our services

Measured Surveys

Permitted Developments

Planning Applications

Design and Access Statements

3D Modelling

Building Regulations Drawings

Measured Surveys

A full measured survey of the site is the first action taken before production of any architectural drawings or planning drawings.

The first step in any architectural project is to understand the clients brief, familiarize with the site parameters, and to gauge what the challenges are to get a project to successful completion. Once this is established we send one of our surveyors to measure up the site using the latest lazer technology in surveying methods. We have an eye for detail and getting this first step accurate is key.

Following the Measured Survey, drawings are produced showing what the site currently looks like and what the site will look like after development. These are known as existing and proposed drawings. Once produced a first draft is given to the client and from here a discussion takes place between designer and client to come up with the perfect design to suit the site and the clients budget. Once the final design is approved by the client it would go to the next step which is to apply for planning.

Permitted Developments

Permitted Developments or applying for Lawful Development certificates are separate from applying for Planning Permission.

Permitted Development (PD) Rights state that you can extend your property to a certain degree, without the need for full permission, as long as you follow the relevant PD Rules. These Rights were reviewed in 2008, when certain conventional rules were replaced with more complex regulations regarding extensions and outbuildings.

New legislation has been introduced in 2020 allowing properties to be extended vertically adding new stories to existing buildings. Other changes are new laws pertaining to new use classes which allow more flexibility when for example we’re exploring ways of converting properties to HMO’s, flats, Offices etc.

Whether you want to increase the size of your home with an extension or loft project, you can carry out home improvement and conversion projects without having to obtain planning permission. There’s a whole range of home alterations that you can undertake without spending time and money on a planning application.

Projects which adhere to set principals and criteria’s as directed by the government’s permitted development guidelines do not require planning permission. However the process for applying for such is quite similar but does not go through the rigmarole of planning procedure. For example if a development is to apply for a simple 6 meter extension to a semi detached property then under certain regulations this would be applied for as a lawful development via a neighbor notification (prior approval).

Planning Permission Applications

Once the Planning Drawings are produced and approved by the client the next step is to apply for planning permission.

There are many forms and types of planning applications, varying for residential and commercial projects.

Before undertaking a design project we would assess the history and context of the site and its surroundings. We research the local planning authority and establish what planning applications previous neighbouring properties have proposed, either approved or refused. We also examine whether the property is located in a Conservation Area, a listed building or within a flood risk zone. These factors would affect the planning applications and additional documentation is required to supplement the proposal. In such circumstances, we constantly update and guide the client appropriately.

Whether you require advice on a commercial or a residential planning application, our experts have wide experience of handling developments for individuals, businesses and developers. Each planning application is managed by one of our team, all of whom have the extensive, up-to-date knowledge required to make a success of your project.

Design and Access Statements

Complex planning projects will require a Design and Access Statement.

We are exceptionally meticulous when producing these statements as they are a vital tool for any planner to understand a project.

A Design and Access statement is a written document outlining the proposal and explaining the design in terms of access, bulk and massing, waste disposal, landscaping, area calculations, transport, parking arrangements etc. The list is not exhaustive and each D&A statement is tailored to the project requirements.

A design and access (DAS) statement is a short report accompanying and supporting a planning application. They provide a framework for applicants to explain how a proposed development is a suitable response to the site and its setting, and demonstrate that it can be adequately accessed by prospective users.

3D Modeling Services

Once we have captured the information from the Measured Survey we produce an accurate 3D Model.

3D Modelling is an architectural tool which enables the client to see the final design in 3D. We use architectural desktop and 3D Max to make stunning visualisations for our clients.

The Architectural 3D modeling services is an important feature for understanding a building’s architecture. They assist in easy visualization of the exteriors of a residential house, apartment, office, restaurant etc. Being an expert among 3D modelling service providers, we have expertise in creating 3D models for architectural presentations for projecting your industrial, environmental, commercial or residential building products.

Using a range of media, 3D Modelling helps us and the client to understand the design and its impact when built on the landscape. Not all projects require this medium, however our experience tells us that non traditional designs or bespoke architecture truly benefit from this extra step which works in tandem with traditional 2D drawings.

Building Regulations Drawings

All architectural projects in the U.K. require building regulations approval.

We create Building Regulations Drawings from our planning drawings. We can provide full building regulations drawings to meet your requirements and specification. We also provide structural calculations and design specifications needed for building regulations approval.

Building Regulations Application

Once Planning Applications has been approved a Building Regulations Application approval is required.

Acquiring a Building Regulations Application approval ensures the building project will be constructed according to British standards and will have the minimum required safety system any built project is expected to have in terms of fire safety, access, heat loss and many other factors. We usually use private Building regulations inspectors but would be happy to work with any approved inspectors to the likings of the client or their contractors.

There are different types of building regulation applications you can make and you need to decide on the type of application for your planned build, extension or alteration work.

Depending upon the scale and type of work involved, there are different options available for making Building Regulations applications.

our services

Measured Surveys

A full measured survey of the site is the first action taken before production of any architectural drawings or planning drawings.

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