Why choosing Divi-Design is the safest option

You may be sitting down, enjoying a cup of tea and aimlessly staring at your screen, looking for an architectural firm to help you with your project thinking, “Where do I even start,?” Especially when Google search produces over 150,000 results.

Choosing an architectural company to take care of your project shouldn’t be a daunting task. In fact, it should be exciting and relatively straight forward. One of the most important attributes to consider is their level of knowledge and experience. Do they have a good track record? Are they someone you feel comfortable with? They should know the ins and outs of the planning process and be able to address your queries, guiding you through every step of the way – from planning to completion. Let’s look into some of the key aspects required and what you need to consider.

What is our role?

Broadly speaking, architects and designers are often hired to prepare drawings that can be viewed as set of instructions to help realise a project; whether it’s a renovation for a family home or a new-build development. This can range from producing drawings for planning purposes, to detailed or technical drawings for building control and construction.  But this is only the tip of the iceberg.

On the practical side, you’ll find that engagement with a number of people at various stages of your project is critical. This ranges from planning officers and building inspectors to contractors and party wall surveyors, for example – all of which involves face to face meetings, site visits and project management. You will need someone who can navigate and liaise accordingly.

Having an extensive skillset and access to resources allows us to steer your project in the right direction and address any problems that come along the way. The reality is that there will always be a potential for issues to arise, so it’s important that you employ a strong team, who have a systematic approach.

With the use of the latest technology, such as BIM (Building Information Modelling), we support our clients in the best ways possible. Our contribution is sensitive and considered. Designs can be optimised for practicality and cost-effectiveness to keep within your budget. Design and technical problems can be addressed quickly, which in turn, reduces the time frame.

The last thing you want is to hire a company that provides an ‘off the shelf’ service and produces a mediocre design – a design you know could have been better, more cost-effective and an even greater return on your investment.  Do not skimp on services!

Communication is key

Your architect-designer should be supportive throughout your project. This means that they should communicate with you every step of the way, from walking you through what they have designed and taking your suggestions and ideas on board.

Starting a project in the right way will makes things easier for you – especially down the line. We understand that having a real conversation by phone is better than email. Feel free to contact us here.

What’s more, we offer a free on-site consultation. We feel that this is the best way to gain a thorough understanding of you and your project.  There’s nothing more reassuring that a face to face meeting. This is also a way for you to ‘get a feel’ of who’s going to look after your project – you should feel comfortable with them.

How about track record?

Going for a company with a good track record usually means that they have the ability and reference experience to tackle different types of projects effectively. You would also want to see some of their works before going ahead.

If you’re looking to hire an architect-designer for your project, make sure you pick one who has a strong background related to the type of project you are planning.

With over a decade of experience, and an excellent track record in residential planning, we know more than a thing or two about home-related developments such as extensions, loft conversions and new builds.

Risks Management

Your architect-designer should be able to sit down with you and discuss the potential of your project. Is it achievable? What might be the constraints and issues that that could be faced? For example, a property within a conservation area means that the local authority will have more control over the design and outcome of the project. Therefore, an understanding of local planning policies, along with effective communication with the council, is crucial.

You see, some companies will tell you what you want to hear, resulting in poor design that’s poorly thought-out and  which could lead to a refusal of planning permission.

Our approach is simple: we take what you want to achieve and drive it in the right direction to increase your chances of approval. We carry out a feasibility study and engage with you and the local authority. Remember, no one can guarantee approval for your project (unless it falls within the permitted development legislation)

An all in-house service to offer

You should get a clear understanding of the kind of services being offered by your architect/designer. Some companies provide partial services, such as drawings for planning permission only; while others like us provide a full comprehensive service. To avoid any surprise or potential setbacks, all the services you (may) require should be discussed during the initial consultation.

Choosing a company that provides an ‘all in house’ service, removes the stress and worry. Being well-connected allows us to also be far-reaching and incredibly effective in a collaborative working environment. For example, as we work closely with a number of contractors and party wall surveyors, communication is tight, so any problems encountered can be quickly resolved.  This in turn helps you keep within budget and your chosen timeframe.

How much are you expected to pay?

It is sensible to have a clear understanding of your budget and what you can expect to pay. Whilst architectural and application fees are important to consider, you should also be looking at the end goal.

The benefits of hiring the right team to take care of your project offers long-term benefits.

A cheap and cheerful service could seem like a bargain, but the services you pay for are likely to be limited and could be costly in the long run.

What is your budget and timeframe like?

Your budget and the time you give yourself to carry out your project goes hand in hand. Basically, the more time you give yourself to prepare, the more control you have over your budget.

Your budget is one of the most important factors that we will discuss with you in our initial meeting. There’s no point in having a beautiful design, knowing that it cannot be realised due to not having the proper budget with contingencies in place. Preparation and guidance are key here. The same is true with unreasonable expectations; being over-ambitious usually stems from receiving improper advice and guidance. This is turns wastes your time and money.

Whilst most things are time-sensitive, you should give yourself enough extra time to anticipate any potential delays, such as determination dates for planning applications or building control site inspections.

Get the most out of your development

When talking about the value a project can bring, the two key elements are practical value and property value.

Practical value, which is usually achieved through careful planning and design, doesn’t necessarily require a large extension or a huge budget (although it is sensible to have a contingency). Bigger is not always better. The professionals you employ should have a strong skillset and experience to spot opportunities that can optimise a layout (such as in a family house) without breaking the bank.

Secondly, a project should improve the value of the property, bringing you a good return whether you are renting, leasing or selling.

Both of these aspects can only be maximised by having the right team on your side. They should have the following:

• a thorough understanding of both local and national planning policies
• knowledge of the application site, and know the area well
• the necessary tools at their disposal to help you visualise your project and make important design decisions
• a strong sense of spatial awareness of space and anticipation.
• design flair.

Conclusion

There’s nothing better than having a completed project that you’re happy with – excellent design for comfort, practicality and a high return on investment.  Anyone who’s looking to pursue their project can achieve this, but only with the right team on board.

Taking on a property development project can be one of the biggest investments you can make. So it’s important to get things right early on, enabling the process to run smoothly, saving you time, money and most importantly, stress.

We are specialists in residential architecture and design and we are specialists in the planning process. We take pride in the work we have with a proven track record to show it. With the combination of knowledge, experience and skillset, we can help turn your vision into a reality.

So, get in touch and start your project in the best way possible.