Our Process
We follow a clear, collaborative process that transforms your ideas into expertly designed buildings. From initial consultation to final approvals, every step is planned to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
STEP 1: FEASIBILITY STUDY AND CONCEPT PROPOSAL
During the Feasibility Study and Concept Proposal phase, our goal is to provide you with a clear, honest assessment of your project’s viability and a conceptual vision that aligns with your needs, aspirations, and budget. Once you reach out to us via phone or our contact form, we’ll collect the essential project requirements and site details. We then conduct a brief screening to understand your goals and highlight any potential planning constraints or risks. With your consent, we will schedule a convenient time for a senior consultant to conduct an on-site consultation. During this visit, we’ll review your brief, design ideas, budgetary parameters, and any site-specific conditions. We’ll also discuss possible design strategies, architectural themes, and advise on the most suitable design approach for your project. If you’re happy to proceed, we’ll issue a preliminary fee proposal. Upon your approval and payment of a £150 deposit, we’ll progress directly to the Design Development phase.
STEP 2: THE DESIGN PHASE
A successful planning outcome begins with a well-informed design process. This phase focuses on transforming your brief into a proposal that balances creativity, practicality, and compliance with planning policy. The process begins with a measured survey carried out by our team. Using this data, we produce scaled existing plans and elevations of your property. We then develop multiple design options tailored to your requirements, prioritising spatial functionality, aesthetic appeal, and overall value.
As part of the design process, we also:
• Assess site-specific constraints and opportunities
• Evaluate the relevant planning policies and identify the appropriate
application route (e.g., full planning application, permitted development, or
prior approval)
• Conduct precedent research to understand local planning context
Your feedback is encouraged at every stage to ensure the design reflects your aspirations.
Once a preferred option is agreed upon, we prepare a complete set of planning drawings, compliant with your local authority’s submission standards. Where additional reports (e.g. tree surveys, heritage statements, or daylight/sunlight assessments) are required, we’ll advise you and assist with their coordination. At the end of this phase, your design will be fully developed and ready for submission.
Please Note: The £150 deposit paid at Stage 1 will be deducted from our Planning Permission services fee at this stage.
STEP 3: THE PLANNING PHASE
With the design finalised and all required drawings prepared, we move forward with the planning application process. Upon receiving payment for this stage, we submit the planning application to the relevant local authority. You will be instructed to pay the applicable planning fee directly to the council. If any supporting documents were identified in the previous phase, these will be included in the submission.
Once submitted, the local authority initiates a 21-day public consultation, during which neighbouring properties are notified, and a site notice may be displayed. If any objections or comments arise, we respond to them on your behalf in line with the planning policies and justification prepared during the design stage.
The planning authority will typically issue one of three outcomes:
• Approval – Your project may proceed to the building regulations and construction phase.
• Conditional Approval – Specific conditions must be met prior to starting
works.
• Refusal – We will review the decision with you and advise on either revising and resubmitting the proposal or appealing the outcome. Decisions are usually issued within 8 to 10 weeks, or up to 13 weeks for major developments. Throughout, we remain proactive and communicative to ensure asmooth and timely outcome.
STEP 4: THE BUILDING REGULATIONS PHASE
Once planning approval is secured, we begin translating your design into a comprehensive technical package that ensures your project is not only structurally sound, energy-efficient, and legally compliant, but also practical and cost-effective to build. Our process is designed to reduce construction risks, provide clarity for contractors, and ensure all regulatory standards
are met before work begins.
As your lead consultant, we oversee and coordinate the full Building Regulations process from start to finish. This includes managing communication with key professionals such as structural engineers, party wall surveyors, and Building Control officers. We also handle all submissions to Building Control—whether through a Full Plans Application for upfront plan approval or a Building Notice for simpler domestic work—and we advise on the most suitable route based on your project.
We begin by preparing a full set of technical drawings, including plans, sections, construction build-ups, and specification notes covering critical areas such as structure, insulation, drainage, ventilation, and fire safety. Where required, we bring in specialist consultants to provide supporting calculations and reports.
Once submitted, Building Control reviews the application through a plan check process. If amendments are requested, we promptly update the drawings to ensure full compliance.
Throughout this phase, we use our internal project tracking system to monitor progress and maintain clear, timely communication with you.
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