Home Architectural Design

Absolutely. You’re very welcome to work with us just for the architectural design or drawings  and we’re always glad to collaborate in a way that works best for you. While we also offer a full design-and-build service, we don’t believe in locking anyone in.

That said, we do approach architecture with the build in mind from day one. 

A good design should always consider how it will be built: practically, economically, and sustainably,  so even when we’re not involved in construction, we’re still thinking ahead to make sure the project runs smoothly down the line. If you decide not to use our build team, we’ll still go the extra mile to help you find the right people. We can provide a shortlist of trusted, accredited builders to approach, so your project is in safe hands.

If you are unsure about building just yet, there’s also no pressure to decide straight away. Our process gives you space. You won’t need to commit to our build services until around the planning stage. At that point, if you’re interested, we can offer our Early Detailed Pricing Process- a unique approach that gives you a realistic view of build costs well before the technical design stage. It’s a powerful tool that helps you stay on budget and avoid surprises, whether you build with us or not.

Yes, in certain cases we can take on a build where we haven’t done the architectural design  although we’re very selective about taking on build-only projects, and a few important conditions would need to be in place.

Our design-and-build process is carefully integrated, which means we add the most value when we’ve been involved from the early design stages. It’s how we ensure the build is smooth and stable, well-managed, and aligned with both your budget and vision.  

That said, we do sometimes build projects designed by others as long as the design is well-developed, realistically costed, and the setup aligns with how we deliver. We don’t tender competitively or work under contract arrangements where we’re not leading procurement and project management, as that often leads to under-estimated risks, costs and compromise.

So while it is possible, we’ll always review the project first to make sure it’s a good fit for us, for you and for the end result.

Our senior architects and site leaders stay closely involved across every stage of your project, especially where their experience adds the most value.

You’ll often have a senior architect as your project lead, and even when that’s not the case, we hold regular internal reviews where senior team members guide design decisions and keep the project on track. Key meetings, especially design presentations and major milestones are often attended by a senior architect or director.

If you go on to build with us, you’ll also start seeing our senior site team involved just after planning. As the project progresses toward the critical construction stages, senior involvement naturally increases. We also hold regular on-site meetings with you during the build, led by our senior team  and we’re always available for check-ins or video calls when needed ensuring you’re in the safest hands throughout the process.

Whenever feasible, we will implement a “fabric first” strategy in our building design and renovation projects. This approach prioritises optimising the energy performance of a building’s physical components, known as its ‘envelope,’ which encompasses walls, roofs, floors, windows, and doors. This is done before integrating mechanical or electrical systems like heating and ventilation.

Key Elements of the Fabric First Approach

• High-Performance Materials: Focus on using superior materials.
• Reducing Thermal Bridging: Minimise areas where heat can escape.
• Enhancing Airtightness: Ensure that the building is sealed properly.
• Achieving Low U-Values: Aim for lower rates of heat transfer.

This methodology serves as a foundational strategy for sustainable construction, aiming to inherently decrease energy demand through thoughtful design.

Benefits of the Fabric First Approach

• Energy Efficiency: This strategy can enhance energy efficiency and sustainability, potentially reducing energy needs for heating or cooling by up to 50%.
• Reduced Reliance on Conventional Heating: It may lower or even eliminate the necessity for traditional heating systems, leading to cost savings and improved comfort.
• Support for Sustainability Goals: This approach aligns with net-zero objectives by decreasing emissions and carbon footprints.

According to estate agents Knight Frank, properties that improve their EPC rating from an E to a C can see an increase in value of up to 8.8% compared to similar homes with lower ratings. Additionally, 20% of buyers express willingness to pay a premium for energy-efficient homes.

Applicability and Future Considerations

This strategy is effective for both new constructions and renovations, enabling compliance with standards such as Passivhaus. Key steps include enhancing insulation in walls, attics, and floors to reduce heat loss and future-proof residences. By improving thermal performance, reliance on active systems is lowered, providing resilience against fluctuations in energy prices and technological advancements. A well-insulated building ensures that future investments in renewable technologies yield better results, promoting long-term savings and sustainability