Scope
of Service & Fees
The
service covers design and procurement of building works, related external
works, and more detailed interior and furniture design - such as lighting
and bespoke kitchen installations. Scope is tailored to suit each client’s
needs, budget, and site, by detailed discussion - at the outset when
possible. Fees are agreed for each stage and payable as that stage is
undertaken, so clients are not over-committed. The practice offers all
normal stages of the procurement process from agreement of brief, through
to final account - as listed below. Clients may choose all or parts
of this service. In addition, sundry minor commissions can be undertaken
at short notice, such as feasibility studies, pre-purchase inspections
and advice, lease plans, license application plans, and party wall schedules.
Brief
Definition
The client’s needs, or intentions, and budget are investigated
through discussion. This weeds out pre-conceptions about an appropriate
solution and ensures action is based on rational analysis. Famously,
a perceived need for significant building works may be reduced to rearranging
the furniture. Thus, both building work and the architectural service
are defined, although both may change as the process develops.
Survey
A survey of the site and any existing buildings is required for most
projects. This may be simply dimensional or include condition. It can
be undertaken in-house or use specialists’ input.
Design
development
From exploration of broad options, through selection and refinement
of design and cost, each stage includes detailed client consultation.
Statutory
Approvals
Planning permission, conservation area requirements, listed building
consent, building control, water authority and service provider approvals
are sought as necessary, including any discussion and negotiation.
Construction
Information
Production drawings, schedules and written specification are normally
prepared in full. Scope and fee may be reduced for expert clients, such
as builders themselves.
Tender
Action
Contract type and terms are selected; list of tenderers compiled after
enquiries, or contractors approached with a view to negotiation; tender
documents prepared and issued, analysed on return, report submitted
to client with recommendations.
Contract
administration
Contracts drawn up and signed; programme agreed, site inspections and
meetings to monitor progress and quality and respond to matters arising;
regular valuations undertaken (in-house or in liaison with a quantity
surveyor if the project warrants specialist input) and payments administered.
‘Snagging’ lists prepared for action by contractor prior
to certification of practical completion; making good of defects; final
account negotiated and certified. ‘User manual’ for the
client prepared if appropriate.
Sub-contractors
and Suppliers
Samples, competitive tenders, selection, liaison, integration and administration,
all within main programme.
Liaison
With Other Consultants
At
all appropriate stages; typically structural engineer, services engineer,
quantity surveyor, party wall surveyors.
Energy
Conservation and Sustainability
These issues are now becoming mainstream, and integral to project design
and specification, as legislation requires increasingly high minimum
standards. Clients are encouraged to exceed these standards, and gain
the benefit of reduced running costs, with increased comfort and building
value. Designs respond to the continual changes in relevant technology,
materials, and perceived best practice. However, traditional materials
and design stratagems, such as orientation to the Sun, remain as relevant
as ever.
