We offer a wide range of services related to the design and building process.  For most projects , this begins with investigating the feasibility of the requirements, after which design proposals are developed,  statutory approvals applied for, construction information prepared, tenders obtained, and the building contract administered.   In addition to working locally - in and around Cambridge, Newmarket, Bury St Edmunds and Haverhill - we are able to undertake projects in Ipswich, Norwich, London, the rest of the UK , or even internationally should this be required.

As well as providing a full architectural service from conception to completion, we also provide a partial concept and scheme design service for the purposes of making a detailed planning application.  The project can then be passed on to the contractor who becomes responsible for the detailed design and construction phases.

In some situations it may more appropriate for us to take on the role of design consultant, working as part of a team where the client retains an executive architect or project manager to handle the production information stage and contract administration.  This may be sensible on very large projects or for work abroad where local knowledge is required to deal with a different legal and cultural framework. 

There are many other related services which we can either provide or arrange including  interior design, landscaping, and measured building or site surveys.

Fees :

As no two projects are ever the same the cost of professional services will vary depending on the nature of the project and the extent of the services required.  Fees are therefore worked out and agreed for every individual project.  There are four main ways in which this can be done.

Percentage Based - where fees are expressed as a percentage of the final construction cost.

Fixed or Calculated Lump Sum - the former where the requirements, time and cost are clearly defined from the start, the latter where the requirements cannot be pre-determined.

Time Spent - where the scope of services cannot be reasonably foreseen or are unrelated to a construction cost.

Value Added - where fees are calculated as a proportion of the gross margin created by a project (for example the increased value of a building or site less the development costs).

Professional Indemnity :

As required by the Architects Registration Board we carry Professional Indemnity Insurance, placed by the RIBA Insurance Agency, providing cover of £0.5M any one claim. Details are available on request.

Initial Enquiries :

Normally we arrange an exploratory meeting following an initial enquiry, usually on site, so that we can determine the approximate scope of the project, discuss the client's ideas and what options may be under consideration.  We do not make a charge for this initial meeting.  

Strategic Definition, Preparation and Brief :

More often than not an initial preparation phase is required to gather essential information, carry out surveys and develop the brief. This may involve the preparation of rough sketches, feasibility studies, pre-application discussions with the planners and  so on to develop the Project Objectives, Sustainability Aspirations, initial Project Budget etc. Worked carried out at this stage is normally charged on a time spent basis.

Eva Armsby Family Day Centre, London :

New building for child care including special needs, education and training.  Client : London Docklands Development Corporation.  Construction Cost : £1M