Architectural design starts with strategy
At HAA we believe in the impact of great architectural design. Design that is engaging, enriching, and enduring- but always built on solid strategic foundations.
HAA organises the process of briefing, designing, delivering using RIBA best practice. Our approach is outlined below.
STAGE 01Initial Consultation (free of charge)
We start every project with a site visit and appraisal, and a conversation about what you would like to achieve.
At this initial consultation, we visually survey the site or building and take note of any constraints like mature trees or flood risks, or whether the site is in a Conservation Area, AONB or Green Belt, or requires bat and tree surveys.
We allow at least one to two hours to sit down with you to discuss your aspirations, and to get an idea of your stylistic preferences, as well as your budget.
We follow up this consultation with a detailed fee proposal for the next stages.
STAGE 02Measured Surveys
We survey and measure existing buildings to create accurate base drawings for our design proposals. We use both traditional and digital measuring devices, including a drone to survey roofs and site conditions which are not easily accessible. The survey is then drawn up on CAD and includes photographic evidence and drone footage.
For more complex buildings and projects involving a topographical survey of the entire site with accurate levels, it is faster to commission a professional surveying company to produce a measured survey using digital point cloud methodology, and CAD drawings. We can suggest local surveying firms who offer these services.
STAGE 02Concept Design
Once we have agreed the project brief with you and have measured survey drawings in hand, the fun part begins:
At Concept Design stage, we produce hand drawn sketches or CAD drawings and 3D models to illustrate the design proposals with plans, elevations, photos of relevant design precedents, and internal and external perspective views.
As an optional extra we produce full Virtual reality fly-through animations and interactive sessions for you to experience the proposal spatially in VR.
The objective of this stage is to explore possible options and propose solutions to arrive at a scheme that fulfils your aspirations, and which is likely to get planning permission and can be achieved within your budget.
After the design is agreed and signed off, we can advise which approach is the most suitable for the next stages.
STAGE 02Pre-Planning Enquiry (Optional)
In some circumstances, your preferred design may be of unusual nature and stretch the envelope of what can be achieved on your site. It is then recommended to test the waters before submitting a planning application, which may be refused and ‘blight’ a property (all applications including refusals are open for all to see on the council’s planning portal). This type of enquiry is also useful to limit the upfront costs to a client before committing fully to undertaking the project. We will explore design options, identify viability, develop brief and project plans and submit to the planning authority.
This pre-planning enquiry is an informal application to get feedback and guidance from the planners on the likelihood of achieving planning consent. The local planners will review and comment on the design proposals and as required, consult with the local authority conservation officers, or highways & environmental teams to assess the proposal. These responses will assist in the preparation of a future planning application.
STAGE 03Planning Application
Generally, there are two ways to get planning consent:
Householder or Full planning application
If your project requires planning approval, we will make a householder or full planning application. We would prepare and submit scaled plans and elevations, a Planning and Design and Access statement, and relevant information as required by the Local Planning Authority, such Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) forms, relevant ecology and tree survey reports and landscape designs (by others).
Application for a Certificate of Lawfulness under Permitted Development Rights
Certain works to a property do not require ‘prior approval’ by planning consent. This includes some types of extensions, dormers, conversions and outbuildings– all within permissible limits. Although these can be ‘permitted without prior approval required’ it is recommended to make an application for a Certificate of Lawfulness which confirms this in writing. The drawings required are generally the same as for a full planning application.
STAGE 03Cost Plan (Optional)
It is advisable to get a cost plan prepared at this stage, so you have a degree of certainty that the design you get planning approval for can also be delivered within your budget. We work with local Quantity Surveyors who would provide an estimate for the works, based on precedent project information and industry cost indices.
STAGE 04Technical Design
Technical design comprises detailed architectural design drawings, calculations and specifications required to make and complete a building project, coordinated with Third Party consultants’ information, and to demonstrate compliance with prevailing Building Regulations and Building Safety Act Regulations, and pre-construction Health and Safety information under CDM Regulations.
