Finch Macintosh and Howard Architects

Finch Macintosh and Howard Architects is a leading architectural practice offering a full range of design services within the Architectural profession and to the construction industry.

Established in 2010, the practice has grown steadily in recent years and has built up an impressive portfolio of completed and current projects for retailers, commercial businesses, residential developers, manufacturers, health trusts, education authorities and the leisure industry.

Experienced design teams keep pace with advances in technology to create modern buildings and stylish refurbishments for Clients both regionally and nationally.

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Architect? Do I need an architect?

A quality architect can improve your home and property for space, light and increased value. If you live in London or the South East of England just e-mail your ideas and we'll get straight back to you.

If you are searching for, considering the purchase of, or developing a building site or existing building, or have a building site or building to sell, we can:

  • Advise on the selection of a building site or existing building.
  • Prepare technical reports concerning the physical features and restrictions of a building site and the surrounding area.
  • Prepare technical reports concerning the condition of and the development options for an existing building.
  • Report on the likelihood of obtaining planning permission for a particular type of development.
  • Prepare environmental impact assessments.
  • Analyse your requirements and prepare feasibility studies and preliminary layouts for consideration.
  • Arrange for a measured and levels survey of the site.
  • Arrange for an investigation of the ground conditions on the site.
  • Prepare technical reports to assist in the sale of a site.

We may be able to introduce a purchaser for your site or building, or a developer for your project.

The success of a refurbishment or building project depends not only upon the architects design and technical skills but also upon forming a successful relationship with a building contractor. We can:

Provide initial contract advise.

  • Advise on the appointment of a building contractor or compile a list of contractors for tender purposes.
  • Prepare tender documentation.
  • Invite and receive competitive tenders from building contractors.
  • Negotiate a price for the project with a chosen building contractor.
  • Prepare the contract documentation for signature.
  • Instruct the building contractor to proceed with the works.
  • Administer the terms of contract and provide regular progress and cost reports.
  • Act as the clients representative for a design and build contract.
  • Prepare drawings and information for the health and safety file.
  • Advise on contract disputes and conduct negotiations to achieve mutually acceptable solutions to prevent the need for litigation.

It is a proposal that has found strong media and public support and has attracted the attention of leading politicians, planners and others interested in improving our built environment, ranging from English Heritage to CABE (Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment) and the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects).

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.

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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.