Process + Fees
How we can help you
Don’t worry about not being able to see the wood for the trees, we’re here to guide you through.
For many of our clients, it is the first time they have worked with an architect and the process can be more than a little unknown.
We know you don’t have the time to become experts in every aspect of the project, which is why we gently lead you through and manage potential challenges. We want you to feel in control by enjoying the rewarding parts whilst not being bogged down in the navigation.
Before you go any further
Lets talk about budget
We always start with the elephant in the room.
You might have had a builder visit your home to give you a ballpark figure. However, their estimate likely covers the construction costs, prehaps based on a lot of assumptions, and excluding VAT, fittings and interior finishes.
On top of that, you'll need to budget for consultant fees, surveys, contingencies, and permissions.
All of this combined makes up your project budget.
So, the real question is: how much do you need right now?
Download our Project Handbook for a detailed breakdown of budget numbers for common projects.
Plus more information about how we work, and a link to our fee calculator.
Meet & Greet
Every project starts with a conversation to answer any questions and understand how we can best support your project.
First complete our project form on the enquire link below.
We will reply by email with some initial thoughts and advice, and a link to book in a chat or Project Workshop if we can help further.
An initial Meet & Greet chat on a phone or video call, or dropping in for a coffee at our studio (invitation only), is free of charge.
£ On the house
Straightforward local projects
We can sometimes prepare a fee quote and project proposal based on an initial chat and your completed New Project Form.
All other projects, or for one-off advice
A Project Workshop including a site visit is a great way to get things moving in the right direction.
Project Workshop
A refundable* two-hour session at your home or project location.
We'll offer insights, straightforward advice, and walk with you through your property or site to explore its possibilities.
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Your initial brief, including project type and ambition.
Budget.
Retrofit, opportunities for natural materials, and performance over the Building Regulations (where relevant).
Assembling your team - other consultants or surveys that may be required, and when.
Approvals - local authority and certification (if relevant eg. Passive House).
Timeline and the process for your project.
Our services and fees, and how we work.
Or
Focus on one specific aspect of a building or process if you’re after one-off advice.
If you’d like to keep things moving after the session, we’ll send you a fee quotation and project proposal to consider.
Please complete our project form on the enquire link above to get the ball rolling.
£ 250 no VAT *
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We do charge for our time as these are working sessions with an architect, not a sales pitch.
However the fee is refundable against further design work, and will be deducted from the next invoice if you wish to continue.
Valid for 6 months from our soonest avalibility.
No VAT
Additional: Travel time outside BA1 and BA2, measured from our Bath studio.
With every Project Workshop we make a £50 donation in your name to More Trees for BANES.
This isn’t just a pre-emptive carbon offset. It’s a tangible way to invest in local biodiversity and climate resilience, before a single wall is built.
Design & Consents
We follow the RIBA Plan of Work, which outlines all stages in the planning, design and building process.
Stage 1. Brief and Surveys
We kick-off with a briefing meeting and bespoke questionnaire tailored to your project to fully understand how you want to live and what your non-negotiables are.
We also start thorough site analysis, reviewing planning and other legal constraints and exploring ways to optimise sunlight, views, privacy, and shelter. Any surveys you may need are commissioned.
Stage 2. Sketch Design
After a few coffees and deep dives, we shape everything we've discovered into initial sketches, ensuring our creative ideas align with both your vision and budget. We may produce a 3D digital model to bring your home to life, enabling virtual walkthroughs as the design evolves.
We can also look at your interiors, and how your home flows out to your garden, carrying out architectural interiors to stage 4 and hard landscaping design to stage 3. We can also recommend local interior and garden designers from our network.
Stage 3. Planning
Once the design is finalised we draw up formal planning drawings for submission to your local authority. We fully hold your hand through the process: filling in the paperwork, submitting the application, collaborating with a planning officer, and acting as your agent.
Stage 4. Working Drawings
Finally, we produce a meticulous set of technical drawings and documentation enabling a smooth building regulations process, and setting the builder up for a win.
This includes getting quotes and coordinating with other consultants, such as structural engineers, quanity surveyors, and selecting a qualified builder.
On site
We’re team players and know that a great project requires an architect, builder, and client all working together.
Stage 5. Construction
Standard service
For most projects are services involve both technical design input on site, and contract and financial management (contract administration):
Fortnightly site visits
Responding to technical and design queries
Named as Principal Designer under the Building Regulations for the construction phase.
Contract administration - preparing the building contract, assessing payment applications, reviewing and monitoring variations and changes, and administering the building contract impartially between the client and contractor.
Reduced service
If your project is small and simple, or you are working with a Quanity Surveyor, we help by keeping a close eye on site but you/your QS are contract administrator:
Site visits, either fortnightly or at key points during the build.
Responding to technical and design queries
Named as Principal Designer under the Building Regulations for the construction phase.
Please note, to be named as Principal Designer - Construction Phase on your Building Control application, we must be appointed for Stage 5.
Stage 6. Handover
After Practical Completion, we carry out handover and defects/snagging site visits, and produce a snagging schedule to track areas which need attention.
Once the defects period is over we agree final accounts and issue the final certificate under the building contract.
During this stage, Building Control carries out its final inspections. As Principal Designer, we also provide the required declaration to support the Building Control Final Certificate.
Finally, we hand over a complete digital record of your project, including drawings, approvals, warranties, certificates, manuals - the Health and Safety File required under the CDM Regulations.
We do not disappear once the paperwork is complete. We always enjoy hearing how your new spaces are settling into everyday life.
“Before we started we didn't really have any idea how critical the relationship between client and architect would be. Jenny gave us confidence and we always felt like she was fully invested in our project.”
Laura & Martyn
What’s the damage?
Pop in your details to access our Project Handbook which includes a link to our fee calculator.
Lets work together
We’d love to hear more about you and your project, and see if we are a good fit for one another.
