Architectural
Services
Preparation of Sketch Proposals
This is normally the first step in any alteration to a listed building, these are generally simple conceptual architectural drawings based on ideas provided by you and/or by us. Normally these ideas will be presented as a 3D drawing which is easier for most people to understand.
Drawings for obtaining Listed building Consent and Planning Permission
Once the basic designs are agreed upon we will prepare a suite of drawings to include both the existing and proposed conditions. These are reviewed by you and any amendments made. Depending on the project requirements, a 3D CAD model is constructed that enables a much higher level of detail to be included. From this, we produce photorealistic renderings to give you a really good idea of how the finished project will look. These architectural drawings are suitable for planning purposes.
Drawings for Contractors and Building Control
Most alterations to a listed building are subject to Building Regulations. In order to ensure the alteration are compliant, it is necessary to produce a more detailed set of drawings showing exactly how the works are to be completed.
Component and Assembly Drawings
It is common to be asked to produce very detailed drawings at scales of 1:1, 1:5 or 1:10. These can be for a variety of things including windows, doors, staircases, panelling or anything that the planning or conservation officer needs to have a clear picture of before making a decision.
A high level of attention to detail is required when repairing or altering a listed building. We have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide you with the appropriate designs and details suitable for your project. These include original pattern books dating back to the C16th.
Designs for Extensions
There are various schools of thought as to whether an addition should slavishly copy the style of the existing building or whether the addition should have a distinct character. We carefully consider the development of the existing building, including historical uses and associations as well as style, scale, material and colour palettes. In most cases, the design will be at least partially client led but with our expertise we are able to guide our clients to ensure that any extension meets the stringent design standards required.
“We firmly believe that a good design should cost no more than a bad one”
Period Features for Listed Buildings
We provide expert advice on the design of interior fittings and the reinstatement of period features. It is common to find that successive modernisations of an historic building have robbed it of many of its defining period details. Without some physical or documentary evidence, any reinstatement of a fireplace or plaster cornice will tend to be speculative at best. It may be driven by personal taste rather than historical precedent. We provide advice on the correct selection of everything from picture rails to skirting boards, window catches to bell pulls.
Speculative restoration is unlikely to receive listed building consent. Any reinstatement of architectural features needs to be properly justified. Based on our experience and knowledge of architectural style and development, an impressive library of original historic pattern books and period trade catalogues we help our clients get the details just right!
Specifications
Often overlooked, but such an essential part of any project to repair or alter a historic building.
A specification can be written or drawn, usually, it is both These documents form the basis of the contract between you and the contractors.
A well-drafted specification will describe what it is that the contractor is required to do, how it is to be done, what materials are to be used and the quality of the workmanship. Most disputes between builders and clients occur because the specifications are unclear or ambiguous. Having a well-drafted specification eliminates the risks to both parties. If you are applying for listed building consent you will normally be required to describe the techniques and materials you are planning to use. All of this information is contained within the specification.
You may be considering a fairly minor alteration to your property. If you ask three different contractors for prices you will inevitably receive three different prices without understanding why. If you issue a specification to these same contractors, they will all be pricing the work using exactly the same methods and materials. Crucially, they will be required to produce work of a well-defined quality. Although there is a cost involved in producing specifications, having them is likely to save you time, money and produce a much better result.
Our specifications include some standard clauses but they are bespoke and relevant to each project and are designed to be appropriate, cost-effective and legally binding.