Studio INTEGRATE is a multi-award-winning design studio, which is dynamically exploiting creative and innovative design practices to deliver an exceptional experience and service to all our clients. Right from inception, our sole purpose of existence has been to create beautiful homes and buildings across the capital with striking designs and implementation of innovative construction processes focused primarily on delivering value and quality to our clients.
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2 customer reviews
Rodger Smith
Architectural Services
Vesal came to my house on time was helpful and has progressed matters very efficiently
Reply from Studio INTEGRATE
Thanks for the kind words Rodger, appreciated.
Moby
We recently worked with Vesal at Studio INTEGRATE. The design quality and communication throughout the project was excellent. The team kept us informed at every stage, listened to our feedback, and made adjustments as needed without any hassle. Their commitment to quality and timelines was evident, and they delivered everything on schedule and as promised. More...
Reply from Studio INTEGRATE
Thanks for the kind words Moby, appreciated.
How can someone tell if their Garage is suitable for conversion?
Determining if a garage is suitable for conversion involves assessing several key factors. Here's a guide to help:
1. Structural Integrity
Check the overall condition of the garage structure, including walls, roof, and foundations.
Look for signs of damage, dampness, or subsidence. A structural survey may be required.
2. Planning Permission
In many cases, garage conversions fall under Permitted Development Rights. However, you may need planning permission if:
The garage is in a conservation area or a listed property.
The conversion involves significant external alterations.
Always check with your local planning authority.
3. Building Regulations
Conversions must comply with building regulations, including:
Insulation for floors, walls, and roofs.
Proper ventilation.
Fire safety requirements.
Soundproofing (if adjoining another property).
4. Space and Layout
Assess whether the garage is large enough to accommodate your intended use (e.g., bedroom, office, or living room).
Consider the impact on parking if the garage is currently used for vehicles.
5. Access and Utilities
Ensure the space can be accessed conveniently from the main property.
Check if utilities (electricity, water, drainage) can be extended or installed.
6. Ceiling Height
A minimum ceiling height of 2.1 metres is recommended for habitable rooms.
7. Natural Light and Ventilation
Ensure there’s enough space to install windows or doors to provide adequate natural light and ventilation.
8. Costs and Budget
Obtain quotes from professionals to determine the feasibility of the project within your budget.
Run us through the different stages of the Garage conversion process - what's involved?
Converting a garage involves a series of stages to ensure the project is completed efficiently and complies with legal requirements. Here’s an outline of the process:
1. Initial Assessment and Feasibility
Survey: Inspect the garage to evaluate its structural condition and suitability for conversion.
Planning Check: Determine if planning permission is required or if it falls under Permitted Development Rights.
Budgeting: Obtain cost estimates for the project, including design, materials, and construction.
2. Design and Planning
Concept Design: Develop plans for the layout, considering factors like room use, access, and aesthetics.
Building Regulations Compliance: Ensure the design meets insulation, ventilation, fire safety, and structural standards.
Planning Permission (if required): Submit an application to the local council with drawings and supporting documents.
3. Preparation and Approvals
Detailed Drawings: Finalise construction-ready drawings for contractors and building control.
Building Control Approval: Notify the local authority or a private building control body and receive approval.
Utilities Check: Plan for electricity, plumbing, and drainage modifications.
4. Construction
Structural Modifications: Reinforce foundations, replace the garage door with a wall or window, and ensure adequate insulation.
Flooring: Raise or level the floor, adding insulation and a damp-proof membrane.
Walls and Roof: Insulate walls and roof and make repairs as needed.
Windows and Doors: Install new windows and doors for light, ventilation, and accessibility.
Utilities Installation: Extend or install electrical wiring, plumbing, and heating systems.
5. Finishing and Decoration
Plastering and Painting: Finish walls and ceilings.
Flooring Installation: Add carpets, tiles, or other floor finishes.
Fixtures and Fittings: Install lighting, sockets, and any bespoke features like shelving or cupboards.
6. Final Inspections and Sign-Off
Building Control Inspection: Ensure the work complies with building regulations. Obtain a completion certificate.
Snagging: Address any minor defects or unfinished details.
7. Use and Maintenance
Begin using the newly converted space, ensuring proper maintenance for long-term functionality.
How can someone tell if their loft is suitable for conversion?
Determining if a loft is suitable for conversion involves assessing several key factors. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help:
1. Check the Available Head Height
Measure from the floor to the highest point of the loft. A minimum usable height of 2.2 metres is typically required for a habitable room.
If the headroom is less, consider options such as lowering the ceiling of the room below or raising the roof, though these can add costs.
2. Assess the Roof Structure
Traditional Roof (Pre-1960s): Easier to convert as it often has a simple structure with ample space.
Modern Trussed Roof (Post-1960s): May require additional structural work to remove or strengthen the trusses.
3. Inspect the Floor Structure
Check if the existing joists are strong enough to support a new floor. Often, reinforcement or new joists are required.
4. Determine the Access Options
Ensure there’s space for a staircase to comply with building regulations. A steep ladder or foldaway stairs is not suitable for a habitable room.
