A. Yes we can either tailor a design to your particular requirements or provide plans based on your own design.

Q. Do you design any type of building?

A. Yes we have completed a variety of both residential and commercial projects including individual homes, housing schemes, offices, shops and factories.

Q. Do you design extensions as well as new buildings?

A. Yes we are experienced in all forms of extension, alteration and conversion work and are equipped to survey the existing building and its surroundings in order to prepare comprehensive design proposals.

Q. Do you get planning permission?

A. Yes we can submit a planning application on your behalf but cannot guarantee that the permission will always be granted. We will however endeavor to give you a good idea of the chances of getting planning consent at an early stage.

Q. What can I do if my application is refused?

A. You can either ask us to prepare an amended scheme that can be re-submitted for approval or you can ask us to lodge an appeal on your behalf to the Secretary of State who will appoint an inspector to review the application again.

Q. Do you organise the construction of the building?

A. Yes you can ask us to obtain competitive estimates from builders, organise the construction work and supervise the job on site through to completion.

Q. Why should I employ an Architect?

A. Because all architects have to go through a 7 year period of extensive training and practical experience before they can use the name architect - and because the Architects Registration Board (ARB) is set up to protect the consumers interest by ensuring that all architects are competent building designers and properly insured.

Q. What is a chartered architect?

A. This is simply the term given to an architect that subscribes an annual fee to the professional body known as the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). It does not mean that they are better qualified than registered architects and in fact the only requirement in law is for an architect to be registered with the ARB.

Q. How much should an Architect charge?

A. This will generally depend on the time it would take to complete the work and will be charged on an agreed hourly rate or as a percentage of the construction cost of the building that is designed. Hourly rates and percentages vary from one practice to another so it is worth your while obtaining 2 or 3 quotes. Smaller practices like ours are generally the most competitive as the overhead costs are lower and we are not bound to charge you VAT on our fees. We also operate a policy of not charging for the initial meeting with you when we discuss the project in general terms and advise you on your next course of action.