Full Service
The traditional procurement route has the Architect appointed by the Client as the head of the design team. This gives our Clients the advantage of having a single point of contact throughout the project.

In a Full Service package, we take your project right from the inception of the scheme, to making sure you are happy with the completed building. In summary this comprises of:


Inception
discuss the client's budget, timescale and appointment of other professionals

Feasibility determine feasibility of design and construction approaches and advise on statutory requirements
Outline proposals
with other appointed consultants analyse the Client's requirements; prepare outline proposals for approximate costing


Scheme design develop a scheme design to agree size, cost, space requirements and character; apply for Planning Permission
Detail design
develop the design further to agree materials, co-ordinate other consultants' design work; apply for Building Regulations

Production information prepare production drawings, schedules, specifications and information for bills of quantities for tendering
Tender action
advise on and obtain from Client a list of tenderers; invite tenders from selected contractors

Project planning advise Client and Contractor on contractual responsibilities and provide information for programming site operations
Site operations
administer the contract, periodically visit site and, where required, make financial reports to the Client


Completion issue appropriate certificates and produce a set of 'as built' drawings for the Client
Feedback
carry out appraisal of project and determine success of finished building


The initial meeting

Architects' professional training and experience means that they can interpret and respond to any realistic brief they are given. At your initial meeting we will discuss your intentions and ideas. Your architect will listen carefully to what you have to say, and will take and develop a brief which covers not only design aesthetics but also the function of the building, running costs, budget and timing. Only after you have seen and approved initial sketches, the ideas will be translated into detailed designs. At an early stage we can help you define a range of costs for your project.

Can an architect save you money?

Yes. Not only will we provide better value for money, in many instances we will save our clients at least the equivalent of our fees. Professional attention to detail will save money both immediately, through the most efficient use of space and the careful selection of materials and finishes, and in the long term through environmental sensitivity, energy efficiency, low running and maintenance costs.

There are formal safeguards too. The contract your architect recommends with the builder may contain a clause that allows you to claim damages for every week the project unreasonably overruns and disrupts your home or professional life. This is doubly important because a project which runs over time will often run over budget too. As work proceeds, your architect will save you time by dealing with problems and disagreements as they arise, leaving you free to concentrate on your own life and work.

After the building is complete, a percentage of the builder's account will be held back for six months (or a year on larger projects) as security against any problems that may arise. This is known as the defects liability period.