5. Evaluate Lighting and Ventilation
Assess whether the loft can accommodate windows, such as rooflights or dormers, to provide natural light and ventilation.
Dormer windows can also add headroom and increase the usable space.
6. Check for Services and Utilities
Ensure the loft has or can be connected to essential utilities like electricity, heating, and plumbing (if adding a bathroom).
Consider the position of existing soil stacks and water pipes if planning a bathroom.
7. Consider Storage and Insulation
Determine how much storage space you want to retain and how the conversion will impact it.
Plan for insulation in the walls, roof, and floor to meet building regulations for energy efficiency.
8. Planning Permission and Building Regulations
Planning Permission: Most loft conversions fall under Permitted Development Rights. However, permission may be required if:
You live in a conservation area or a listed building.
Significant external changes (e.g., large dormers) are planned.
Building Regulations: All loft conversions must meet regulations for fire safety, insulation, structural integrity, and escape routes.
9. Consider the Overall Feasibility and Cost
Assess if the conversion aligns with your budget. Structural work, roof alterations, or bespoke designs can significantly increase costs.
Run us through the different stages in the loft conversion process - what’s involved?
Converting a loft involves a series of well-planned stages to ensure the project meets your needs and complies with legal requirements. Here's an overview of the process:
1. Initial Feasibility and Assessment
Survey the Loft: Measure the height, assess the roof structure, and inspect the floor’s strength.
Planning Check: Determine if the project falls under Permitted Development Rights or requires planning permission.
Budget Estimation: Get preliminary quotes to align with your budget.
2. Design and Planning
Concept Design: Create initial layouts showing how the space will be used (e.g., bedroom, office, or bathroom).
Structural Planning: Design floor reinforcements, staircase access, and roof alterations (if needed).
Planning Permission (if required): Submit detailed plans to your local council for approval.
Building Regulations Compliance: Prepare plans that meet insulation, fire safety, ventilation, and structural standards.
3. Preparation and Approvals
Detailed Drawings: Finalise architectural and structural drawings for contractors and building control.
Party Wall Agreement: Notify neighbours if the work involves shared walls under the Party Wall Act.
Building Control Notification: Inform your local authority or hire a private building control inspector to oversee the project.
4. Construction
Structural Work: Reinforce the floor, install dormers or rooflights, and modify the roof as necessary.
Staircase Installation: Fit a staircase that complies with building regulations, ensuring proper access and fire safety.
Insulation and Soundproofing: Add insulation to walls, roof, and floors to meet energy efficiency standards.
Utilities Installation: Extend electrical wiring, plumbing, and heating systems into the loft space.
Partition Walls and Windows: Construct internal walls and install windows or skylights for natural light.
5. Finishing and Decoration
Plastering and Painting: Finish walls and ceilings.
Flooring Installation: Lay carpets, wood, or tiles as required.
Fixtures and Fittings: Install lighting, sockets, doors, and any bespoke features like wardrobes or shelving.
6. Final Inspections and Sign-Off
Building Control Inspection: Ensure the work complies with building regulations and obtain a completion certificate.
Snagging: Address any minor issues or imperfections identified during final checks.
7. Move-In and Enjoyment
Use the newly converted space for your intended purpose while ensuring proper maintenance for long-term usability.
What do you love most about your job?
Helping our lovely clients to achieve their dreams.
Why should our clients choose you?
At Studio Integrate, we understand the importance of precision, timelines, and efficiency in turning visionary designs into tangible realities. Our Design & Build and project management services are meticulously designed to handle every aspect of your project, alleviating stress and ensuring a hassle-free journey from inception to completion. Experience a turnkey service that puts your peace of mind first.
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
Yes please feel free to book your free consultation through our website or via email.
What changes have you made to keep your customers safe from Covid-19?
Hopefully we have passed Covid time successfully.
Feasibility Study
Feasibility Study is a crucial initial assessment conducted before starting any project. It aims to evaluate the practicality, viability, and likelihood of success of a proposed project. The results of this service at the early stages can guide decisions on whether to proceed with a project or purchase, or to adjust the project's scope, budget, and timeline.
The following is a summary of the typical processes involved in a feasibility study:
The initial step is to define the project's objectives clearly, which encompasses understanding the project's purpose, its goals, and the expected outcomes.
Conducting a comprehensive financial analysis to ascertain the project's economic viability.
Identifying and evaluating potential risks and uncertainties linked to the project, and formulating strategies to address them.
Examining legal and regulatory mandates to ensure adherence to applicable laws, planning prerequisites, and local constraints, such as Article 4 directions.
Assessing preferred timelines and logistical hurdles, including transportation issues and operational hour limitations.
Concept Design
The concept design stage is an early phase in the project lifecycle where the fundamental ideas and concepts for the project are developed. Here's what typically happens during the concept design stage:
Ideation and Exploration: During this stage a variety of design ideas and concepts are generated to explore different possibilities to achieve the project's objectives.
Visualisation: Concepts are translated into visual representations such as sketches, drawings, or digital renderings. These visualisations help stakeholders visualize the proposed design and provide feedback for refinement.
