How I Work
Your needs and goals always come first. And I want you to enjoy the design process. Every project is different, but starts in the same way:
1. Listening
Engage, Discover, Document
From the moment you contact me, I work hard to understand what problems your home has, and what you want your home to become. I believe listening produces higher-quality design and leads to a better working relationship. At our first meeting, I listen. We will discuss your program, scope of work, budget, and anything else that is important to you. I pride myself on getting to know you and how you live, this helps formulate your design.
2. Learning
Evaluate, Prioritise, Align
I learn from listening to you and understanding what you need. I really reflect on what is important to you. I use this knowledge to analyse and refine your requirements, prioritising your needs to align with your budget, all whilst incorporating your feedback along the way.
Your project is unique, and so I’ll treat it that way!
3. Guiding
Create, Collaborate, Combine,
I’ll guide you through the whole process. My approach is to work with you to find solutions that not only resolve the initial problem but also make the design process enjoyable. Working with me as your Architect is a collaborative experience. I encourage everyone’s input, and actively foster a sense of ownership among all those involved. I creatively help you solve any problems you have, and hopefully some you weren’t even aware of. Ultimately, I want to design your home to work better for you.
Ultimately, I want to design your home to work better for you.
The Process
As a Chartered Architect I offer a wide range of services throughout the full course of your project and can provide you with all, or a tailored selection of the following, depending upon your specific needs at the relevant RIBA stages.
Below are some useful excerpts in relation to the RIBA Work Stages:
“This is an outline of the services that can be provided by an architect. The RIBA’s ‘Plan of Work 2013’ sets out the key stages of a construction project from conception to completion. www.ribaplanofwork.com
Stage 0 / 1 Preparation and Brief - This is the most important part of the project and where the architect can add the most value. The architect will undertake some preliminary appraisals to assess the options and feasibility of the project. This can range from a sketch design solution to a full feasibility study and will enable you to decide on the best way forward. They will identify the need for any approvals and other consultants, most commonly a structural engineer.
Stage 2 Concept Design - Using the initial project brief the architect will develop outline proposals. An architect will present a number of initial concepts for you to choose from. They will also liaise with local planners as a priority. The final design brief should reflect your aspirations and provide you with a home that adds value and improves your quality of life. 14
Stage 3 Developed Design - The architect will spend more time at this stage transforming ideas into something that can be built. This includes coordinating the work of other consultants into the designs. Once agreed, between you, the design proposals will then be submitted for planning approval, if required.
Stage 4 Technical Design - The architect will now prepare the technical drawings and a specification and/or a schedule of works that will be used to price the tender and construct the building. The architect can then invite and appraise tenders from builders and administer the building contract on your behalf.
Stage 5 Construction - Throughout the construction phase the architect will administer your contract with the builder, carry out regular inspections, deal with queries, instruct any additional work required, monitor progress on site, keep track of cost, value the works and certify payments due to the builder.
Stage 6 Handover and Close Out - When the project is ready to handover the architect will inspect and value the works and issue a certificate. The architect will be available after handover and during any defects period to arrange for certifying the final payment.”
The RIBA have produced a useful Document ‘Working with an architect for your home’, explains the various Stages of an Architect’s work. Please see the full version here:
