adpractice Ltd Hertfordshire architects
How we work
We appreciate that many of our clients have never used an architect before, or gone through the build process, so we have tried to outline the basic process below and our workflow is based on the RIBA’s widely adopted guide to the work stages. We've outlined what you get for your money at each stage so you can know what to expect.
Unlike a lot of architects we pride ourselves on providing a 360° service from start to completion with optional extras available and a team of specialists to make the process as seamless as possible, particularly during the build. We really do hold your hand through the entire process.
We are often asked about timescales for projects and the answer is almost always a lot longer than expected! But it is definitely worth spending time getting the design right initially rather than rushing the planning process and trying to alter things on site.
Not sure if you're ready to take the plunge and appoint an architect? Why not check out our Advice hub for other stand alone options to help you decide.
1. Briefing [RIBA stage 0]
First things first, you contact us to get the ball rolling. We'll arrange a time for a free initial consultation where we will come and meet you, visit the site and discuss your ideas and aspirations for the project, your likes and dislikes and your budget. We'll then go away and prepare a fee package for you.
2. Survey [RIBA stage 1]
Once the fee package is agreed and signed, we will arrange a fully measured up survey of your property to be carried out and produce drawings of the existing building which will be required by the planners. We use Revit, a 3D modelling programme to produce all our drawings so we will have a virtual model of your property that we can use to work on design options.
3. Design options [RIBA stage 2]
Next step, once the existing drawings have been produced we will arrange a meeting with you to sketch ideas over these drawings and finalise your brief and provide you with hard copies of the existing drawings. We will then work the sketch ideas up into 3D sketch designs working with your brief and budget levels to create different options to meet your criteria and any specified regulations. You can then ‘pick and mix’ from the different options to create your ideal design.
4. Planning [RIBA stage 3]
Having decided on your preferred scheme we will work up the drawings and relevant design statements and take the proposals through the complexity of the planning and/or listed building process. We will also monitor the application and liaise with the local authority to ensure any queries are answered.
5. Building control and possible energy standard certification [RIBA stage 4]
Once planning permission is granted, your drawings will need to be approved by Building Control. This requires construction details being added to the drawings as well as u-value calculations of heat loss and possibly input from a structural engineer. We will submit the application to Building Control and liaise with them to ensure all queries are answered in order to get Plans Approval. If you are looking to meet one of the certified standards such as Passivhaus or the AECB Building Standard, we will need to produce details and carry out energy modelling.
6. Construction drawings and specification [RIBA stage 4]
Further detail and construction and setting out information is added to the drawings and a specification for all of the works is produced alongside. This will include information about materials, windows, doors and finishes as well as bathroom, kitchen, heating and lighting specifications etc and set out the standards which the Contractors are to adhere to for the project.
7. Tender and Contractor appointment [RIBA stage 4]
With your input we will compile a list of 4-5 Contractors to invite to tender for the works and then send all of this information out to them. Once we have received all of the prices we will carry out a tender comparison and report back to you in order to help you choose the right builder for you.
8. Construction [RIBA stages 5-6]
Once you have appointed a Contractor we will oversee their work with regular site visits and valuations of their work and issue Certificates for payment to them. We can advise of any implications from making changes during construction and issue Contract Instructions for these to the Contractor. We will agree the final account for the project at the end of the build and ensure you are happy with the final result! Piece of cake right?