Unless your project is very simple, you likely need an architect, and it would be sensible to seek their advice even if you think you don’t. 

 An architect will ask good questions to draw out essential information, helping to consolidate and clarify your brief. Having listened carefully, they will be to take your ideas and turn them into a clear vision that is tailored around you. 

Using their experience, they will plan out the entire project, minimise risk and guide you through the process of designing, planning, and building your home. They will consider all possible obstacles, including those that you are not aware of. 

Not only will the use of an architect add value to your home, the greatest asset you likely own, but it will also add value to the quality of your life. An architect will save you stress during the design and construction process and will design you a building that will take care of you for many years to come.

Choosing the right architect is likely the most critical decision you will make for your project. 

We offer a free consultation that will provide you with valuable advice. During the call, we will offer guidance on all aspects of the project, from design and cost to planning and construction. The consultation call will give you the chance to see if we are the right fit for your project. 

Arrange a free consultation here.

We typically offer a fixed fee broken down into the various stages of work. The fee is based on a maximum budget, size and scope that we will have pre-agreed with you. 

Unlike percentage fees, which are directly linked to increases in the value of work, a fixed fee will provide you with the peace of mind that comes with clarity.  

We set out to do things differently from other practices. We are confident in our processes and systems and are happy to offer clients a fixed fee when the project variables are known. 

The cost of a building project is difficult to estimate, particularly before we have worked through the full design with you.  

Many factors affect the construction cost such as the location, site restrictions, size, methods of construction, quality and specification of finishes and fittings, the programme requirements and also the size, track record and services offered by the main contractor. The impact of most of these factors is hard to forecast at the outset.

However, the most important of these are the size and specification. For this reason, the size of the project, measured in floor area, is the typical benchmark for cost planning early on. 

Within London, the following benchmarks can be used for early stage budget planning: 

• A single-storey extension will usually cost between £2,000 and £3,000 per sqm. The lower benchmark would represent cost-effective finishes and products. 

• Two-storey extensions can cost between £1,500 to £2,400 per sqm, as there are economies spread over the two floors.

• Work to basements is more expensive due to the risk and complexity of construction, typically between £4,000 and £5,000 per sqm. 

• The cost of refurbishment work to an existing building will depend on the condition of the property and extent of work involved. Typically, this can range from £800 to £3,200 per sqm. 

Consideration for spaces that cost more, when compared to bedrooms and living spaces, should also be made. 

• If a bathroom is included as part of the design, an additional cost of £5,000 to £10,000 should be considered. The price will increase with the quality of fittings and fixtures. 

• A kitchen may also form part of your project. Expect to pay from £15,000, for a low to mid-range kitchen with appliances, to up to £40,000. 

These figures exclude VAT.

Your construction budget is an element that we carefully manage from the outset. During our initial discussions and early design work, we will be in a position to give you a clear indication of potential costs. We will monitor and manage the budget expectations throughout the entire design process. 

In addition to the cost of construction, fees for statutory consents and professional consultants must be budgeted for. 

A good benchmark to consider is between 15% and 20% of the construction cost for the following:

• Architect and other design consultants such as structural engineer, landscape designer, and mechanical services designer fees. 

• CDM (health and safety) client advisor & principal designer fees

• Planning application fees

• Building control fees

• Insurance

• Party wall surveyors’ fees

VAT is also currently applicable on construction costs and fees for work to existing properties. 

It would be our pleasure.

We have created a separate page about the process here.

We offer Partial Service and Full-Service packages. 

Where possible we enjoy seeing a project through from the first conversation up to completion.  This ensures that the initial vision of the project, which we develop together with you, is carried through in every detail.  

Full Service

With a Full Service, we are your principal consultant and guide for the entire process. It starts with us taking your brief and concludes up to a year after the handover of the completed project. 

During the early stages, we listen to you and develop a clear understanding of your ambitions, aspirations, concerns and priorities.  

We work with you and guide you in decision making, looking for opportunities during all design stages to maximise the project's potential, providing the greatest return on your investment.  

Once on-site, we administer the financial side and ensure that the construction follows the design and specification. 

We make site records which can prove invaluable if defects in workmanship arise. With our knowledge and these resources, we can quickly troubleshoot and find both the cause and a solution.

Armed with detailed knowledge of the design and specification, we are quick to interrogate contractors' proposals, to assess if proposed changes do indeed serve your interests best. We review claims and negotiate cost changes on your behalf, continuing to save our clients’ money throughout the entire process. 

The building process is iterative, and we also look for opportunities throughout the construction stage to refine the project and increase its value and impact.

The continuity of our involvement ensures the successful management of your concerns and priorities and delivery of the project aspirations and ambitions. 

Managing the design and delivery of a building project is time-consuming and complex.  There are many risks to manage. Without the necessary experience, it can be stressful and even more time consuming.  Our clients typically want us to use our experience and lead the entire process. 

No one wants to learn on the job, especially from their own mistakes when the stakes are high. 

Partial Service

However, we realise that some clients only want a Partial Service. This typically comprises the planning and technical design stages. On completion of this service, we provide you with a set of construction drawings that you can take to a builder. We would not tender the project, advise on preparing a contract or administer the contract during construction. We also cannot act as the Principal Designer during these latter stages. This role would need to be fulfilled by the Contractor or other party.

We can also be appointed for feasbility, concept design or planning only.

For large construction projects, an architect’s role is typically focused on the architectural design. The team is made up of a variety of consultants, each with their own specialism.  

For small projects, private residential work for example, the team is relatively small. An architect with a range of skills and experience is crucial to ensuring success because, as the lead consultant, they use their experience to guide each client through the process. A process which does contain pitfalls and risks, specifically when working in dense urban areas like London.

To turn an idea into a complete building, this role often includes skills and services beyond the scope of architectural design such as:

• brief preparation and development

• budgeting guidance

• project management 

• interior design

• residential lighting design

• kitchen and fitted joinery design

• sustainability / low-energy design to future proof your home

• landscape design

• 3d visualisation

• CDM health and safety Principal Designer services

• contract administration

Our clients find extreme value in the experience and diverse skillset that we possess.

We are often asked by clients, if the design can be changed once on site. 

The project is tendered, and the building contract is signed, with drawings, schedules and specifications for a complete design. Greatest cost certainly is guaranteed with a complete design. 

When we administer the contract, it is possible to make changes. 

However, making changes during construction can be more expensive and we encourage all clients to invest the time and money to get the design right before construction. 

If you are unsure of the design or the space, it may be more cost effective to have us prepare 3d work so that you can fully immerse yourself in the design.