OUR WORK | A Full Design Service, From First Ideas to Finished Buildings
PCA are an ARB (Architects Registration Board) registered Architecture Practice.
We provide many types of service ranging from simple feasibility studies, planning permissions and concept designs through to full architectural services taking projects from conception to completion.
Our services are tailored to each specific project and we work with our clients to establish the project needs and requirements.
We have outlined the typical stages of our full design service below. These stages are based on your project following a Traditional procurement route. We will help advise on the procurement type for your particular project as well as put together the specific programme in line with your ambitions.
Projects typically operate according to the following stages:
Stage 1 - Feasibility + Preparation
Stage 2 - Concept Design + Pre-Application
Stage 3 - Design Development + Planning Submission
Stage 4 - Technical Design
Stage 4.1 - Tender
Stage 5 - Construction
Stage 6 - Handover & Close Out
STAGE 1 | Feasibility and Preparation
We like to start by meeting the client and discussing their present position. From our initial conversations about the site and landscape, or the local context and existing built character of a place, we can begin to understand where the project is and what its requirements may be.
Research Surveying a site
STAGE 2 | Concept Design + Pre-Application
We will further discuss the clients scope, requirements, and desires for the project, forming a client brief.
We create ‘existing drawings’, an accurate record of drawings and photographs of existing buildings/site conditions from which to base our first ideas.
We then move into sketch ideas and concept development. We start to think about the architecture as atmosphere, materials and light. We also consider technology, sustainability, and practicality important to the design process. Our aim is to thread together multiple strands of requirements and desires, the combination of which creates the concept for the project.
We will present our concepts often with a storyboard of ideas, and ultimately arrive at a narrative for the project. We will research materials and form, spatial arrangements and functionality, striving towards a proposal ready to be drawn up for the next stage of the project.
Many Local Authorities offer a pre-application advice service. It is dependent on the Local Authority as to whether they offer this for free or charge for this service. We always recommend applying for pre-application advice as it provides useful feedback from the Local Authority in preparation for the formal planning application.
Concept Sketches and models
STAGE 3 | Design Development + Planning Submission
Following reviews with yourself, we will develop the design and produce information and proposals for planning submission.
We will formalise our drawings as well as produce reports, basic 3D models and visuals that may help to explain the design in the planning submission.
We may have already consulted with the Local Authority during the previous stages of concept development. However once we are certain of our design proposals we begin the formal process of applying for permission to develop, should it be required. We will confirm materiality, massing and form, and present our work to review panels and council meetings should it be required.
The project will start to become real from this stage onwards, as our designs move from ideas of concept to something with set parameters. Depending on the project requirements, we will also begin to work with other industry professionals such as Planning Consultants, Engineers and Cost Consultants, some of whom may be involved in earlier stages of the process.
Design Development + Planning Submission Formalising the design
STAGE 4 | Technical Design
If planning permission is obtained we will now prepare the detailed technical drawings and specifications that will be used to price the tender for the building project.
We will also arrange, meet with, and collate information from specialist suppliers and manufacturers. We aim to co-ordinate all of the necessary information required whilst reviewing the proposals with all involved, ensuring that the clients needs are met at this crucial stage.
We can then invite and appraise tenders from potential Contractors and Builders, and arrange the building contract on your behalf.
Technical Design Detail drawings ready for tender
STAGE 5 - 6 | Construction, Handover + Close Out
Throughout the construction phase we are able to administer your contract with the Contractor or Builder, carry out regular inspections, and deal with queries. We can also instruct any additional work required, monitor progress on site, keep track of cost, value the works, and certify payments as they become due to the builder.
When the project is ready to handover we will inspect the works and issue a certificate. We may also like to photograph the project at our own expense.
Construction Site visits
SERVICES
PCA can provide the following services to clients:
Architectural design; from first concepts, through detail design, to realisation and completion
Brief forming and feasibility studies
Planning applications
Statutory consultation and advice with procurement methods
Production information and tender documentation
Site inspections and Party Wall consultation
CONTACT US
We hope you find this guide useful. Should you wish to book a consultation, please visit out contact page and get in touch.
For more examples of our contemporary architecture designs please view our selected projects here, or if you would like to discuss a project please view our contact page here.