Here at Shaftesbury Design Practice, we have developed “The Shaftesbury Way”. Following the RIBA Plan of Work stages and adapting to fit to our approach. The Shaftesbury Way is designed to fully understand the requirements, prepare the client for the journey they are setting out on, and to provide the best customer experience possible.
We pride ourselves on giving honest advice complemented with creative design flair and regular communication. Whether you’re designing your new Home, an extension for a new kitchen or creating a new garden office space, breaking down the process into simple steps works.
Stage 1
The Initial Meeting
Through years of experience in designing home extensions and self-build homes, our free site review will enable you to share and discuss with us your initial ideas, we can then offer experienced advice on the planning process (if required) and building control restraints. At the time of the initial meeting and site review we will provide you with a written quotation for your perusal.
Stage 2
Concept Design
At this stage following the site survey we then produce concept designs, focusing on the design brief as discussed at your initial meeting and integrating some of our own inspiration and creativity where necessary.
Stage 3
Developed Design
Now is the time to turn your agreed concept design into planning drawings and prepare the planning application for the Local Authority (if required). We then manage the application, answering any queries the planners may have. In some cases, we may need to prepare planning statements, flood risk assessments, heritage statements etc.
Stage 4
Technical Design
Once Planning Permission is approved, or we have used your Permitted Development rights, we then produce technical plans that comply with current building regulations. These are then submitted to a local building control inspector of your choice.
Stage 5
Tendering & Appointing A Builder
It is a scary reality that at some point you must leave the comfort of our service, once we have helped you achieve any required planning permission and have received a full set of technical plans, but it does not have to stop there. When it comes to appointing a builder, we can prepare tender packs and analyse tender submissions and help appoint contractors based on the best value for money, reputation, and quality of service.
Stage 6
The Build
We can be by your side, on hand to provide knowledge and support to manage building contractors. We can provide regular feedback to ensure the brief is being delivered. We can also help better understand the technical jargon and navigate you through to completion, agreeing on payment schedules and issuing payment certificates along the way to ensure on-time and on-budget delivery of your dream space.
