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
For straightforward local projects, we can sometimes prepare a fee quote and project proposal based on an initial chat and your completed New Project Form.
For all other projects, or if you want 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.
£ 150 *
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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 over 20 miles from our studio in Bath.
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.
Construction
We’re team players and know that a great project requires an architect, builder, and client all working together.
Stage 5
Typical service
If your project is small to medium sized, or you are working with a quanity surveyor, we help with keeping a close eye on site, and representing your interests during the build.
Our typical service is a monthly retainer through the build, including a set number of hours per month for builder queries and site visits, and named as Principal Designer.
Alternatively we can work on an hourly rate for occasional site visits.
Full service
For larger projects, or if you are not using a quanity surveyor, you may prefer a full service including contract administration (selecting and running the construction contract).
Typically 3 - 4.5% of your budget.
What’s the damage?
Pop in your details to access our Project Handbook which includes a link to our fee calculator.
“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
