Standard Architectural Services

Stage 1 – Initial Consultation and Brief Development

We meet on Site or at your Home to discuss the project.
We listen to your ideas and to your requirements.
We carry out initial and visual only survey of the House or Site.
We discuss with you key points which are;
Budgeting
Type of financing (as a part of our services we offer Bank Certification for the purpose of mortgaging).
Planning and Building Regulations.
Safety and Health requirements and what are the Client obligations.
Other legal aspects and our role in the Project
We prepare and issue a detailed Fee Proposal document outlining the fee structure, scope of our services, timeframe and initial budget required for the project,
We have a special fixed fee for this Stage only at €250 + Travel costs (if the project is located over 50km from our office located in Bray, Co. Wicklow. This amount is offset later from the overall professional fee if the project is continued.

Stage 2 – Measured Survey and Sketch Design

We carry out a measured survey and we prepare a detailed survey drawings of existing structure in CAD software. If the Site is larger than 0.25 acres or have crucial level changes we advice on
appointment of a 3rd party surveyors to carry out a detailed level survey based on GPS co-ordinates.
We develop your brief into initial sketch ideas and present them in form of Floor Layouts and Mood Boards.
We advice on budget implications, planning and building regulations, we develop the budget.
We advice on appointment of Structural Engineer, Quantity Surveyor and other Consultants, if required.
We continue to develop the design until it is ready to proceed to the next stage.

Stage 3 – Detailed Design and Planning Permission (also Section 5 – Certificate of
Exemption applications)

We develop the agreed design to a detailed set of drawings for the purpose of Planning Permission Application (if required).
If the Pre-Planning application is required we submit it and discuss outcome with the Planners.
However, as there is no timeframe the Planners have to respond to such enquiry this process itself might be lengthy.
We submit the Application to the Planning Department in your local City or County Council. This includes preparation of all public notices, advice on planning fees, communication with the
Planners.
We check the Planning progress and inform you on updates.

Stage 4 – Detailed Drawing and Specifications.

We develop Planning drawings into a full set of construction drawings. These to include all required details, sections, plans, elevations and schedules.
We prepare Specifications document and coordinate production drawings with other Consultants.
We prepare a list of Prime Costs and Provisional Sums for the purpose of Tendering

Stage 5 – Tendering Process

We prepare a list of possible candidates for Construction works. We check the references, insurances, financial stability and advice our Clients on the findings.
We prepare and issue Tender Documents, Tender Form to selected Contractors from agreed
Tender Panel. It is advisable and highly recommended to have at least three and no more than five Contractors on the Panel.
We answer to any tenderer’s questions or queries that might arise during the tender process.
When the Tenders are received we review the outcome and/ or we co-operate the review with the appointed Quantity Surveyor.
We advice on appropriate insurance arrangements.
We work with the appointed Contractor on possible savings (Value Engineering) or improvements before the final Contract Sum is agreed.

Stage 6 – Building Control requirements, Contract and Building Works.

(a) We advice on most appropriate form of contract, we prepare a Contract document and arrange a signing between you and selected Contractor.
We co-ordinate, prepare and submit the required documentation to your local Building Control (BCaR 2014 and 2015)
We administer the Contract during the duration of the Construction works. This to include the Certification of Payments, issue of Instructions, coordination of information flow between the
consultants and main Contractor.
We inspect the Building Works (usually at weekly or fortnightly intervals), until the final inspection and issue of Practical Completion Certificate, BCAR Certificates.
We prepare and issue the Snag List.
If required, we prepare Opinion on Compliance with Planning Permission and Building Regulation.
This is subject to additional fee of €300.

Other Architectural Services:

Opinions on Compliance with Building Regulations, Planning Permission or on Exemption.

These documents confirm whether a property is in compliance with relevant building regulations and planning permissions, or the works were exempted from the planning requirements.

Land Registry Mapping.

We are qualified to outline and certify the boundaries for the Land Registry purposes.

Pre-purchase property Condition Reports.

We are qualified and experienced in undertaking visual inspection of the property to comment on findings and give you general advice on the property. We can also provide you with initial design ideas and discuss a general budget required for the repair or improvement works.

Feasibility Studies.

This is a study which includes site potential evaluation in the light of existing County Development Plans and or Local Area Plans. We investigate all restrictions, obstacles, Planning and Legal requirements and we prepare a block plan showing the potential development and prepare a broad budget document so you can decide whether you should proceed with your project further.

Renderings and photorealistic montages.

These are available upon request and are priced and charged separately. Fees are agreed per project and depend on the complexity of the model, number of images and the level of detail.