The best way to describe our approach to projects is ‘pragmatic’ rather than dogmatic. We are modernist by inclination, but recognise that London – where the bulk of our work is – has a fantastically rich architectural heritage, and one that is quite rightly loved and protected. This provides a rich background to any project and the architectural solution may seek to contextualise on the one hand, or to juxtapose on the other. As an example of this latter approach, one of the projects we have on site in early 2023 is the rear extension of a ground floor flat in a converted Victorian villa in south London. The existing building is typically Victorian, with London stock brick and timber sash windows. However, the design for the extension shows Corten (weathered steel) external cladding, representing a radical departure from the historical context.

Choosing the right approach can be a question of judgment based on experience gained from over 20 years of practice.

“When we build, let us think that we build forever.”
John Ruskin, The Seven Lamps of Architecture, 1849

“Spiral City architect; I build. You pay.”
Terence ‘Geezer’ Butler/ Black Sabbath, Spiral Architect/ Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, 1973

Services

The carrying out of a construction project, however small, requires navigating through a number of processes. It is our intention; nay, our vocation, to make this process as easy and pain-free as possible. As noted below, our approach places the client at the centre of the process.

Briefing and initial design
This is where the client tells us what they are hoping to achieve and this of course will vary from client to client. For us this is one of the key stages of any project, and one in which the final outcomes can be determined.

On numerous occasions in the past we have been approached by a client who wants something very simple, such as a rear kitchen extension ‘bolted’ to the back of a house. In our experience however, we feel it makes sense to look at the wider context, because the creation of a simple extension can raise other, related questions: does the new kitchen require a utility room? Can we find space for a downstairs toilet? How do we now get light into the space beyond the new kitchen? Should we go for total open plan? So a more wholistic approach can sometimes be required.

Free 30-minute Zoom/ WhatsApp consultations
We offer a free 30-minute internet (Zoom or WhatsApp) consultation. Before such a meeting, clients will be asked to provide photographs, sketches, plans and any other information they may have, along with an idea of what they are trying to achieve. This meeting will briefly address the following topics:

-planning evaluation: advice on the appropriate planning route, and an estimate of the likelihood of achieving planning consent

-party wall evaluation: will it be necessary to issue notice? If so, which type of notice?

-construction efficiency: we always tell our clients that they can ‘do anything’ with their houses (within legal limits, of course). However, sometimes it may not be efficient to carry out a certain work. A common example would be the removal of a chimney breast to maximise floor area in a loft extension. The nature of such a piece of work means that a complex arrangement of steel beams and supports may be required. So while it is absolutely possible to do this, the gaining of an additional square metre or so of floor space may not merit the structural ‘gymnastics’ required.

-ballpark pricing: we can provide you with a very rough idea of what sort of costs you might be looking at. At this early stage, these figures will of course be of a highly approximate nature.

3-hour in-person consultation
This consultation will take place with the client, at their property. It will cover all the topics as 30-minute constitutional, b8ut in much more detail. An outline measured survey will enable the architect to generate a set of ‘as existing’ plans, which will be overlaid to create ‘as proposed’ sketch plans with a realistic degree of accuracy. During the session, several options can be explored, time permitting, and by the end of the session, the client will have a realistic appraisal of the spatial implications of the proposal; its planning and party wall implications; and a rough idea of cost. Moreover it gives a client a fairly efficient way of exploring the feasibility of a project before committing too much time and money to it.

There is a fee for this service. Contact (hyperlink to Contact page) us for more details.

The decisions reached during this session will directly inform the next stage, which involves the submission of a planning application.

Planning
Most forms of construction work require consent from the planning authority. And even when it doesn’t, it is invariably advisable to ascertain that any such work is legal. It could be that a project requires Full Planning Permission, Householder Planning Consent, a Certificate of Lawful Development or even Prior Approval for a Larger Home Extension. We can advise on which approach is appropriate, and prepare the necessary documentation to support the application, which we will also submit on your behalf. We cannot guarantee success though, as
planners can sometimes be capricious creatures!

Working with other consultants
Once the planning stage has been successfully negotiated, it may be necessary to appoint other consultants. A structural engineer will be needed to design any new beams, foundations etc.

It may sometimes be necessary to appoint someone to carry out thermal/ heat loss calculations. We work with a number of structural engineers, energy consultants etc, and we are happy to obtain fee quotes from them on our clients’ behalf.

Detail design
This process involves the creation of detailed drawings and schedules of work. Upon receipt of the structural design, I would produce a set of detail design drawings which show all construction and finishing materials, electrical layouts. I would also produce a schedule of works. The advantage of this package of documents is twofold. First, the builder receives an unequivocal construction blueprint. Second, the building inspector will see that all aspects of the regulations have been considered, and this can smooth the path of the project under building regulations. These drawings will be accompanied by a detailed Schedule of Works, and both are issued to builders for pricing. We recommend seeking prices from three building contractors. We have proven and trustworthy builders with whom we regularly work, but are equally happy to work with any contractor that you may suggest.

Tendering and contract documentation
Once prices have been received, they will be examined and a recommendation will be made. Then the selected builder will be interviewed to agree price, payment terms, start date and project duration; and a contract drawn up between client and contractor. The nature of the contract will vary depending on the nature of the project. The RIBA Domestic Building Contract will suffice for a simple residential extension. However, for larger projects, JCT contracts may be more appropriate.

Party wall notice
Party wall notices must be served to neighbouring owners where beams are to be inserted into shared walls. We can act as your surveyor (hyperlink to Party Wall page), although of course you can select a surveyor of your choice. Neighbours can agree to the works based on the notices. However, they have the right to ‘dissent’ to the works and appoint their own party wall surveyor. In this case, a party wall award must be drawn up by the two surveyors.

Water authority consent
If it is intended to build over or close to a public sewer, then it will be necessary to obtain consent from the local water authority (Thames Water, in London’s case). The authority may require certain structural measures be taken to ensure the sewer’s safety, but our engineers can easily address this requirement. We can make the application on the client’s behalf.

Site operations
During the construction process we will carry out regular site visits to ascertain that the builder is making sufficient progress, and to address any issues arising and to generally administer the building contract. Where projects are particularly time sensitive, we can provide detailed progress reports following each visit.

So our services include preliminary design consultation, the planning process, the preparation of construction documentation, overseeing the tender process and the appointment of contractors and the administration of construction contracts. We are flexible in our services, meaning that clients can have as much or as little service as they require for any given project.