What to expect in an Architectural Consultancy Session

The use of an architect is not simply about producing some drawings of your new building. One of the most important parts of the architect’s work is the preparation and development of the client’s brief and budget of the project and looking at the opportunities of gaining planning consent. An architect works with you to help you get what you want out of your project, at the best price for you.

Working with KJ Architects

KJ Architects hold architectural consultancy sessions with all of our clients, this helps us to work closely with your ideas and desires for the project, helping you to achieve a build that is perfect for you. When you have your architectural consultancy session, you should expect to review many ideas. Here are some of the topics you should expect to discuss with your architect:

The preparation and brief of the project

At the first stage of the project, an architect can really add a huge amount of value and therefore the initial consultancy session is extremely important. You can tell us what you desire from the project and our architect will use his expertise and design skills to undertake some preliminary appraisals to assess the options and feasibility of the project particularly within the constraints of your budget.

KJ Architects will do this using a range of platforms, including sketches, sketch designs and full feasibility studies as necessary. This means that, together, we can decide on the best way forward.

At this stage, we will also identify the need for any approvals and other consultants to add a helping hand, like a structural engineer.

Designing the concept

After the initial project briefing, and once you have appointed us, we will then develop outline proposals for you to consider. The final design brief will have the aim reflect your desires and create a home that will improve your quality of life.

Following your approval to the outline proposals, KJ Architects’ priority will be to liaise with local planners.

Developing the design

As you can see, time spent planning the briefing and design process is extremely important when it comes to producing a final design for your project. Your architect will spend more time at this stage developing your grouped ideas into a project that can be built on budget and within the constraints of planning.

We will liaise with other professionals at this stage if necessary and then, once signed off by you, the design proposals will be submitted for planning approval (where required).

Technical Design for Building Regulation Approval

The technical drawings are then prepared by KJ Architects and then make a Building Regulation Application on your behalf

Tenders, specification and Contract Administration and Project Management where necessary 

KJ Architects can assist with your project beyond obtaining the necessary consents of Planning and Building Regulation Approval. We can prepare full construction drawings and a detailed specification. We can then seek tenders from selected contractors, give advice on the tender return, appoint the contractor and prepare contracts. We can oversee the work on site, deal with the contract administration including preparing valuations and issuing monetary certificates.

On completion we will issue our Architects Certificate and after six months carry out a defects report and snagging.

Consultancy sessions during the construction and final process of your project

You should expect to liaise with your architect throughout the whole construction process of your project, up until the certificate is issued at the end of the project and final payments made. That way, you can ensure that you remain happy with the development and outcome of the project.

Architectural consultancy sessions with KJ Architects

KJ Architects are based in Newmarket, Suffolk and London and all of our practice is are RIBA Chartered. We provide all types of quality architectural services in London and surrounding areas. For more information about KJ Architects and our full arcitectural services, you can get in touch with us online or call us direct on 01638 662393 to speak to an experienced member of our architectural team.