Services

"Whether you need a design or plans for your project, or a qualified professional to guide you, a Chartered Architectural Technician, MCIAT, can manage all stages from the earliest designs through to final certification, regardless of size or value" (CIAT).

The following information is provided to give you an insight of the full range of architectural services provided.

You may already have a builder, but need help with planning and building control?

You may have purchased a site with planning and are not sure how to progress?

We adopt a flexible approach to suit your needs. We also charge on a project by project basis as no two schemes are the same.

Choosing Your Team

Collaboration and communication are key to a successful project. We take great pride in our work and realise that, for the majority of our clients, engaging the right architectural practice is perhaps the most fundamental decision in the process.

For us, a successful project starts with listening to our clients, about understanding your requirements and preferences, about understanding the opportunities and constraints of the site and about continual communication and collaboration.

Our projects vary enormously in scale and complexity. We know our strengths; but also when it is necessary to appoint others to form a team to achieve a successful planning application or build. We have forged strong relationships with other construction professionals and consultants and will advise you at the outset the team members required to realise your project.

For further details about us and our experience click here.

More info

1

Project Preparation

Brief

Capturing your requirements often involves at lease one meeting with you.

You may have a detailed set of requirements and a keen idea of the style you want, or you may be approaching the process more open-minded or with a degree of uncertainty.

Our role is to listen and to understand what is really important to you. This information is captured in a written brief which is a live document through the duration of the project.

Preparation

Planning Policy
Flooding
Trees
Ecological Impact
Views / Aspect
Neighbours
Access
Build Methods
Historical Asset Impact
Orientation / Topography
Budget

These are but a few of the factors that need to be considered when assessing a project. The scale and nature of the project will often decide and scale of the evaluation and it is at this stage where we will be able to advise on the need for other specialists such as ecological or land surveys.

2

Concept Design

Once the brief and preparation works have been completed we can start to explore design options for the project.

Sketch work prepared at this stage may be 2D or 3D in nature depending on the scheme. We would typically meet a few times during this stage to discuss the design options allowing us to start to hone in on the preferred design solution.

3

Developed Design

Once the concept has been agreed the design will be refined taking the scheme to a level of detail suitable for any necessary planning application.

At this stage we really start to focus on the materials and the details of the design, and if required would produce 3D visuals of the scheme. For more complex or potentially controversial schemes we would consult with the local planning authority and other relevant bodies prior to making any application for planning permission.

Once the final scheme has been agreed with you, we will liaise with all the other members of the team and pull all of the required documents together to make a compliant application to the local authority on your behalf.

16A have a relationship with a number of planning authorities and extensive experience with various applications; be those for full planning, outline planning, listed building consent and confirming permitted development via a Certificate of Lawful Use or Development (CLUD).

4

Technical Design

The level of service we provide at this stage varies the most and so we have chosen to break it down into four parts.

The technical design phase usually only commences once your planning approval has been granted. The services of a structural engineer and possibly other specialist consultants may be required at this stage, and we assist with their appointment on your behalf and closely co-ordinate their work.

4.1 to Building Regulations

This is our most basic level of service and is most suitable if you already have an experienced & trusted builder on board.

At this stage we develop the approved planning design into a compliant building regulations package. This mostly comprises plans, elevations and a section together with a set of construction notes and is suitable for relatively simple, straightforward works. Our work at this stage usually concludes with the submission of a compliant building regulations application.

4.2 Production Information / Working Drawings

For more involved projects and where you wish to get quotes from building contractors we would always recommend the inclusion of stage 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4. If you are wanting 16A to act as Contract Administrator or provide a Professional Consultants Certificate then we would normally require aspects of these stages to be completed.

Stage 4.2 builds on the building regulations design and really focuses on the details. This ensures there is no ambiguity when the project is on site and your builder is constructing what you want. It is often said that the 'devil is in the detail' and at 16A we excel in detailing to give you the best possible finish.

Often at this stage we will provide additional sections, 1:10 or 1:5 scale details, window and door schedules finish schedules, electrical layouts and in certain instances fabrication details.

Often at this stage we will work with your appointed kitchen suppliers, bathroom specialist, lighting, home automation and interior designers. We can also accompany you on specialist supplier and showroom visits.

The level of services is very much tailored to you, your needs and your time.

4.3 Schedule of Works Specification

16A subscribes to the National Building Specification Service. This ensures what we specify is compliant with current standards and legislation. The type of specification will vary depending on the type of project and procurement route for your construction team.

A detailed specification ensures quality of the finished product providing a minimum benchmark standard for all components and materials within your building project.

4.4 Tendering

16A has fostered strong relationships with a number of construction companies from large contractors to small family builders.

During the tender phase of the project we will help in the selection of suitable builders, compile the drawings and documents for tendering and advise you of the most appropriate form of building contract.

When tender prices are received we will review them with you and prepare the building contract ready for construction to start.

5

Construction

16A's role during construction is to ensure that the construction team are providing the attention to detail and the high quality of finish that we expect of any of our designs.

If we are appointed as contract administrators we will inspect the works at regular stages, deal with any questions, and certify the contractors applications for payment.

We also assist you in developing a schedule to ensure any items supplied by you are on site to meet the build programme.

6

Handover

Time for you to move in and enjoy the finished result! Prior to this we will inspect and 'snag' the works with you and the contractor to ensure you are completely satisfied with the build.

Once all is complete will issue a Certificate of Practical Completion and collate the information for the final account.

It is normal for new buildings to take time to settle and as such we would typically arrange for the contractor to return to the build after an agreed period to make good any items.

Once this is done to your total satisfaction, and all accounts have been agreed, our work is complete.

Other Services

PCC

Professional Consultants Certificate

Recognised by the CML (Council for Mortgage Lenders), 16A as a CIAT Chartered Practice are able to undertake inspections for and issue Professional Consultations Certificates (sometimes referred to as an Architects Certificate) for your new home.

Please contact us for further details.

Virtual Reality

The majority of projects undertaken by 16A are designed using AutoCAD Revit. This is a 3D BIM package that allows us to fully model your building.

We also use Oculus VR technology to assist with the design process allowing us to give you a virtual reality insight of your project before a builder starts on site.

CDM

Construction Design & Management Regulations

16A Architecture are experienced and competent to act as Principal Designers (as defined by the CDM Regulations.

Changes to these regulations in 2015 brought in new responsibilities to domestic clients when having certain building works undertaken.

We are here to advise you on your responsibilities and ensure all parties are aware of their duties to ensure compliance under the CDM regulations.

How Much Will It All Cost?

Fees & Pre-Construction

All projects are different as are the needs of our client and required level of service. As such we look at each project individually when preparing a fee proposal. Our fee for the design phases up to construction, is usually a fixed fee based on the agreed scope of work. During the construction phase we usually work on a time and expenses basis.

Whilst this is the norm it does not fit all models and we are happy to look at other fee structures. To arrange an initial consultation please contact us.

Construction

Project budgets vary enormously and we have worked on relatively small extension schemes up to multi-million pound homes and commercial projects. Your build budget is always at the forefront when we are undertaking a design, and we will advise as much as possible during the design process on the impact of the design on costs.

During the early stages this can be quite difficult and budgets may be simply based on build areas.

For larger and more complex schemes we would usually recommend the services of a Quantity Surveyor or Estimator be employed to give a steer on costs once our concept has been agreed.