Our Project Preparation Service

Our Project Preparation Service is the first step to building your dream home.

It is designed to help you make the important decisions needed before you begin your project – whether that’s transforming your home, business or starting a self build.

It’s only natural to have lots of questions before working with us. These often include:

• What are the key things I want to achieve from my project?
• What will it cost and can I even afford to do the work?
• Are my ideas even feasible?
• How do I start?
• What is the process and how long will it take?
• Will I need planning permission?
• Who else will I need to work with?

Why would I need a Project Preparation Meeting?

Rushing into a major construction project without answering these questions is risky:

• You are more likely to experience cost and time overruns.
• You may not get the most from your architect.
• You may not end up with the dream project (and the home) you were hoping for.

That’s why our first meeting with you, the Project Preparation Meeting, is a hugely important moment in your project.

The Project Brief

The output from this meeting is your Project Brief which you can refer to throughout the process.

The Project Brief will help you to:

• Clarify your aspirations for your project.
• Understand how much the work is likely to cost.
• Find out how long your project is likely to take.
• Get the most from your architect.

As this is such an important stage in your project we want you to value this moment as much as we do. This is why we charge for our time to attend and record this meeting.

This is a fixed fee of £130 (+VAT). You are free to use your project brief with any architect but if you confirm our appointment to your project we will happily deduct £130 from your first invoice.

Get your project started on the right track

“You’re left informed, aware of possibilities and with an understanding of what really does matter for a future project.” Tony, Sheffield

“The meeting showed us what we wanted to achieve was possible. This gave us the confidence to proceed.” Matt, Sheffield

To get your project off to a flying start, get in touch to book your Project Preparation Meeting.

You can also sign up for our monthly newsletter for more tips on how to transform your home or build your grand design.

How to get the most from your architect

Working with an architect is an investment. Choose the right one and their fee will be paid back in spades by the value they will add to your project.

However, to get the most from your architect it’s important that you’re prepared as a client.

Here are our top tips to get you started:

Have a clear brief

A brief is a great starting point for discussions with an architect. It should include what you’re hoping to achieve and a wishlist of your top priorities. It’s also helpful to include what you love most about your current home and what your biggest frustrations are.

Understand your brief isn’t a fixed thing

The brief is a starting point that should be questioned and tested throughout the process. A good architect will help you to refine your brief and make sure you are getting the most from your project.

Be clear about your budget

It is important to talk about this from the outset so your architect can fit their designs to your budget. It’s also vital to consider all project costs including professional fees, VAT and other statutory fees not just build costs.

Challenge your architect

A good architect is open to being challenged and it’s important you do so. Be sure to ask plenty of questions.

Be open to new ideas

A client which starts the process by knowing exactly what they want will close themselves off to so many potential ways for their new building to enhance their lives.

Ready to start your dream project? Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can help.

Or sign up to our newsletter to receive more tips and inspiration.

2018 highlights

As 2018 comes to a close we wanted to share some of our highlights from the year.

And what a year it’s been. We’ve doubled in size, worked on some fantastic projects and won some awards along the way.

The year started with a bang after we were highly commended at The George Phillips Awards in Oakham for Stamford Road.

Speaking of awards, we have to mention Sycamore Hall being a finalist in The Daily Telegraph Homebuilding & Renovating Awards, and the Hen House being nominated for several awards this year, including the Sheffield Design Awards.

“The night at the Sheffield Design Awards was a personal fave. Particularly Al’s exuberant cheering!” – Liam

We felt an enormous sense of pride when our clients moved into the Hen House in the summer. Photographer Dug Wilders captured it brilliantly.

We were over the moon when Hugh Pearman, Editor of RIBA Journal decided to visit the Hen House.

Thankfully, Hugh was very impressed.

“It meant a lot to get the peer recognition and for Hugh to take enough interest to come to Sheffield.” – Paul

In July, we enjoyed a team away day. As with any business, it’s important to take a step back – and delicious food & coffee always helps.

“To be welcomed by such a fantastic group of people. I feel very fortunate to have found great colleagues for my first job out of uni.” – Marcus

Food is a constant source of discussion at the practice. This year we did our own Great British Bake Off sweepstake. Another highlight for Liam was when Julie made “that divine Lemon Meringue pie!”.

In September it was back to Oakham to host an Open House at our Stamford Road project. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet new and existing clients and showcase one of our fantastic homes.

“My highlight of 2018 is the TEAM, it really made a difference to work with amazing colleagues!” – Julie

And finally, we thought it was about time we commissioned some new photography of the team.

Elm provided the perfect location [if you haven’t been we can highly recommend it!] and the talented Helena Dolby took the photos.

To see more images from the shoot click here.

“I’ve loved growing the team & welcoming each fantastic member into the practice [along with the regular trips to the Bath Hotel that entailed].” – Alan

We hope you’ve enjoyed our 2018 highlights. For more news and monthly highlights sign up to our newsletter.

New team photos

A few days ago the team popped along to Elm for a photoshoot.

We thought it was about time we updated our photography to reflect our new – and much larger – team.

We wanted to do it in a place that was relaxed and felt like “us”. Elm is the perfect location, and not just because of the delicious coffee. We can also highly recommend it for a glass of wine and pizza in the evening.

A massive thank you to Sam, who opened up especially for us.

And of course, photographer Helena Dolby for the photos.

It was also a great opportunity to catch up on some projects.

We’re very impressed with Claire’s model for our new build in Brattleby.

A big thank you to Helena & Sam for a wonderful shoot!

Our favourite karaoke songs

We’re a divided practice when it comes to karaoke. Some of us [like Liam, Alan & Tom] can’t wait to belt out a good tune. Then there’s some who wouldn’t say no…and the rest of us that definitely wouldn’t say yes!

But one thing we do agree on is that your tune of choice says a lot about you. We’ll leave you to judge our choices below, and if we ever do make it out for a team karaoke we’ll share the video evidence.

Jolene – Dolly Parton

I am not a karaoke enthusiast but if I had to choose a karaoke song it will be this one – it always gets me singing and dancing. [Julie]

Purple Rain – Prince

Every time. Although the karaoke version is always too short and misses the best bits at toward the end; which I try to fill in any way…[Liam]

Lady In Red – Chris DeBurgh 

A classic. [Tom]

Psycho Killer – Talking Heads