| trust in the process,
Every building project, however complex in brief, scale or typology, is broken down and simplified into 6 stages of work. Delivering architectural services for each, we listen to our clients needs and through our experience, specialist knowledge and expertise, we optimise an approach to help navigate the design process, advise on any statutory applications, review procurement routes and consult on matters of construction - all managed within our very own client portal. We understand how unfamiliar and intimidating the prospect of a building project might be and the value of trust in a working relationship. That is why we like to break down the task into clear, manageable actions and build that trust, as we work through each stage of realising a vision, together.
| our services & work stages,
Applying creative and technical skills to deliver functional, aesthetic designs. Translating client needs into solutions, balancing form, materials, and context while integrating regulatory, environmental, and user requirements throughout project stages.
| design expertise
Collaborating with clients to define clear project briefs, identifying objectives, constraints, and success criteria. Reviewing and refining the brief to align with budget, programme, and evolving project requirements.
| brief development
Ensuring designs meet planning policies, building regulations, and legal standards. Coordinating approvals with authorities, integrating safety, accessibility, and performance requirements throughout design and delivery stages.
| statutory compliance
Preparation of outline budgets and cost plans. Assessing design options against financial constraints, monitoring cost changes, and reviewing design decisions to maintain value and alignment with client expectations.
| cost projection
Leading multidisciplinary teams, coordinating additional consultants, their inputs and maintaining communication. Manages programme, quality, and deliverables, resolving conflicts and ensuring design consistency while progressing toward project milestones.
| lead design management
Implementing strategies to reduce environmental impact, focusing on energy efficiency, materials, and lifecycle performance. Aligning with sustainability standards to deliver resilient, low-carbon, and future-proof design solutions.
| sustainable design
Provision of Principal Designer under CDM regulations, managing health and safety risks during design. Coordinating information to reduce hazards and ensures compliance with statutory duties across the project team.
| principal design
Administering construction contracts, overseeing progress, quality, and compliance. Issuing instructions, certifying payments, and managing documentation while resolving issues impartially between client and contractor during construction.
| contract administration
Creating tailored architectural solutions responding to client needs and site context. Developing distinctive details and spaces, balancing innovation with practicality to ensure deliverable, cost-effective, and high-quality outcomes.
| bespoke design
| stage 01
preparation & brief
This stage is to understand your needs and aspirations, as well as familiarising ourselves with the existing project conditions;. Typical deliverables include;
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site appraisal.
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project familiarisation to determine the brief & project scope.
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preparation of fee proposal.
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coordination of measured surveys and gathering of existing information to establish project conditions, opportunities & constraints.
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identify any additional consultants;
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may include, for example; a structural engineer, landscape architect, fire engineer, energy consultant, ecologist - depending on statutory or project requirements.
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Fee proposal at an hourly rate.
| stage 02
outline design
Once we have an understanding of your aspirations, we test a number of design solutions and explore their relationship to site context, materiality, light, form and structure as well as any other unique consideration of the brief. Typical deliverables include;
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feasibility study based on project brief to outline a number of sketch proposals and design options;
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includes plans, sections and 3D visuals.
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review of market rates and outline budget projections.
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determination of design programme including route for statutory applications.
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Fee proposal at a percentage of the presumed construction cost.
| stage 03
developed design & planning
Following a decision on your preferred design option, we further develop proposals in line with local planning policy and any other supplementary information required at the planning stage, which may be as a result of the inherent conditions of the project - examples include a category listing, conservation area and ecological conditions (local authority timescales can vary depending on the level of information required for each project - approvals are usually sought within 2-3 months). Typical deliverables include;
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design preference determined & developed for planning.
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coordination of design with additional consultants.
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preparation & submission of planning application;
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includes full drawing package, design statement, 3D visuals).
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coordination with local authority & any other relevant statutory bodies;including, for example; scottish water, sepa, scottish natural heritage - depending on statutory or project requirements.
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Fee proposal at a percentage of the presumed construction cost.
| stage 04
technical design
We apply our years of building know-how at this stage, developing proposals in line with building regulations and buildability to provide a package of works that ensures your vision can be realised. A building warrant is submitted to the local authority to review all matters of public health (given the extent of detail involved with this, timescales on approval can vary). Typical deliverables include;
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technical design developed for building warrant .
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coordination of design with additional consultants.
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preparation & submission of the building warrant.
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coordination with local authority & any other relevant statutory body.
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Fee proposal at a percentage of the presumed construction cost.
| stage 05
tender
At this stage we can further develop the technical work package and coordinate the information with suitable contractors to find the most appropriate building solution for your needs. Typical deliverables include;
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determination of procurement route.
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preparation of tender documents including a finishes schedule.
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review of tender prices, determination of preferred contractor and final sums agreed.
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Fee proposal at an hourly rate.
| stage 06
construction
We believe the construction stage works best with a hands on approach and open communication between client, architect and builder. We can be on hand to offer advice and support, ensuring the construction stage runs as smooth as possible, overseeing the cost, quality of workmanship and timescale to realise your vision. Typical deliverables include;
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preparation & administration of building contract.
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preparation of construction information.
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delivery of site inspections, reports and responsibilities;
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(as outlined within the building contract).
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coordination of site progress with local authority & any other relevant statutory body (if required).
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determination of practical completion & contract.
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coordination of the completion certificate from the local authority.
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handover & completion.
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Fee proposal at a percentage of the presumed construction cost.
