Overview

ANP Architects offers a bespoke service for every architectural project. Our clients are at the centre of all things we do as we recognise they will be the ones who live and experience the architecture we design. We aim to ensure all clients enjoy the process of designing their home. Our rigorous design process for residential architecture enables us to explore and test all aspects of a clients brief to provide great value and refined design solutions. We offer a flexible design service tailored to each client’s needs.  

We are proud to provide digital 3D and virtual reality experiences as part of our services. Being able to experience the architecture in virtual reality allows our clients to fully understand the 2D drawings of the proposals. We believe this is an important part of the design process to enable clients to fully appreciate the proposed architectural solution before any building work commences on site which can save significant time and money.

We are also pleased to offer our full range of services on a lump sum fee basis. At an initial consultation we develop a thorough brief alongside our clients to ensure we capture all requirements for the project. We will then provide a detailed architecture services proposal that captures all services for consideration.  

For guidance, our range of services are typically broken down to align with the RIBA plan of work stages as below, however, we tailor the services to meet the needs of each client we work with.

Stages

Stage A – Home Design Consultation

Following an enquiry for architectural services, we will arrange a suitable date and time to visit your home and discuss the project with you in detail.

At our meeting we will capture the brief, budget, timeframes, and other specific details about the project which will assist in tailoring our services. We also run through the process of an architectural project and show examples of our design and technical drawings from previous projects. We believe it is important to showcase examples of work to ensure clients are aware of what they can expect and can compare against other professionals in the industry to understand and compare the level of service offered.

Following the meeting, we will prepare a bespoke architectural services proposal outlining our scope of service and costings based on your requirements discussed at the meeting.

Stage B – Site Survey

Following our appointment, a fully measured internal and external survey of the existing property will be carried out as appropriate for the project size and scale. The survey is an important first step in the design process as it is essential we work from accurate existing drawings.

Stage C – Concept Design + Planning (RIBA Stage 2-3)

We provide a flexible and open approach to Stage C. Typically, once the existing survey data is received, we design multiple options in plan and 3D which explores and tests different aspects of the brief and budget – these are then presented to clients where we welcome feedback on the options. This process is iterative to ensure we refine the proposals to provide a solution that meets the clients’ requirements.

All of our projects are developed in 3D to ensure our clients can fully appreciate the design aesthetic with 3D imagery. We are also able to offer a unique virtual reality experience of the preferred proposal which our clients greatly benefit from.

Once the preferred design in terms of plan layout and external appearance is finalised, we prepare the project for a planning submission. We will also work with any consultants that may be needed for the project to submit a valid planning application (e.g flood risk consultant, arboriculturist, historical consultant, planning consultant). Once the application is submitted to the local authority, we will monitor and manage the process on your behalf.

Timeframes for Stage C - typically takes 3-4 months from commencement to submission of the planning application depending on client feedback. The Planning Application process typically takes a further 2-2.5 months, depending on the local authority’s validation timescales.

Stage D – Building Regulation Package + Construction Details (RIBA Stage 4)

Based on the floor plan layouts developed during Stage C, we prepare the project’s technical drawings and documentation suitable for building regulation submission. We will also liaise with other consultants such as a structural engineer or services engineer to provide a fully coordinated package of drawings. Once the drawings are coordinated between all consultants, we submit the projects to the Local Authority Building Control or Approved Inspector for full plans check. A full plans submission ensures client comfort that the proposed building design is compliant with the current building regulations.

Timeframes for Stage D - typically takes 2-3 months from commencement to submission of the building regulation application depending on consultants’ timeframes.

Stage E – Tender Documentation + Submission for Cost Purposes (RIBA Stage 4)

Alongside Stage D, we also offer additional services to provide further drawings, schedules and documentation which are suitable for tender submission to client selected builders. These additional drawings and details give contractors information of client specific requirements such as wall and floor finishes, lighting and power arrangements etc. We develop this information in conjunction with clients to ensure the information sent for pricing captures all the clients end requirements.  

Once the package is ready, we submit it to selected builders. We manage the tender process and answer any queries from the builders. Once the tenders are returned, we collate all information received and issue to clients for comment and review.

Timeframes for Stage E - typically takes 1-2 months in addition to Stage D.

Please contact us today to schedule a Home Design Consultation on how we can assist you on your architectural project. Thank you.