Consultation and Advice
We offer a free initial consultation. This is to determine your broad aspirations and discuss whether these are achievable in practical, financial and planning terms. The session aims to build trust and a rapport to establish whether both parties are suited to working with one another. We use this time to determine how WJA can best add value to your project and which services might be appropriate.
Listed below are some of the architectural services which we offer. It is only after an initial conversation or meeting, that we can understand exactly what a client is after and then can tailor a service to their requirements. Every client and project combination is unique. We want clients to be excited about their projects and look to us to provide them with inspired personalised solutions.
Feasibility Study
Some initial investigations can be invaluable in determining specific site opportunities or constraints. Exploring how local planning policy relates to National Planning Policy Framework and identifying precedent can, for example, give an indication of what is likely to be supported and ultimately gain approval.
Concept drawings are developed to translate your brief into a visual representation and to prompt further discussions. Generic cost estimates are applied to the concept design to see how your design aspirations compare against your budget and other aspects of your brief.
This initial piece of work is intended to answer the fundamental question of whether your goals can be realised whilst limiting a clients exposure to professional design costs in the process.
Pre Planning Application
Once an outline design has been developed, we advise our clients to submit a pre-planning application to the local authority. The extent of information submitted for consultation would be tailored to suit the size of the project.
This process achieves private and confidential advice from the local authority. It is quicker than a FULL planning application and builds confidence in our projects early.
Visualisation
Clients commonly state that they struggle to visualise a design proposal when presented with the more traditional 2D plans and elevations. To best communicate our design proposals, we utilise modern software to model your building in 3D, such as REVIT or RHINO.
We also provide you with the tools to view, orbit and interrogate your model in your own time meaning you have the opportunity to digest before providing considered feedback. As our testimonials confirm, this is invaluable to our clients and adds great value especially in applying for planning permission.
In summary, visualisation brings your proposals to life! Ensuring that room layouts, fenestration orientation, daylight studies, material selection, etc., can be considered and refined prior to scheme finalisation.
Householder and Full Plans Planning Submissions
The specifics of your project will dictate the best strategy for gaining a positive planning outcome where permission is required. Our services are tailored to providing the right level of information based on your particular project.
New or Replacement Houses
We offer a full range of services which can take you from inception to completion. From establishing your brief to full site appraisal and then working with you, local and National Planning Policy and Neighbourhood Plans to determine a proposed scheme to put forward. Agreeing a living space ratio brief, developing floor plans enhanced through 3D visualisations in order to develop complete information submitted for planning.
Conversions
Barn Conversions:
Working to gain change of use for an existing agricultural building into a residential dwelling. Understanding site challenges or Listing restrictions is key to a successful conversion and where visualisation work really helps support ‘seeing’ the finished building.
Loft Conversions:
Converting un-used loft/attic space can often be a great way of gaining living space with lowered construction costs per square metre – compared to extending a property. Understanding structural considerations, head-heights and stair access are key to establishing a successful conversion.
Renovation & Extensions
Often people want to stay put in their existing house, but the room layout or arrangement simply doesn’t fit well with their requirements. Home extensions, where permissible, can provide the perfect solution, giving a fresh feel and much improved function to a home. Gaining an understanding of a clients lifestyle, reviewing floor plans with them and the different space ratios they require is key to making an extension work.
Architectural Services – Technical Design
Technical design is about providing clear and necessary information to a contractor, who in turn brings them into reality. WJA pride ourselves in working closely and pro-actively with contractors and builders. We understand what they need to build successfully.
WJA provide full building control and construction design packages. The extent of information depends on the level required. For a useful Tender or robust Construction package, WJA serve our clients with a variety of payment arrangements to suit their project budget.
RSK Consultancy Ltd
WJA work closely with RSK Consultants as their principal Architect. RSK Consultants are a successful company supplying start to finish services on all project types for international brands and investors.
WJA are proud to have been working along side RSK Consultancy since 2016. A link to their Social Media is below.
https://www.instagram.com/rskconsultants/
William Jones // Architect 