A New Cost-Conscious Design Process

Brief and Survey

This is where we get to know you. We believe the real detail often lies in these first conversations with you where your ideas, priorities, and ambitions begin to take shape. That’s why we start by listening closely, understanding not just what you want to achieve, but the “why”. 

From there, we visit the site, carry out a measured survey, and begin to explore how your vision can respond to its surroundings. Throughout, we balance creativity with practical thinking, considering planning context, site constraints, budget, and sustainability so that every decision is grounded in both imagination and insight.

Feasibility Study

Based on everything we’ve discussed in the first stage, the Feasibility Stage is where your project really starts to come to life. It marries architectural Concept Design with a construction and cost-conscious feasibility approach. It’s all about methodically testing early ideas against the most important and impactful criteria. During this stage we prepare strategic options for you to choose from; we test them against the brief, budget, and technical requirements, and shape a design that works on all fronts. The result is a clear layout strategy that meets your feasibility requirements.

If itemised in your architect services then we’ll do a Cost Appraisal for your project so your choice of design is informed by affordability.

This stage is collaborative, creative, and exciting. It’s when the vision starts to feel real.

Developed Design and Planning

At this stage, your approved design from Stage 2 is developed into an architectural proposal ready to be tested in planning. Often with a focus on advancing design elements that require planning permission analysis is undertaken to test functionality, resolve potential spatial clashes, and confirm that the scheme not only meets building regulations but your expectations.

Planning documentation including coordinated drawings and outline specifications is prepared.

Early Detailed Pricing

This is our secret weapon.  Up to this point, our process will feel familiar following the RIBA Plan of Work. But for those building with us, this is where we introduce a more efficient approach.
Our early comprehensive pricing model, “Design to Budget,” truly lives up to its name. We produce in-house a tender-grade detailed pricing of your project, with intelligently selected placeholder finishes and fittings far ahead of schedule. This enables you to make important value engineering decisions now without the pressure of time tainting your decisions.
Our Design to Budget stage is only possible by an architect-led construction company.
Once we sign a contract, we secure your construction date marking a major step forward in bringing your home improvements to life.

Technical Design

We compile a comprehensive package of drawings and specifications intended for Building Regulations approval and to facilitate the construction of the building. This process involves coordinating the work of various consultants into the overall designs. As a baseline we always refine and set out the kitchen and bathroom designs, provide electrical layouts and guide you on broader finishes and fittings selections.
By choosing our Design and Build approach, this could be the final architectural service and fee required for your project.

Construction

This is when everything becomes real. Pencil and Brick already familiar with the minutiae of your project, needs and desires, we become your construction team on the agreed date to begin building your new home.

One of the advantages of working with an architect-led construction practice is having an experienced designer involved throughout. If something unexpected comes up, your project lead is there to respond quickly and thoughtfully. Challenges are addressed without delays or the motivation to minimise fluctuations in costs.

At this point in a more traditional setup, you might still be looking for a builder, or facing difficult choices if planning has not gone your way.  Our process is designed to help you avoid that limbo so when the build begins, you can actually enjoy it. And because pricing was integrated from the start, there are fewer surprises. The finishes, fittings and final touches you care about are delivered as planned, with nothing left to chance.