THE PROCESS

When you choose Square Box Architecture as your architectural designer, you can trust that we provide a friendly, reliable and professional service, no matter what the size of the project.

There are several different stages to a building project and we can manage the whole process, from the moment you get in touch with us, to the moment you move in:

  • Initial Consultation. The first step is to meet you at your home (or on site) to gain a thorough understanding of you and your project. Together, we will talk through your needs and budget and discuss some initial design suggestions and ideas.

  • Fee Proposal. Based on our initial discussions we will produce a quote for our services.

  • Architectural Plans Drawn.  We will create and draw up designs and architectural plans for your project. Using the latest 3D architectural design software, we provide 3D views and walk-throughs as standard for a better understanding of how your project will look. We believe this is important as it can be hard to visualise a finished building from a plan. A virtual walk-through can give you a real feeling for the structure and space we have created for you.

  • Planning Application. We handle the entire planning process on your behalf. We will prepare and submit a Planning Application to the local council and manage the correspondence through to your decision date.

  • Construction Plans Drawn. Once you have planning permission you are still not quite ready to build. Before that can happen, we will need to produce a full construction package for your project. This comprises of a series of technical plans that show the materials and construction methods that should be used to build your new home and includes the technical data to demonstrate that we have designed your building in accordance with current Building Regulation Guidelines.

  • Building Regulations Approval. Before you can start on site, you must obtain Approval of your technical design from Building Control. A Building Regulations Approval application must be submitted for inspection and authorisation of the structure and materials you intend to use and it also makes sure that all current building regulations and guidelines are being adhered to within your intended construction methods. We will compile and manage your Building Regulations Application and liaise with the appointed Building Control Officer on your behalf.

  • Tender Process. We can help you find a building contractor for your project. We will prepare the details and invite construction companies to submit a tender to complete your building work. Our technical package contains specific construction drawings that show the details of the materials and the exact construction methods that a contractor will need to use in order to construct your building. These plans initially form part of the tender package so a contractor can use them to provide an accurate quote for their services and they will then be used to build from on site. We regularly work with a number of preferred partners that we know provide an excellent service if you don’t already have somebody in mind.

  • Project Management. Good project management is important to prevent errors and delays on site and their associated costs. We use specialist interactive scheduling software to coordinate and manage your project. We will make regular site visits to ensure the contractor builds in accordance with our agreed design and regulations and will coordinate all the professionals working on site to prevent delays.

    We will be there all the way to the completion of your perfect new home.