Office Ten Architecture

The below shows the normal stages of an architectural design project:

0 - Initial Consultation - FREE
If you have a project in mind, please contact us. We would love to meet and discuss it with you.
You can tell us your dreams and we can explain how we could help you achieve this goal.

1 - Desktop Study
All developments are regulated by the Town and Country Planning Act (1990). Local Authorities will also usually have their own Local Plan setting out their Planning Policies.

This means that the first thing that should be established is an understanding of the planning policy framework in your area. This will provide important information about the viability of the development that you have in mind, be it loft extension, basement excavation or a new build.

We will check whether your property is in a conservation area and/or whether the building is listed.
This stage includes an initial sketch proposal for your development.

2 - Appraisal and Outline Porposal
This will be the first detailed investigation into the site or existing building fabric. A site visit and an outline measured survey will be prepared.

In the beginning of the stage we will discuss your requirements and priorities, and ask you for a brief or list things that is important to you.

We will issue a report with more detailed options for the design of the development and an appraisal of the current situation, with its opportunities and potential issues.

3 - Developed Design and Planning
Based on the work done in the previous stage we will develop further the option of your choice.
During the stage we will meet with you to present our work as it progresses and do further site visits as required.

We will provide you with a design report, which includes:
- the final design concept
- general arrangement plans, sections and elevations
- interior perspectives
- choice of finishes and fittings

This stage also includes submission of planning application to the Local Authority with the documentation they require.

4 - Technical Design
During this stage we will develop the technical part of the design and produce the required drawings, schedules and specifications a contractor will need to price and build your project.

As the design progresses, it is likely that small changes will be required or that new possibilities will be discovered. We will continually present the design development to you in meetings and incorporate your feedback.

The end of the stage is the issue of the tender documentation package. This is what a contractor will need to provide a quote.

5 - Mobilisation and Construction
Going from a complete design to a complete building can be a long and sometimes complicated process.

The main obstacles tend to be:
- finding the right contractor for the job
- setting up and managing a contract between yourself and the contractor
- resolving unforeseen issues on site
- making sure the contractor understand the design and executes it faithfully
- managing payments and resolving disputes should they arise

Having an architect on board through this phase of the project is therefore essential to achieve the best outcome.

Our services during this stage includes:
- managing the tender process
- checking contractor’s insurance
- site visits to check progress of construction
- answering questions from contractor
- deal with issues that arise during construction
- certify and valuate contractors work to make sure you are getting what you pay for
- snagging
- follow up after 6-12 months to check for defects

Main parameters:
- Do you have permitted development rights?
- Do you own it? (leaseholders might be surprised that the loft space is often owned by the freeholder)
- Can you aquire permission from the freeholder?
- Is the building in a conservation area?
- Are there any planning policies in your area affecting extensions of this type?
- Would it be visiblefrom the street or just from the rear garden?

The below shows the normal stages of an architectural design project:

0 - Initial Consultation - FREE
If you have a project in mind, please contact us. We would love to meet and discuss it with you.
You can tell us your dreams and we can explain how we could help you achieve this goal.

1 - Desktop Study
All developments are regulated by the Town and Country Planning Act (1990). Local Authorities will also usually have their own Local Plan setting out their Planning Policies.

This means that the first thing that should be established is an understanding of the planning policy framework in your area. This will provide important information about the viability of the development that you have in mind, be it loft extension, basement excavation or a new build.

We will check whether your property is in a conservation area and/or whether the building is listed.
This stage includes an initial sketch proposal for your development.

2 - Appraisal and Outline Porposal
This will be the first detailed investigation into the site or existing building fabric. A site visit and an outline measured survey will be prepared.

In the beginning of the stage we will discuss your requirements and priorities, and ask you for a brief or list things that is important to you.

We will issue a report with more detailed options for the design of the development and an appraisal of the current situation, with its opportunities and potential issues.

3 - Developed Design and Planning
Based on the work done in the previous stage we will develop further the option of your choice.
During the stage we will meet with you to present our work as it progresses and do further site visits as required.

We will provide you with a design report, which includes:
- the final design concept
- general arrangement plans, sections and elevations
- interior perspectives
- choice of finishes and fittings

This stage also includes submission of planning application to the Local Authority with the documentation they require.

4 - Technical Design
During this stage we will develop the technical part of the design and produce the required drawings, schedules and specifications a contractor will need to price and build your project.

As the design progresses, it is likely that small changes will be required or that new possibilities will be discovered. We will continually present the design development to you in meetings and incorporate your feedback.

The end of the stage is the issue of the tender documentation package. This is what a contractor will need to provide a quote.

5 - Mobilisation and Construction
Going from a complete design to a complete building can be a long and sometimes complicated process.

The main obstacles tend to be:
- finding the right contractor for the job
- setting up and managing a contract between yourself and the contractor
- resolving unforeseen issues on site
- making sure the contractor understand the design and executes it faithfully
- managing payments and resolving disputes should they arise

Having an architect on board through this phase of the project is therefore essential to achieve the best outcome.

Our services during this stage includes:
- managing the tender process
- checking contractor’s insurance
- site visits to check progress of construction
- answering questions from contractor
- deal with issues that arise during construction
- certify and valuate contractors work to make sure you are getting what you pay for
- snagging
- follow up after 6-12 months to check for defects

We love the process of finding good solutions to the clients brief. We take pride in coming up with unusual ways that are more efficient and cost effective than what is considered standard. Perhaps the most satisfying moment is when the project is completed and the client can take posession of their new space.

We understood that we wanted to start a company together after discussing ideas about space, construction and the impact of architecture in its local context.

Architecture can be a complex and time consuming exercise. It starts with a dream of making something new or an idea to improve something existing. There are many steps along the way that needs to be faithfully executed to make sure that the result is the best it can be.

We believe that the crucial first step is to properly listen to our client to fully understand what they want. We also believe it is our duty to develop this idea by asking questions and explain the process of design and construction.

We will lead you step by step. A successful project is the careful alignment of dreams and reality.