Architecture

When you get in touch with us, our first step will be to discuss your project goals, budget and timescales. We’ll begin with an introduction to the practice and our work and you’ll have the chance to ask questions and get some initial guidance and advice. 

This initial meeting whether in person or online will provide you with an opportunity to get to know us and will help you decide if we’re the right architect for you. Following the meeting we’ll provide a summary of our discussion along with a fee proposal for your project.

Before starting any design work we’ll work with you to develop a detailed design brief. This is a key part of the process where we invest time in understanding your project goals, getting to know you and your aspirations. The budget is also a critical part of the brief, which we agree from the outset so we can tailor our designs to suit.

During this stage we'll arrange on your behalf that a measured survey of the property which will become a base for our design output, is carried out.  Generally at this stage we will also see whether we have to arrange any other surveys on your behalf, such as environmental or noise or ecology surveys. 

As we start to look into the design, we would typically undertake a feasibility study about the site including potential planning constraints.  We would then develop some initial sketch designs so to explore your ideas on layout, massing, elevational treatments, and the site layout.

At this time we would also discuss the planning strategy and recommendations for any specialist consultants that you may require to join the project team at this stage for example planning advice, interior design, heritage advice, M&E and structural consultants and  cost consultants.

Further to taking your feedback and any planning constraints into account, we’ll carry out further design work to move towards developing a more detailed scheme for your project. Throughout this phase, we’ll work closely with you to review and refine the emerging designs. We’ll develop a 3D model or commission a professional 3D Consultant for further enhancement of visual presentations.

As a matter of course, cost advice from a Quantity Surveyor should be sought prior to going into planning application process, so to ensure the proposed works can be achieved within your budget. If necessary, at this stage, we could accommodate any minor amendments to reflect the input of other consultants and planning framework.

This section of design stage will conclude with an agreed scheme that meets your brief, project goals, and budget.  At this point we would be in a position to take the project forward and agree the planning strategy.

Occasionally we may anticipate that the proposed works might raise planning-related concerns, and if this were to occur then we would forward an option to seek pre-application advice from the Local Authority on planning matters. Engaging with planners at an early stage of the process is usually beneficial for the project.

Once the final design has met with your approval we would then proceed to submit the planning application. We would create preliminary planning drawings and, where necessary, draft a Design and Access Statement to support your application. 

Once the application is submitted we’ll liaise closely with the planners so to give your project the best chance of success.  Sometimes additional information may be requested by the planners and often, further discussion, negotiation, and occasionally a second application, may be required to gain planning consent.  Sometimes the consent is been granted with planning conditions, that require further action.

The next stage of work includes the preparation of a pack of technical drawings and information for tender and construction purposes and we generally act as the Lead Consultant through this part of the process.

We'll meet with you post-planning to review the scheme in detail and make any minor adjustments if needed. We'll also coordinate a Consultant Team, which, as well as your architect, may also consist of other professionals such as the interior designer, landscape designer, structural engineer and mechanical and electrical consultant. The team will provide the necessary drawings, plans and specifications for your Building Regulations application to be submitted.

Building Regulations Pack includes a lot of detail; this essentially shows sufficient information to demonstrate the compliance of proposed works with the current Building Regulations.  However, in order to provide full technical details for tender and construction purposes we would also have to prepare additional information within a Construction Pack which typically includes the preparation of additional construction details, specification notes, schedules, and further liaison and coordination with the Consultant Team.

This stage concludes with our providing a detailed pack of information to seek accurate pricing from builders and ultimately to build from.

MSJ will discuss the different procurement options with you. Typically, you can either go through with a competitive tender process where tenders are invited from several builders and the most suitable one elected to carry the works out.  In the alternative a negotiated tender route may be more suitable, in this instance you would select a builder early on and negotiate the contract sum directly with them. Involvement of a Quantity Surveyor would be important in either of these contractual routes.

MSJ can assist you with choosing a builder by holding interviews, visiting projects and carrying out due diligence to ensure the builder is the right fit for you and your project.

Once a builder is selected and works are ready to start on site, we could offer two options for our further involvement:

One: Contract Administration: We can act as a formal Contract Administrator of the building contract between you and the builder. This comprehensive role includes monitoring construction with weekly periodic site visits and Progress Meetings, issuing instructions for any changes, certifying progress and recommending payments to the builder.  At the end of the project we would issue a Practical Completion Certificate and oversee defect rectification.  We would also assist with the Final Account preparation.

Two: Call Out: This option is ideal if you or a Project Manager will oversee the work. We would attend the site as requested, typically around once or twice a month.  We would typically prepare minutes of monthly progress and would carry out any additional site visits as may be needed to suit the dynamics of the project.

For either of these two options we should ideally oversee your project throughout the construction phase and right through to handover, making it as stress free as possible for you.