FAQs

An RIBA Chartered Architect is an architect registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and also accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), meeting recognised standards of competence, professionalism, and ongoing CPD. In simple terms, it is an extra layer of reassurance about quality and professional practice.

The earlier, the better, ideally before you commit to a site purchase or builder, so key constraints and opportunities are understood from the start. Early appointment usually saves time and cost by shaping a clear brief and avoiding expensive changes later.

We will always be honest about lead times and can often begin with an initial consultation straight away, followed by a clear plan for next steps. If your timeline is tight, we can agree a phased approach to get the essentials moving first.

We talk through your goals, budget, and how you want to use the space, as well as any planning or heritage considerations that might shape the project. You will come away with a clearer sense of feasibility, next steps, and the best route through the process.

Yes, we regularly work with heritage properties and understand how to balance character, significance, and modern living. Our approach is careful and evidence-led, supporting the right conversations with conservation officers and consultants where needed.

Most projects are quoted as a fixed fee by work stage, so you have clarity and control as the project progresses. Where scope is uncertain, we may recommend an hourly or capped fee for early investigations, then move to fixed fees once the brief is defined.

It depends on the site, the building, and the scope, and we will advise early on what consents are likely to be required. If the property is listed, Listed Building Consent is usually needed for works that affect its character, even where planning permission may not be.

A typical UK householder planning decision is often around 8 weeks from validation, with larger or more complex applications commonly taking longer. Timeframes can extend due to surveys, amendments, consultation responses, or workload at the local authority.

Yes, we can review the reasons for refusal, advise on the most pragmatic route, and prepare a stronger resubmission with clear planning justification. Where appropriate, we can also support an appeal strategy and the documents required.

Planning focuses on whether the development is acceptable in principle, things like appearance, neighbours, access, and policy. Building regulations focus on technical compliance and safety, structure, fire, insulation, drainage, accessibility, and more.

Yes, we prioritise low-energy, long-life design and can advise on practical upgrades that improve comfort and performance without compromising character. We will help you weigh options around insulation, airtightness, glazing, services, and materials in a balanced, cost-aware way.

Yes, we can recommend, appoint (where appropriate), and coordinate the wider team, keeping information clear and joined-up. This often includes structural engineers, surveyors, heritage consultants, ecologists, and energy assessors depending on the project.

Yes, we produce detailed technical drawings and specifications to support building control approval and help contractors price and build accurately. This stage is where the design is resolved in detail, so quality, compliance, and buildability are properly considered.

We can advise early on whether the Party Wall etc. Act is likely to apply and help you plan the right steps with your neighbours. Formal party wall surveying is typically carried out by a specialist surveyor, so it is usually a separate appointment, but we will coordinate and support the process.

Yes, we can prepare tender information, invite suitable contractors, and help you compare quotes on a like-for-like basis. We will also support pre-start conversations so scope, programme, and quality expectations are clear.

Yes, we can remain involved on site to answer queries, review progress, and help maintain design intent and quality. The level of support can be tailored, from occasional visits to regular site involvement.

Yes, we can act as Contract Administrator under the chosen building contract, helping manage communications, valuations, change control, and certification. This provides structure and clarity during construction, protecting both client and contractor through a fair process.