Architectural Services

Architect’s services can vary significantly depending on the size and type of project and the specific requirements of the client. At Sonn we can help you with many areas of the design from architecture, landscape and interior design and can also help offer suggestions for the wider consultant team (structural, mechanical, electrical, project management, cost etc) while also acting as lead consultant. Below can is an example of the services we can provide based on the RIBA work stages. Please contact tim@sonnstudio.co.uk and we will be happy to provide you with a fee quote.

Initial meeting

RIBA work stage 1

The design process begins with a meeting with an architect at your property. This initial design session lasts for either half a day or a full day, depending on your requirements. We will help to define your brief and advise on the best way forward for the project.

A. Brief development

Architect’s services include developing the brief and discussing alternative approaches for your project. This stage includes advising on the need for other consultants. We will also assess any soil or structural investigations required.

B. Sketch Idea

We will develop a variety of sketch design ideas with you. These will be simple conceptual ideas about that the project highlighting the benefit and constraints of each of the idea with considerations of practical, spatial and aesthetic issues

Following this, we will produce a set of scaled, hand-drawn sketch plans.

C. Assess required consents

The statutory consents required for your building project will be considered.

D. Cost information

Your budget will be discussed and agreed. We can provide estimate construction cost but would suggest a QS (Quantitative surveyor) is appointed for high-level cost advice.

E. Draft programme

A programme will be produced alongside the payment schedule that describes the sequence and duration of each element of the design and construction works until completion on site.

Outline Design

RIBA work stages 2-3

The design process is a collaborative one, and we will discuss each aspect of the proposal in detail with you as the design develops. We provide architects plans, other drawings, material samples and 3D rendered views that illustrate the qualities of the proposed spaces.

A. Appoint consultants

We will try and suggest appropriate consultants for your project. These may include a structural engineer, a party wall surveyor and an approved inspector.

B. Outline designs

Our proposals will be developed into a full set of planning drawings (if required). We can produce realistic 3D visualisations alongside sketch drawings to enable you to clearly envisage ideas. We will work closely with you to decide the final appearance of the scheme, including material finishes, for which we can provide samples and mood boards.

C. Obtain cost estimates

At this stage, a quantity surveyor may be appointed to produce a detailed cost estimate of the scheme prior to submitting a planning application. This will ensure that the project is on budget. The cost report provides a detailed ‘shopping list’ of all items in the project, allowing informed decisions to be made if savings are required on specific items.

D. Planning consents

Pre-application advice may be sought from the local authority. Following this, an application will be prepared for planning consents. Plans, elevations and sections will be submitted alongside a design and access statement. Full planning applications will take a minimum of 8 weeks.

Detailed Design

RIBA work stage 4

Architect’s services at this stage typically include progressing the design from planning drawings to a fully developed proposal, with detailed drawings and schedules describing the works. For traditional contract types, this package will enable the contractor to price the works.

 A. Detailed designs

Detailed drawings will be produced to finalise all elements of the design, indicating key junctions, structural design, services including electrical layouts, and floor, wall and roof constructions.

B. Building Regulations

A building regulations package including detailed drawings and notes are submitted to an approved inspector who will certify compliance with the building regulations.

C. Party wall notices

Your architect will liaise with a party wall surveyor to ensure that the appropriate party wall notices are issued in accordance with the work described on the detailed drawings.

D. Interior design

We are able to produce a complete interior design for all projects, including soft furnishings. We also offer landscape design, bespoke joinery and kitchen design if required.

E. Select building contract

We will advise on the selection of an appropriate building contract for the works, and explain the process of entering into a building contract. 

F. Prepare tender documents and issue to contractors

Tender documents will be prepared to supply to contractors for pricing. These will include a schedule of works, detailed demolition and construction drawings. These will then be issued out to contractors for the to price.

Architect’s Services during Construction

RIBA work stages 5-6

During construction works, we can visit the site to see that work is proceeding in accordance with the proposed designs. Following completion we can make final inspections and advise on any rectification works required.

A. Appoint a contractor & Issue construction drawings

A contractor will be selected and building contracts will be signed. A full set of construction drawings will be issued to the contractor and work will begin on site.

B. Contractor’s queries

We will deal with queries and issue formal Architect’s Instructions to the contractor.

C. Certify work completed

At regular intervals, we will visit the site to inspect the work to ensure that it is completed to the required standard. Once this is agreed, we will certify the work completed and the sums due to the contractor.