Architectural services
Building Design and Planning Services
There is a cross over between the services offered by an Architect and a Chartered Building Surveyor and, as such, we are equally suited and experienced to undertake most of the services traditionally offered by the Architect, working on the extension and refurbishment of dwellings and commercial premises of all shapes, ages, sizes and budgets.
A Chartered Building Surveyor also has the added benefit of recognising the on-going maintenance needs of a development and can ensure the property design takes these requirements into account.
Conservation work is also undertaken, working with specialist contractors to conserve and protect historic buildings. This Practice is indeed proud to have been awarded a commendation in The Oxford Preservation Trust 2021 Awards, for works to a Grade II Listed dwelling in Oxford.
David has even recently bought a 400 year old stone built cottage, thankfully not Listed, in need of conservation, modernisation and extension. Certainly a challenge, as such processes can often clash. This will be work in progress and will no doubt be the subject of a dedicated Blog for this website.
David has always been fascinated by architecture, despite choosing a Building Surveying course over an offer to study for a BSc In Architecture at Aberdeen Robert Gordon University. Perhaps with an element of "If Only", David has built up the established architectural 'wing' to his Practice and maintains an interest in both traditional and contemporary design.
Some commissions require more specialised architectural design input, such as New Builds and projects of more architectural interest. For those projects, David works with a Consultant Chartered Architect, adding to the wealth of experience.
As a Chartered Building Surveying Practice, we can offer a full conception to completion service, encompassing the design and planning process, the building control process, the specification of works, obtaining builders quotes and, as Contract Administrator, we can represent the employer during the construction phase of a project.
Our initial consultation is free, usually taking place at the project site. This initial consultation will consider your ideas and requirements for the project, and could offer alternative options for your consideration. We will then quote for the services we can offer, based on that initial consultation.
Examples of typical extension and refurbishment projects are:
Garden Room extensions and loft conversions
Extensions to buildings of all ages, sizes and types of construction, including Listed buildings.
Barn conversions
Reinstatement of fire and subsidence damaged buildings
Conservation work to historic buildings.
Examples of not so typical projects are:
Design and feasibility study for a partial redevelopment of Silverstone Racing Circuit
Obtaining Planning and Building Control approval for a Yurt 'village' and Shower/toilet block for an Outward Bound provider.
Replacement of, and extensions to, Scout group headquarters.