Your home is more than just a building; it's a reflection of your lifestyle and personality.
Whether you are looking to extend your current kitchen or living space, add an additional bedroom, convert your loft into a functional area, or embark on a new house build, Form. are committed to delivering architectural excellence that meets your needs.
Form. take time to guide you through your project with a personal approach involving a clear structure to follow.
Every project starts with a conversation, and from there a bespoke programme is created that is tailored to each individual client and their specific requirements.
Types of project include:
+ Front, rear and side extensions
+ Single and double storey extensions
+ Loft conversions
+ House renovations and interior design
+ New house builds
Architectural services include:
+ Feasibility studies
+ Planning applications
+ Building regulations
+ Detail design and construction packages
+ Interior design
Form. take you on the journey every step of the way…
Form. take pride in providing personalised attention and a collaborative approach, ensuring that the project reflects your unique vision.
Architect/client design workshops are encouraged where possible allowing you the chance to give feedback and influence the design throughout. This collaborative approach begins with understanding your unique requirements, aspirations, and budget, all of which are monitored throughout the process.
Form. also work with trusted Structural Engineers, Quantity Surveyors, Building Contractors and Local Craftsman to offer a fully rounded and professional service across all disciplines.
We work closely with you throughout the entire design and construction process, providing expert guidance, creative solutions, and meticulous attention to detail. Open communication and transparency are fundamental to successful projects, and Form. aim to establish a strong partnership with every client.
Stage 2: Concept Design
The duration of Stage 2 depends on the size of the project. This is a key part of the process where the Stage 1 initial concepts are developed through a series of architect/client workshops. These interactive sessions can be held online, or in person, depending on your preference. The time is used to collectively interrogate the layouts further to ensure that what is being designed meets your needs and requirements. Feedback is recorded, and amends made to the proposed layouts as we move forward.
It is now that we will also begin to explore more detailed design decisions such as external materiality (masonry, timber cladding, metal panel etc.), roof and rooflight options, windows, doors and internal finishes. These concepts will be progressed continuously over a series of weeks until a final design is reached. At this stage, the additional service of a Quantity Surveyor is also offered so that the project can be costed in the context of current market prices. A list of Building Contractors can also be shared, and early engagement conversations can be made.
When it comes to submitting the project for planning, Form. can be involved as much or as little as you like. Acting as an agent on your behalf, Form. can help guide you through the process if need be. This service includes registering the application and liaising with the Local Authority where required.
Stage 1: Preparation + Brief
The process begins with a visit to the property for an open conversation about how you use your home and what is important to you about the changes you want to make. The aim of this initial consultation is to get to know you and understand your specific needs to form a more defined brief. It is an opportunity to gain an understanding of your existing home and talk you through recommendations of what possible improvements could be made. There is no charge for this initial consultation.
If no existing plans are available, this stage can also be used to conduct a measured survey which will form the basis of the drawing work moving forward. Once the survey is drawn up, initial concept options are produced to be reviewed against the existing layouts. From the initial consultation, Stage 1 usually takes no more than two weeks to complete.
Stage 3: Building Regulations
Stages 1 and 2 are always completed together, however sometimes there can be a pause before embarking on Stage 3. This can be due to cost or a lengthy planning process. Either way, Form. deal with this stage as a separate piece of work between architect and client.
This is a more technical part of the process, and it is advised that this take place once a planning application has been fully approved by the Local Authority. There are many different things to consider, and topics can range from detail design items such as foundations to waterproofing, ventilation to stair design, to health and safety legislation relating to fire escapes and exit routes. The project is screened by an Approved Inspector to ensure it legally complies. A Structural Engineer will also be involved at this stage to provide drawings and calculations for the project.
The drawings will be embellished to document this greater detail and a building regulations application will be submitted (‘Full Plans Approach’) or simply notice served (‘Building Notice Approach’). Once again, Form. will discuss the paths available to you and can act as an agent on your behalf. This service includes registering an application and liaising with the Approved Inspector / Local Authority where required.
Stage 4: Tender
With a planning approval in hand and with building regulations underway, the next major step of the project is finding the right Building Contractors to complete the works. At this stage, the drawn information will be of adequate detail to gain a series of quotes which can be compared before deciding on a company to progress with.
You may have reached out to someone earlier in the process (or already have someone in mind), but if you have yet to find a suitable option, Form. can help and advise throughout this stage and assist in bringing more Building Contractors to the table.
For more information on the various stages involved in designing your new home, feel free to contact Form. for any further assistance.