives, and budget. We then prepare a fee proposal that outlines the required services and costs. We work with you to create a comprehensive list of services, third party consultants, and associated costs tailored to your needs to ensure transparency and clear communication throughout the process."
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1. Preparation and Survey:
This stage involves developing a detailed brief for the project, as well starting the preparation and strategy for the project including what and how much information are required. At this point a contract about our service is signed and we start the project usually with having a measured survey. We also ensure not to neglect responsibilities which come with the Health and Safety or CDM regulations which apply to a client as well as others involved.
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2. Concept Design:
This stage involves developing initial design concepts and assessing the feasibility of the project. We typically present 2-3 different ideas at this stage and encourage you to collect inspiration from other projects. This is a creative time where we test already existing ideas, explore different design directions to find the best fit for your project.
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3. Spatial Coordination:
This stage further develops the design, including detailing and coordination with other design disciplines. At this stage the planning application is submitted and at this stage it is important to communicate with neighbours, the local authority, town council, parish etc. Sometimes at this stage we collaborate with a planning consultant.
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4. Technical Design: This stage involves finalising the design details and preparing technical specifications for the project. Building regulation and tender documents are prepared at this point and also on most projects we collaborate with a structural engineer.
5. Manufacturing and Construction:
This stage includes the actual construction of the project, with the architect monitoring progress and resolving any issues. This is the exciting part where informations and drawings transforms into a built structure. Nevertheless it is important to communicate well with the team on site to stop mistakes in the interpretation and translation of information. At this stage we like to see drawings on walls and like to communicate with the client and the contractor.
6. Handover:
This stage involves handing over the completed project to the client and ensuring that all contractual obligations are fulfilled. The project has been completed and the process ends with issuing certificates.
7. In Use:
This final stage involves monitoring the project's performance and addressing any ongoing issues that arise. Most of the time on residential projects this means to keep in contact with the client evaluate the outcome.
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A full-service architect can provide services for all eight stages, while a modular service can provide services that are tailored to your specific needs, such as a survey, consultancy, assistance, concept design or technical design. The modular service can be a cost-effective way to get the necessary architectural services for your project, while a full-service architect can provide more comprehensive support throughout the entire project.
Our Service Costs:
We are in a process to prepare a table with all stages and services in order that you get an idea of our fees.
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We feel as architects a responsibility that our services helps to create more sustainable, liveable, and enjoyable environments for all users. Our service can be accessible and affordable for a diverse range of users by creating it modular, customisable and have an understanding of cost-effective construction methods and assist with self build. So please ask as we might be able to help.
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To provide an accurate estimate for our services, we need to understand the specific details of your project. This includes information about its location, scope, and desired level of service and quality of construction. We also need to account for the fact that design work sometimes involves research and development, finding a solution for a problem and lets not forget all the time to communicate. All these information form part of the brief and specification.
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The cost of our services is primarily determined by the time required to complete the necessary work. For example, if the technical design is more complex and requires more than the usual number of drawings or if the project involves a historic or listed building, it will take more of our time to complete and to communicate.
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To ensure that we provide you with the best possible service, we take the time to discuss your project in detail and agree on the necessary work to be done. This includes an estimate discussing the level of information and communication that will be required in the technical design phase. If additional work, such as monitoring a planning application or providing additional information, are required, we will always ask for your approval before proceeding. Certainly the planning stage is most unpredictable as it involves more than an objective judgement of the local authority represented by a planning officer and various committees.
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Our goal is to provide you with transparent and clear communication throughout the process, so you always know what to expect and you can make informed decisions about your project.
Typical services of a project are:
providing a professional office setup, including software, data protection, insurance and a professional standard
allow for time to communicate with a client
assisting looking at similar projects and contacting previous clients
create feasibility studies to test a brief or test the reaction
measuring and surveying a property
Improve the readability of drawings and create a 3d model
guiding you through the planning and building regulations processes
producing conceptual and technical designs
providing 2D and 3D design schemes (including material and utility plans)
preparing and submitting drawings for planning permission
monitoring planning applications
producing and managing tenders
assisting with finding and selecting other contractors
managing contracts with builders and construction professionals
certifying completed work.
Other cost which influence our fee as this creates more work are a complexity of a project, the level of service, design aspirations.
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Just for an indication and estimate on fees on a project using an professional designer and office based on all 8 stages can be in the range of 5% (very basic drawings and service) to13% (full comprehensive service) based on a total construction cost.
Our service and sustainability:
At our studio, we prioritize designing with the human experience in mind. We believe that good design should meet the needs of the people who will use the space. While we strive to create environmentally responsible and energy-efficient designs, we are cautious about using the term 'sustainable' because it has become a buzzword in the industry and is often used to justify higher costs without necessarily providing tangible benefits to the users.
Instead, we believe that a building that is comfortable and thermally effective contributes more effectively to saving resources, reducing CO2 emissions, and having a positive impact on climate change and our environment.
We focus on designing houses and buildings that meet the highest technical standards, while also creating healthy, comfortable, practical, and protected environments for all occupants and users. We believe that good design should not only look aesthetically pleasing but should also improve the quality of life for those who use it. Humans who feel good, comfortable and healthy are more likely to take care of their environment.





How we work:
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As an Architect, Engineer and Technician, Michael offers a wide range of services, including designing spaces and buildings, providing construction information, and conducting site inspections. He also works as a consultant to help clients make decisions about buying a house, making buildings more warm, dry, and healthy, and overcoming technical issues. Michael's approach to architecture is centered around the human experience, focusing on the need for protection, comfort, light, air, views, and functionality. He also considers the wider context of a building, including the site, topography, and community. For Michael, the most successful buildings and spaces are those that are functional, durable, technically sound, beautiful, timeless and which make people feel comfortable.
Our Principles
At our architectural studio, we strive to uphold the principles of integrity, transparency, and respect in everything we do. Our vision is to create a world guided by empathy, respect, justice, generosity, courage, fun, and love.
We follow the Vitruvian principles:
Vitruvius, was a Roman author, architect, civil engineer, and military engineer
Firmatis (Durability) - It should stand up robustly and remain in good condition.
Utilitas (Utility) - It should be useful and function well for the people using it.
Venustatis (Beauty) - It should delight people and raise their spirits.
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In addition to the Vitruvian principles, we draw inspiration from the Bauhaus movement, which aimed to integrate art, design, music, architecture, and technology to create functional and aesthetically pleasing buildings. Actually we are more inspired by the diverse and creative humane education of the Bauhaus movement. A movement which also has a pioneering role in the very economically driven industrial mass fabrication of buildings, which forgot about the human in the centre of design.
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Contact us today to discuss your project and learn how we can help bring your vision to life.
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