Frequently Asked Questions
What scale of project do you work on?
Absolutely! We thrive on the challenge of working within sensible budgets. Whether it’s a £10k Norwich bathroom renovation or a £600k rural Norfolk bespoke home, we know that even smaller projects can have a huge impact on everyday life.
How do you charge for your services?
When it comes to architectural design fees, the traditional approach is often a percentage of the estimated construction cost (typically 5–15%) or an hourly rate. The downside? It’s hard to predict what you’ll end up paying. That’s why we provide clear, fixed fees from the start, so you know exactly what to expect. Our pricing is tailored to your project and broken down into each stage of the design, planning, and build process, giving you full transparency every step of the way.
When should I get a architectural designer involved?
Whether you’re on the lookout for a plot of land, have just bought a property, or want to transform your existing home, getting an architectural designer involved early can make a huge difference. We help you uncover the full potential of your home or site, find creative solutions you might not have thought of, and steer you clear of expensive mistakes.
How long does the process take?
When planning a new home, it’s important to set realistic timelines. Design typically takes around six months, with at least two months needed for planning approval and 9–12 months for the build itself. These stages can vary depending on the project’s complexity and the availability of specialists like surveyors, engineers, and builders. If you’re on a tight schedule, we can look at ways to move things along — but in our experience, taking the time to plan properly always leads to the best results.
Do you work with any local builders or contractors?
We work alongside several professional builders, but we always encourage clients to discuss their projects directly with the builder or, in addition, visit completed projects to ensure they find the best fit for their projects.
Do I need planning permission for my residential project, and how do I obtain it?
The need for planning permission depends on factors such as the project size and location. We will assess if your project requires a planning application or can be achieved with permitted development. For either option, we can help prepare and submit the necessary information to the local authority.
What factors influence the likelihood of obtaining planning approval?
Factors such as local planning policies, site constraints, and site constraints impact approval viability. Our expertise helps navigate these factors and build the right design team to maximise the chances of approval.
Can you assist with preparing and submitting planning applications on my behalf?
Yes, we offer comprehensive support throughout the planning process, including preparing all necessary documentation and representing your interests to the local planning authority.
Can you accommodate specific design preferences or architectural styles?
We tailor our designs to reflect your unique style preferences and architectural aspirations, ensuring a personalized approach to your project.
What is permitted development?
Permitted development is a set of rules and regulations that allow certain extensions and changes to be made to existing dwellings without the need for planning permission.
Click the link to learn more on our blog post Permitted Development
What is retrofit?
It is upgrading an existing dwelling to improve comfort and energy efficiency, from basic draft proofing to full insulation upgrades.
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Click the link to learn more on our blog post What is Retrofit?
What is whole house retrofit?
Imagine your house as a puzzle. The insulation, windows, heating, ventilation, and appliances affect how comfortable and energy-efficient your home is. The retrofit whole-house approach involves looking at all these pieces together and finding ways to improve them collectively.
Click the link to learn more on our blog post What is Whole House Retrofit?
How long does the construction process typically take for a residential project?
The duration varies based on project complexity and size. We liase with local contractors to provide realistic timelines.
Do you work with reputable builders and contractors, or can I use my own?
We have established relationships with trusted builders and contractors, but we can also work with your preferred team if desired.
How do you determine the cost of architectural and construction services for residential projects?
We provide pricing based on project scope, complexity, and anticipated time involvement. Our goal is to deliver value while respecting your budget.
Do you offer any cost-saving measures or value engineering options for clients?
We explore cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality, such as efficient design solutions and material selections tailored to your budget.
How do you ensure that construction progresses according to schedule and budget?
We employ robust contract management processes, including regular site inspections, to keep the project on track and aligned with the contract and specfication documentation.
Do you incorporate sustainable design principles and energy-efficient features into residential projects?
Yes, we encourage sustainability and energy efficiency design discussions early within the design process and look to incorporate features such as passive solar design, efficient insulation, and renewable energy systems.
Can you increase the size of a bungalow?
Bungalows often have substantial plot sizes and large ground-floor footprints. Still, the single-story layout may present limitations for those seeking additional space. To address this, there's a solution that addresses spatial constraints and adds the opportunity to create a more aesthetic and interesting building frontage: extending upward.
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Click the link to learn more on our blog post Elevating Spaces: A Step-by-Step Guide to Extending a Bungalow Upward