How We Work

The project will start by arranging an informal visit with you at the premises where the project is to be undertaken. At the meeting we listen to your thoughts, ideas and requirements for the project as well as putting forward our suggestions in relation to maximizing the architectural potential of the site or building.

At this stage we will take the time at the outset to provide an explanation of the processes that you will have to go through to achieve your goal of the finished project, and the drawings that will have to be produced at each stage of the process. We will also give you an overview of the timescales associated with your project.

Once we have established the way in which you wish to proceed, we will then submit to you a detailed cost quotation.

Should you decide to appoint us as your architectural designer, we will arrange to carry out a full site survey where we will inspect and measure your property and take appropriate photographs. This information will then be used to prepare a set of drawings showing the existing property in plan and elevation.

With the information that we have gained from the site survey and also from listening to your ideas we will also prepare a number of design options for you to consider. We will continue to correspond directly with you to discuss our proposals and any amendments required by you.

Once you are happy with the overall design we will, where required, prepare and submit an application for Town & Country Planning Consent. Most projects will require some form of Planning Consent or Conservation Consent application to the Local Planning Authority. We will prepare all the necessary documentation and drawings required and submit the application on your behalf.

Further to that, any contact with the Local Planning Authority will be dealt with by us.

DS Architectural Design cannot be held responsible for any planning permission that is not granted. Whilst every step will be taken to ensure planning is granted, it is never guaranteed. However please note that the planning department allows resubmissions without additional fees which will ensure discussions can continue with the planning department so that a solution can be reached.

Once Planning Consents have been obtained we can progress the project to the Building Regulations stage. Nearly all projects will require Building Regulation Approval. This entails the preparation of more technical information in the form of structural calculations and drawings, specification notes, technical drawings and details.

Some projects will have an impact on adjoining owners’ rights in relation to Party Wall matters. We will undertake any Party Wall Agreements with adjoining owners as required.

If you have a builder that you wish to appoint to carry out the works we will be very happy to work with them, alternatively we can obtain a range of price quotes from highly reputable builders that we regularly utilise.

Once you have accepted a builder’s quote, and work has commenced we will then work closely with the builders to monitor the quality and progress of the project on site, answering any questions that the builder has and helping to solve any problem that may occur.

We aim to make the whole project as easy and convenient as possible, and to ensure that you are kept informed, and are satisfied with every stage in the process.