HOW WE WORK

Each project is different and bespoke but there is a process that is outlined below that covers the main aspects of most projects.

Step 1

Site visit: Karenna and a team member visit your home for us to meet you and for you to meet the team. We chat about the brief, view the property, and discuss the art of the possible. While it needs to be a sound investment, the refurbishment, extension, or development needs to realise your goals of a home that suits your way of life. Following this meeting, you will receive a fee proposal for consideration.

Step 2

Site survey: Measured surveys involve taking measurements of sites or buildings to produce accurate drawings to scale. The structural elements include walls, columns, and beams, and are shown on the floor plans, elevations, and sections. All features such as doors, windows, and services are added with floor levels, and heights. Measured survey plans are the starting point for our designs.

Step 3

Concept and developed design: Once we have been appointed as your architect and have received the measured survey, we will arrange to meet again to have a detailed discussion and finalise the brief. We will produce a few design alternatives to make the most of the property and the way in which you live. We love this phase of the project and often produce ideas that you haven’t thought of. This is a collaborative process, unhurried, we like to listen to our clients to bring out the best in your project. Once agreed, any necessary planning application is applied for. Karenna and her team guide you through the whole process.

Step 4

Planning permission: KWA will track the progress of your application and arrange any necessary site visits between you and the local planning authority. You will be kept informed every step of the way.

Step 5

Technical design: This stage involves us producing all the drawings and information for the builders during the tendering phase. We work with professionals and can recommend suitable builders, or work with your preferred builder. The planning drawings will be progressed into Building Regulation drawings and specifications. Building Regulations approval (building control) are standards that apply to all buildings to make sure they are safe for people who are in or around them. The regulations are a series of Approved Documents covering the technical aspects of construction work.

Step 6

Construction and completion: We produce RIBA construction contracts between you and your builder and carry out fortnightly site visits to ensure that there is a high standard of construction. KWA make a final inspection.

We will advise you on method of payments to the builder, ensuring that sufficient monies are held back to give a strong incentive for the builder to finish all the works to your satisfaction.