STAGE 04Building Control Approval
Some aspects of the architectural technical design must be submitted for Building Regulations Approval, which is separate from a planning approval. This application can be made to Local Building Control, or a private consultant called a Registered Building Control Approver.
This application also includes technical information provided by Third Party consultants, such as Structural Engineer’s drawings and calculations, U-value and / or SAP calculations to demonstrate compliance with thermal efficiency and conservation of power, and other information of building services as required.
STAGE 04Detailed Design & Tender
Over and above what needs to be produced for Building Regulations Approval, technical design includes all information necessary to allow a contractor to price your project and build it. This would comprise large scale detailed design drawings for important aspects of the design, electrical and lighting layouts, coordinated kitchen and bathroom layouts, schedules of finishes and fittings and building specifications for products and workmanship.
STAGE 04Principal Designer: Cdm & Buildng Regulations
Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015. We will fulfil the role of CDM Principal Designer to plan, manage, monitor and coordinate Health & Safety matters during the pre-construction phase to ensure your project is designed without any risks to Health & Safety.
Additionally, where required we are also able to fulfil the role of Building Regulations Principal Designer as set out by the Building Safety Act 2022, to ensure the design work on a project is properly co-ordinated to demonstrate Building Regulation compliance, with further focus on fire safety.
STAGE 04Tendering Process
We offer assistance with selecting a suitable contractor for your project through pre-tender enquiries and will prepare a full tender package to include project preliminaries, architectural, structural and other consultants’ drawings, specifications and schedules of finishes and fittings.
We then send out the tender package for competitive tender, and collect and appraise the returned tender forms (bids) and programmes for the works. We sometimes involve a Quantity Surveyor to assist in comparing and appraising the bids. When you are ready to accept a bid and proceed to the next stage, we will set up a building contract that is suitable for your project.
STAGE 05Construction Contract Administration
Once you have chosen a contractor and agreed a price, a start date and programme for the agreed scope of works, you are ready to sign the contract form and all contract drawings and documents that define the scope of works. The project is now ready to start on site.
Most construction contracts require an administrator to inspect progress against agreed programme, and certify payments due to the contractor at certain pre-agreed intervals for the progress made.
We offer this service throughout the construction period – from setting up the contract, contract signing through to completion and the final account after the end of the Defects Liability Period.
Explore our projects to understand how we work with clients to create places where people can thrive.
Testimonials
“Highly recommended. They have helped us modernise a Victorian semi, from planning through builder selection to delivery. Jono and Natalia have been a delight to work with”.
Chris S,
Henley-on-Thames
“Through each stage, Jono, Jason and the team listened to what we wanted and were proactive in their approach. The design of the house is perfect, modern yet keeping some of the original features. What we loved about working with HAA was how helpful they were through the build. We decided to project manage ourselves, but were novices, and so we leant on Jono and the team at times. HAA came up trumps, recommending companies throughout and giving tips on how to approach any issues which arose”.
Sarah-Lynn S,
Beaconsfield
“Everyone that walks into our home is completely wowed by the interesting and thoughtful design features that make this house extraordinary, we have even had people knocking on the door to tell us how fabulous the house is and they can’t believe the transformation”.
Kate D,
Marlow
“Jono and Natalia (and the whole team) at HAA have done an outstanding job helping us design our major house extension. Their expertise also helped us identify the right Contractor which has ultimately brought our design to life. Couldn’t recommend enough”.
Ged F,
Chalfont St Peter
“We cannot recommend HAA – highly enough, they are totally professional and make your ideas/ dreams a reality – with the help of a great builder too !”
Emma W,
Bourne End
“Jono visited us at home and along with a comprehensive presentation about the steps to be taken to achieve our goal, was quick to grab his colouring pencils and sketch ideas as we spoke. We were not very clear about what we wanted (we really didn’t know) and as total novices had no idea about the approach we should take. Jono emailed us a staged plan and was very realistic about costing. We spent a long time getting the design right and Natalia was instrumental in helping us achieve this”.
Leanne B,
Marlow
We focus on finding innovative and lasting design solutions to our client’s projects.
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