Basic Requirements Definition: Initial requirements and constraints of the project are identified and defined. This includes understanding the functional needs of the project and any specific requirements outlined by the client or stakeholders.
Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaboration with stakeholders is essential to gather input, feedback, and requirements. Designers work closely with clients, end-users, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the design aligns with their needs and expectations.
Preliminary Design Proposal: A preliminary design proposal or concept design report is developed to outline the proposed design concepts, key features, and design rationale. This serves as a foundation for further development and refinement in subsequent stages of the project.
Planning Application
In the UK, navigating the planning application process involves multiple steps and can be quite intricate. Initially, the applicant must submit their proposal to the local planning authority, complete with detailed plans and supporting documents. The authority evaluates the proposal against various criteria, including local planning policies, environmental impact, and public sentiment. A public consultation period usually follows, allowing neighbours and interested parties to provide feedback. Ultimately, the authority decides whether to grant or deny the application, based on all pertinent factors and regulations. Our team of expert designers and planners is equipped to assist with a range of applications. Book a FREE Discovery Call to explore the full potentials of your property.
Building Regulations
After receiving a planning application, the process of preparing building regulations and detail design documents typically involves several steps to ensure compliance with local building codes and regulations. Here's a general overview of the process:
Review Planning Application: The first step is to review the planning application that has been submitted. This includes examining the proposed development plans, site layout, architectural drawings, and any other relevant documents submitted as part of the planning application
Identify Building Regulations Requirements: Next, the building control officer or team will identify the specific building regulations that apply to the proposed development. Building regulations cover various aspects of construction such as structural integrity, fire safety, accessibility, energy efficiency, ventilation, drainage, and more.
Prepare Building Regulations Drawings: Based on the planning application and the identified building regulations requirements, the architectural and engineering team will prepare detailed drawings and specifications that demonstrate compliance with the building regulations. These drawings may include floor plans, elevations, cross-sections, structural calculations, insulation details, fire safety measures, and other relevant information.
Prepare Bespoke details, schedules and construction information: It is important to note that the building regulations document is not the same as the construction details and schedule. If the project includes bespoke details and build-ups, further details, visualisations, and specifications, windows and door schedule, wet room blow ups, reflected ceiling plans amongst other documents need to be developed to address the project's needs. These details, along with NBS specifications and, in some cases, bills of quantities, are needed to achieve more reliable tender documentation.
Consultation and Coordination: During the preparation of building regulations documents, there may be a need for consultation and coordination with various stakeholders such as architects, engineers, contractors, and building control officers. This ensures that all parties involved are aligned with the requirements and that any potential issues are addressed early in the process.
Submission of Building Regulations Application: Once the building regulations documents are prepared, they are submitted to the relevant building control authority or local authority for approval. This submission typically includes the detailed drawings, specifications, and any other supporting documentation required by the building control authority.
Review and Approval Process: The building control authority will review the submitted documents to ensure compliance with the applicable building regulations. They may request additional information or revisions if necessary. Once satisfied, they will issue a building regulations approval or conditional approval, allowing the construction to proceed.
Implementation and Inspection: With building regulations approval in hand, construction can commence according to the approved plans and specifications. Throughout the construction process, building control officers may conduct site inspections to verify that the work is being carried out in accordance with the approved building regulations documents.
Final Certification: Once construction is complete, a final inspection will be carried out by the building control authority to ensure that the building meets all relevant building regulations. Upon successful completion of the inspection, a final certification or completion certificate will be issued, indicating compliance with the building regulations.
It's important to note that the specific requirements and procedures for preparing building regulations documents may vary depending on the location and jurisdiction. Therefore, it's essential to consult with the relevant building control authority or regulatory body for guidance throughout the process.
Interior Design
Once space planning and necessary planning permissions are finalised, our interior design team will aid in selecting materials, creating mood boards, designing bathrooms, planning lighting, developing wall systems, and choosing built-in joinery as well as soft and loose furniture pieces. Our in-house expert design team provides comprehensive services from design to procurement of interior elements, including built-in joinery, supply and installation of secondary lighting, bathroom fit-outs, and loose furniture. Our long-standing partnerships with some of the world's most reputable brands allow us to deliver competitive and customized services to our clients.
Design & Build Service
The Design and Build (D&B) method is a project delivery system commonly used in construction, where a single entity, known as the design-builder or D&B contractor, is responsible for both the design and construction phases of a project. This approach contrasts with the traditional design-bid-build (DBB) method, where design and construction are separate contracts, often leading to fragmented communication and potential delays.
Our team is one of the few design-led companies in the UK that provides construction services for high-end, detail-oriented, and architecturally driven projects. With in-house architecture, interior design, and construction teams, we are uniquely positioned to manage highly complex projects from inception to completion.
Our management and construction team plays a vital role in turning your project into a tangible reality. We shoulder the immense responsibility of orchestrating every detail of your project, from inception to completion. Our team navigates the complexities of the construction process, seamlessly coordinating with architects, engineers, suppliers, and laborers to ensure a flawless execution within your specified timeline and budget.
