Architectural services encompass a wide variety of activities of a structured character that help clients take their ideas through the stages of planning and building constructed forms that realise their aspirations.
Survey: To prepare existing plans, sections and elevations from a measured study of the existing building.
Feasibility: The first step is to look at the existing plans and identify any issues with the layout or circulation of the existing building. The solution will be a response to the above issue to gain the additional accommodation and maximise the efficiency of the space with openings, light and space as appropriate for the function. This may involve comparing alternatives to assess the merits of each proposal where the exploratory approach may lead to unforeseen opportunities. It may be advisable to get a cost estimate at this stage to plan and budget ahead.
Planning: Planning consent is for the use, form, size and external materials of a new permanent structure or building and is statute law. It is not always required as some development is permitted development but this can either be determined or a certificate of lawful development can be sought by application. Frequently planning is required for an extension, change of use, advertising consent, alterations to a building that is listed or in a conservation area. UA can advise or prepare documentation for submission as agent on your behalf. A planning application will take 8 weeks to determine from when it is submitted and validated.
Building Regulations: Building Regulations are to ensure that the technical specification complies with established standards for structure, drainage, foundations, fire resistance / detection, floors, walls, stairs, windows, doors, roof, weather tightness, and thermal performance. This is usually applied for when planning consent has been approved. It can be presided over either by the local authority or an approved inspector. UA may prepare drawings for a full plans application prior to the commencement of construction as agent on your behalf. This can be useful to achieve greater cost certainty before construction commences. UA can obtain quotes for a structural engineer who will often be required at this stage to provide supporting calculations to demonstrate compliance with the building regulations.
Production Information: This is information that will be required by a building contractor to undertake the work and may include, lighting, heating strategy, finishes, doors, windows kitchen and bathroom fittings.
Tender: UA can issue information to several building contractors to obtain competitive quotations for work
Site Inspections: UA can visit site periodically through the building process to monitor progress, communicate and report issues arising through the construction period.
Project planning: Even a modest development can take some time to get to completion from the initial idea. UA can provide a programme to demonstrate a possible time frame for the sequence of activities to completion to help with the budget organise life around the development to achievable deadlines.
Quotations: UA offer a consultation (usually free in the Manchester / NW region) to assess building requirements and will provide a quotation, by e-mail or letter, for services based on an estimate of time to undertake the task(s).
Terms and conditions: Mark Iddon, principal architect, is a registered with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the architect’s registration board and has professional indemnity insurance as required by the regulating bodies.