JRA can offer a full architectural service through all the design and construction stages of a project (from conception to completion). Alternatively, JRA can be appointed for specific project stages based on the project's particular requirements and factors such as budget, location and complexity.
The following five design stages are commonly used by JRA when tailoring the scope of work for a project:
Concept Design is the initial design stage that analyses the challenges and parameters and test the initial feasibility, ideas of the brief. A good brief can be key to a successful project. Justine is able to help clients capture their key aspirations alongside the challenges and parameters of the project.
Justine can complete measured surveys and/or advise on the surveys suitable for the project.
The type of planning permission and route taken to gain the correct permission or consent is subject to a number of factors, such as the size and type of the project, planning policies or conditions associated with the site or property. Some projects can benefit from pre-planning consultation with the council or additional input from a planning consultant.
Justine can help identify the type of planning application required, manage the consultation and application process with the council and aid in the appointment and integration of additional consultants as required due to particular requirements of the project.
Justine has worked on a number of planning applications and listed building consents involving a number of complexities. Design and Access Statements are sometimes required; please follow this link to see an example of a Design Statement.
Justine has a very high success rate of gaining the relevant planning permissions and listed building consents from various councils across the UK.
Building regulations plans approval is different from planning permission. A separate application is required to be made to either the local council or a private building control body for approval.
The building regulations (plans approval) application includes a more developed design, detailing the more technical components of the proposals such as the structure, construction, fire safety, accessibility and thermal performance.
A structural engineer and potentially other consultants feed into the architectural design at this stage. Justine has extensive experience of working effectively with other consultants and various building control bodies.
JRA also offers a building regulation plus package where additional information can be incorporated into the building regulations information to aid with the communication of key design elements with contractors or other consultants appointed during later phases of the project (if JRA's appointment does not include these later stages of the project).
Independent of the building regulations plans approval, inspections on site during construction are also required by building control in order to obtain the necessary final building control notice upon completion of the project. These inspections are arranged by the contractor and carried out by the relevant building control body, they do not form part of the building regulations plans approval completed at this stage of the project.
The technical design is the further development and detailing of the basic construction information completed at the building regulation stage and production of information for tender and construction purposes..
The drawings and specifications can be split over various packages of information; released for tender, completed prior to construction and agreed to be released during construction based on the specific needs of the project. It can also include interior design features (if not completed during earlier stages) and specification of the specialist materials, fixtures and fittings.
Finding the right contractor for a project is important, not only to gain the best price but also the most suitable skills for the size and specific requirements for the project. The tender can be either negotiated with one contractor or opened up to more than one (commonly three). The more detailed the package of information, the more detailed and/or accurate the contractor's proposal can be.
Justine has experience of various types of tender processes and management of the production information required for the packages of work throughout this stage of the project. Justine has also led the interior design, worked with interior designers or produced mood boards and material pallets for the client to develop their own choices for the interiors of a project.
Changes on site often create a need for additional details and design decisions to be made. Justine has experience of working closely with the client and contractor throughout the construction phase, providing additional details and design input as required.
In addition to this design lead role, Justine can also act as contract administrator during the three stages of the construction phase:
Pre-construction; Prior to construction commencing Justine can help agree and implement a suitable building contract between the client and the contractor.
Construction; Justine can help with the administration of the changes and progress of the project based on the chosen building contract in place.
Post-construction; Justine can help manage the snagging process and collate the final information and final account.
