Your Project

You may be a complete novice embarking on your very first building project or a seasoned developer. No matter what your experience, if you are looking to embark on a new building project please do not hesitate get in touch via the details to be found on our contacts page. We always have time to discuss your project and how we can be of assistance.

If you decide to take things further then TJB Architects offer a free-of-charge, no-obligation, initial consultation on site where we will discuss your requirements, aspirations and any limitations or constraints that may impact your project. This discussion will form the foundation of your design brief.

We will then write to you with our fee proposal outlining our design services for the scope of works.

Still not sure what to expect when working with an architect? Then check out this handy little leaflet produced by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) it is a must read.

Getting Started

Before undertaking a project it is key that you identify a budget as early as possible. On larger projects we would encourage clients to appoint a quantity surveyor to assist with cost planning, value engineering and valuations of work.

Once instructed, TJB Architects will conduct a detailed measured survey in order to produce ‘as existing’ plans and elevations of the existing property. Depending on the scale and complexity of the building and site, it may be necessary to appoint a third party surveyor to provide this information.

Additional surveys and reports may also be required, for example, ecological, arboricultural, structural surveys etc. TJB Architects will advise on any necessary additional services once the full scope of works has been considered.

TJB architects can assist and advise on obtaining quotations and appointing specialist consultants as required.

Sketch scheme and design development

TJB Architects use the information gathered to start producing initial sketch schemes, designing layouts and elevations that meet with your brief and individual site constraints.

This is arguably the most important stage of the whole design process. TJB Architects like to engage regularly with each client during this stage and promote regular design reviews. This enables us to develop and generate the perfect architectural solution to each individual brief.

TJB Architects appreciate that not everyone understands 2D plans and elevation, therefore we offer a 3D visualisation service which can help a client to better understand a scheme, especially on more challenging and complicated projects.

Planning

Once you are happy with the scheme design, TJB Architects then produce planning drawings which will be submitted as part of the planning application to your local authority planning department. There are a number of different types of planning consents, which again are project specific. The appropriate application type will be advised and submitted by TJB Architects.

Depending on the size and complexity of a project, whether the site sits within a conservation area or greenbelt or if the building is listed, then additional reports will be required as part of the planning submission. You may need to appoint a planning consultant to produce these reports and oversee the planning application, all of which can be managed on your behalf by TJB Architects.

Typically planning applications take between 8 - 10 weeks from validation to be determined, however due to COVID-19 and staffing issues throughout the councils we are currently experiencing significant delays in applications being processed and determined.

Building Regulations

Although it is acceptable to proceed with this stage at risk, TJB Architects highly recommend that planning permission is achieved before instructing the Building Regulation package to prevent abortive works and additional expenses.

The Building Regulation package involves producing sufficient details required to prove compliance with the current regulations. At this stage TJB Architects would require the appointment of a structural engineer who typically will provide drainage details, structural drawings, specifications and calculations. These will form part of the package of information that is submitted, checked and approved by Building Control before construction can commence.

On your behalf, TJB Architects will submit the Building Regulation package to either the local authority building control or an independent approved inspector. A quote will be provided by them for their services and again, all of which can be managed on your behalf by TJB Architects.

Details for Construction & Tender

TJB Architects will then produce further detailed drawings, specifications and reports that detail the scope of works that can be utilised for both the tender process, in obtaining construction costs and also for the construction phase.

There are various routes available when looking to tender a construction project. TJB Architects will be on hand to discuss these options with you and provide tailored recommendations based on your own personal requirements and expectations.

TJB Architects have built up strong working relationships with tried and tested contractors (builders), quantity surveyors, interior designers etc. We can make recommendations to assist you in collaborating the best design team that suits the size and complexity of your individual construction project.

Construction

Once the appropriate builder has been selected, TJB Architects can also suggest appropriate building contracts. It is highly recommended that building contracts are entered into between both the client and the contractor. We recommend the use of JCT building contracts, which are the industry standard contracts, specifically created for construction projects. This all sounds very formal, but it is for your own piece of mind. TJB Architects or a preferred quantity Surveyor will then fully administer the building contract throughout the building phase of the project. The contract will be administered on an impartial basis under the role of contract administrator.

Although architects sometimes perform the role of contract administrator, it is recommended that this role is adopted by a quantity surveyor, depending on the scale and complexity of the project. Regardless of who takes on the role of contract administrator, TJB Architects will be on hand throughout the construction phase to provide monthly site meetings, reviews, monitor progress and to assist with any site queries that may arise.