Design process.
How does it work?

Difference between Planning and Building Regulations

The standard design process, whether you are planning a conversion or an extension, usually consists of two stages: Planning and Building Regulations. This means submitting two separate applications, to two different departments, at your local council: the Planning and the Building Control departments. Each department is interested in different aspects of you proposed development. While the Planning departmentis generally looking at its external appearance, the Building Control is looking at the structure and ensuring all standards are met. Not all projects require planning approval. Certain works may fall under permitted development. We will be able to advise you on this after the initial visit. More information about Planning More information about Building Regulations

Design services step by step

At Arch Designs, we provide a complete design, taking you through separate stages to ensure the process is safe and smooth.

Stage I Planning

The first step is a free initial consultation, to discuss your ideas and expectations. We will visit your property and advise on your design, required approvals and their costs, as well as our fee. If you are happy with our offer, we will sign a contract for this stage of the project, stating agreed services and prices, as well as the deposit that we need to collect, before we can start the design process. Once we are instructed to proceed, our team will carry out a measured survey of your property and draw up existing plans. Base on this, we will then produce sketch scheme designs of the available options. Next, we will present you with sketch designs. When you have decided on the scheme that you would like to go ahead with, we would then prepare the drawings and Planning Application forms, required by your local authority to start your planning approval process. We can also discuss your scheme with your local planning authority at the pre-application stage (however, if formal advice is required, the council may charge a fee). You can submit your application yourself or we can do it on your behalf, depending on our initial agreement. Before the application is submitted, we will collect the balance of our fee. Please note, you will also be required to make a separate payment to your local council, in order for your application to be processed. Council fees depend on the size and the budget of your project.

Stage II Building Regulations

Once planning approval has been granted we can proceed to the next stage. After a consultation, we will sign another contract, for the second stage of your project. Once the deposit has been made, we then produce the Building Regulation drawings. These are detailed technical drawings, with written specifications of all major components required to put your building together (can be used to get quotations from potential builders). After the relevant forms have been singed and completed, they would then need to be submitted to the Building Control. You can do it yourself or choose us to do it on your behalf. Before the application is submitted, we will collect the balance of our fee. Please note, you will also be required to make a separate payment to your local council, in order for your application to be processed. Council fees depend on the size and the budget of your project. Some projects may also need additional services, such as structural calculations. We will be able to advise you on this at the start of the project and recommend our trusted engineers, who we feel would be best suited to your specific needs. We will also compare their prices for you, to make sure you get the best offer.

Please contact us to get a free quote!