The Design Process

Although the design process is similar in many cases there are subtle differences which are specific to each project, a new build process differs from a conversion which also differs from a home extension.
We have based our design process on a home extension to give you an idea of how we do the design process at ASW Architectural Services.

Discuss Ideas at the Initial Enquiry

An initial meeting with you allows us to see your home, understand your requirements and discuss ideas with you. We are then able to provide you with a written quotation which is tailored to your project.

Turning Ideas into Designs

We will then measure and draw the existing building to scale on AutoCAD ready for the sketch designs. Proposed drawings are then created electronically (although sometimes we produce them by hand). We work with you on the proposals, tweaking the design where needed to ensure you are happy with the proposals.

Final Designs / Planning Permission

Drawings are then finalised and prepared for Planning.
We will assess and check if it falls under permitted development guidance. If planning permission is required we prepare and submit the drawings/documents and liaise with the Local Authority on your behalf.

Building Regulations to Reality

Once Planning Permission has been granted the next step is where we prepare construction / building regulation drawings and documents for submission for Full Plans Building Control Application, liaising with Building Control on your behalf.
Once approval is obtained building work can start, the designs are truly turned into a reality with spaces created and homes transformed.

Additional elements to consider….

Agent

We act as your agent, we prepare and submit applications for Planning and Building Regulations to the Local Authority on your behalf. We liaise with them and keep you updated with progress on your applications. Local Authority fees are not included within our fees, they are paid directly to the Local Authority.

Consultants

Other consultants may be required for your project such as Structural Engineer, Energy Consultant, Historic Consultant, Landscape Designer etc. We have consultants that we have worked with and will obtain a quote on your behalf. Consultants fees are not included within our fees, these are paid directly to the consultants.

Other Detailed Drawings

We are able to produce more detailed proposals if required, please ensure you discuss your requirements with us so that we can quote accordingly. We have assisted with detailed bathroom layouts, electrical layouts and internal floor layouts. These are not always needed as sometimes clients prefer to decide on site and discuss with the specialist contractor once they see the spaces however some clients prefer to have a drawing for the contractor to work with.

Party Wall Act

If you are looking to build on or near to the wall or boundary between you and your neighbour please refer to the Party Wall Act, there is a useful explanatory booklet.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/party-wall-etc-act-1996-guidance#explanatory-booklet

CDM Regulations 2015

It’s worth being aware of your legal responsibilities as a domestic client under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. We act as your Designer and not Principle Designer under the CDM Regulations.
https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm/2015/domestic-clients.htm

Note: Although Planning Permission and Building Regulations Approval are needed in most cases, they aren’t needed in every case as this is entirely depending upon the nature of the development and the property.