Before we embark on a project we start with a free initial consultation – this may be in person or via a call - to understand more about your project and what you want to achieve.
Once this is done, we can provide a no-obligation fee quote for our services.
The stages of a typical project our outlined below.
1. PREPARATION & FEASIBILITY
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Before we start design work, we will ask you questions about your aspirations and requirements for the project, which will form the brief for the project. We will carry out research into the site and advise on and commission surveys which may impact on the feasibility or design of the project, such as sewers, flood risk, trees, ecology and planning and site history. A measured and/or topographical survey would also be carried out.
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2. CONCEPT DESIGN & PLANNING DESIGN
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We would generate initial concepts and typically provide multiple design options illustrating different approaches to meet your design brief, using a mixture of concept layouts, sketches, visualisations and example projects and meet with you to discuss them.
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Once we establish a preferred approach, we will work with you to develop, refine and hone the final design. We would complete the planning application drawings and documents and, if required for your project, work with other specialist consultants to support the application. For more complex projects, pre-application advice can also be beneficial.​
3. DETAILED DESIGN
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The technical design of the project is completed and coordinated with other consultants, such as the structural engineer. This requires meticulous work to ensure that the design aspirations are carefully considered to produce clear and detailed drawings, which can be accurately priced, successfully built and meet statutory requirements (or beyond such as Passive House).
We would typically make a submission to Building Control to gain conditional approval prior to construction commencing. We offer services for a Building Control package or a fully detailed tender package, depending on your requirements.
4. TENDERING
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We would issue the technical design package and a detailed scope of works to carefully chosen contractors for them to competitively price. Once we receive their tender returns, we review and analyse them and make recommendations to you.
Alternatively, if you already have a contractor in mind, we can negotiate with them to confirm the scope of work and a contract sum – this may be your preferred option if, for example, you wanted to work with a contractor with a proven track record with a specific type of build, such as Passive House.
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5. CONSTRUCTION & HANDOVER
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Once a main contractor is appointed and work starts on site, we can work alongside you and the contractor during the duration of the build including the drafting and administration of the construction contract.
We would be on hand to discuss the work with the contractor to ensure that it meets the design performance and aspirations, as well as reviewing work as it is completed to approve valuations or stage payments, offering you greater financial security. We will continue to be in contact following the completion to offer advice or to ensure any defects are resolved, if they arise.​
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE? We offer services from initial preparation and feasibility studies through to managing projects on site and can tailor our service to your needs. We can guide you on your design journey.
WHY SHOULD I USE AN ARCHITECT? Architects combine a unique skillset of being creative designers and expert problem solvers. Architects must be registered with and are regulated by the ARB, with the title of ‘Architect’ being legally protected. Embarking on a building project is a significant investment and working with an Architect puts you in the best place to ensure that your aspirations are realised. Fox-Groves Architecture is an RIBA Chartered Practice.
DO YOU WORK ON PASSIVE HOUSE AND LOW-ENERGY PROJECTS? We are Certified Passive House Designers and Graduate of the AECB Retrofit Course and are therefore experienced with low-energy design and retrofit. There are very few Architects with our expertise in the South-East.
HOW LONG COULD MY PROJECT TAKE? We typically recommend allowing up to a year for the completion of the concept, planning, technical design and tender stages. The construction period varies according to the nature and size of the project. For simple projects with work up to Building Regulations packages, this is generally faster. We can advise regarding ways you can accelerate the process if required.
WHAT ARE YOUR FEES? Following our initial consultation, we would put together a fee proposal which outlines each of the design stages and provides a ‘fixed fee’ as soon as possible to ensure that you have certainty on cost. Each project is different, so we don’t have set fees – we price according to the specific resource requirements of the project to ensure the best outcome.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BUILD? This is difficult to determine as it depends on manor factors – for new construction elements we suggest budgeting around £3000-4000/m2, refurbishment costs are dependent on how involved the works are. We work with a cost consultant partner to provide detailed cost estimates where appropriate.
WHAT AREAS DO YOU COVER? Most of our projects are in the South East including Kent, Sussex, London and Surrey. However, we have also worked on projects as far afield as the Peak District and Oxfordshire. Locally, we’ve had great success securing planning approvals in Tonbridge & Malling, Tunbridge Wells and Tandridge Districts including projects within the Green Belt and AONBs.
WHAT SIZE PROJECTS DO YOU WORK ON? We work on projects of all sizes from refurbishments through to new-build homes and love to work with our clients to extract the most from the project.