Common Questions
How are your fees structured for a luxury residential project? Our fees are set out clearly in our proposal on a staged basis, so you know exactly what is included and what each phase will cost. This gives clarity from the outset and allows you to understand the level of service and design input involved at each stage.
What other costs should we allow for besides your architectural fees? Most projects will also include third-party costs such as surveys, planning fees, Building Control fees, structural engineering and other specialist consultant input where required. We highlight these early so you have a more realistic view of the overall investment, not just our fee in isolation.
How do you make sure the design reflects how we want to live? We take time to understand how you want your home to look, feel and function. Through detailed briefing, conversations and design reviews, we shape the project around your lifestyle, priorities and aesthetic preferences, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
How will we stay informed throughout the project? We keep communication clear and structured throughout, with regular updates, key stage meetings and direct contact when decisions are needed. You will always know where the project stands, what the next steps are and where input is required from you.
​Can you handle the technical complexity of a bespoke home? Yes. A well-designed home needs more than a strong concept. It also needs careful technical development so it can be built properly. We combine design thinking with technical expertise to ensure the project is coordinated clearly and developed to a high standard.
Can you remain involved during construction? Yes, where appointed to do so. In addition to our core design package, we offer further services that can include tender support, contractor coordination, site inspections and guidance through construction, completion and handover.
How do you deal with difficult sites, planning sensitivity or design constraints? We assess site conditions, planning context and project constraints early in the process and shape the design response accordingly. Challenging sites often require more thought and careful handling, and that is where good design input matters most.
What value do your services add to the overall project? Good design adds value far beyond appearance alone. It improves how a home functions, how space is used, how well the project is coordinated and, ultimately, the quality of the finished result. It also helps reduce avoidable issues by bringing clarity and proper thought to the process from the start.
How can save you money through each stage of the project? Â Â Stage 0: Strategic Definition (Pre-design consultation) - Feasibility Studies: Conduct comprehensive feasibility studies to identify the most cost-effective options early on. - Site Selection: Assist in selecting a site that minimises development costs, considering factors like access to infrastructure and existing conditions. Â Â Stage 1: Preparation and Brief - Clear Brief: Develop a detailed and precise project brief to avoid scope changes later, which can be costly. - Budget Planning: Establish a realistic budget from the outset, accounting for contingencies. Â Â Stage 2: Concept Design - Design Alternatives: Explore multiple design options to find the most cost-effective solution that meets your requirements. - Cost Estimation: Provide initial cost estimates and value engineering to ensure the design aligns with your budget. Â Â Stage 3: Spatial Coordination - Efficient Space Planning: Optimise space planning to ensure the best use of every square foot, potentially reducing overall building size and cost. - Coordination with Engineers: Collaborate closely with structural and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) engineers to integrate systems efficiently and avoid costly redesigns. Â Â Stage 4: Technical Design - Detailed Specifications: Develop detailed specifications to minimise changes during construction, which can lead to cost overruns. - Material Selection: Recommend cost-effective, durable materials that offer good long-term value and low maintenance costs. - BIM Utilisation: Use Building Information Modeling (BIM) to identify and resolve potential issues virtually, reducing the risk of costly errors on-site. Â Â Stage 5: Construction - Competitive Bidding: Manage a competitive tendering process to obtain the best prices from contractors. - Contractor Selection: Assist in selecting reputable contractors who can deliver quality work on time and within budget. - Project Scheduling: Develop a realistic project schedule to avoid delays and associated costs. Â Â Stage 6: Handover - Quality Control: Ensure high standards of workmanship during construction to avoid costly repairs and rework. - Defects Management: Identify and manage rectification of defects promptly to prevent escalation and additional costs. - Training and Documentation: Provide you with comprehensive handover documentation and training on building systems to ensure efficient operation and maintenance. Â Â Stage 7: Use - Post-Occupancy Evaluation: Conduct post-occupancy evaluations to identify areas for improvement and ensure the building operates efficiently. - Maintenance Planning: Advise on a maintenance plan to prolong the building's lifespan and reduce long-term costs. - Energy Monitoring: Implement energy monitoring systems to help the client manage and reduce ongoing operational costs.
Do you provide any guarantees as part of your service? We do not believe in making vague promises or offering guarantees on matters outside our control. What we do offer is a clear, professional service with defined standards, strong communication and a disciplined approach from the outset. Our Client Promises are as follows: Clear scope and clear advice: Before each stage begins, you will be clearly advised on what is included, what is excluded, what decisions are required from you and what third-party input may be needed. Defined stage fees: Where the scope is agreed in advance, our fees are fixed for that stage. If additional work is requested or the brief changes, this will be discussed with you first so there are no surprises. Prompt communication: All client emails will be acknowledged within one working day wherever possible, with a substantive response issued within a reasonable timeframe depending on the nature of the query. Structured design process Your project will be progressed through a clear and logical process so that key decisions are made at the right time, reducing confusion, delay and unnecessary redesign. Coordinated information: Information issued by our practice will be prepared in an organised and coordinated manner to support decision-making, statutory submissions, pricing and construction. Budget and buildability awareness: Design decisions will be developed with proper regard to likely construction cost, practical buildability and overall project objectives. Where concerns arise, these will be flagged early. Early warning of risks: If we identify risks relating to budget, programme, approvals, site constraints or coordination, these will be raised with you as early as possible so they can be addressed properly. Professional standard of care: All services will be carried out with reasonable skill, care and diligence in line with the standards expected of a professional architectural practice. Correction of our own errors: If an error or omission is identified within information prepared and issued by our practice, and that error is demonstrably our responsibility, we will correct and reissue the relevant information promptly at no additional fee. Clear stage sign-off: At the end of each stage, you will understand what has been completed, what the next stage involves and what actions are required to keep the project moving.