Architectural Design
We design practical, buildable designs that satisfy both vision and budget.
Needed for this stage: I have a plot or building
Just picture walking through the doors of your dream home, every detail reflecting your unique vision and lifestyle.
Our Architectural Design service, led by our skilled Design Manager and Architectural TechnologistJob titles describing people who are able to design buildings and spaces, and are capable of collaboration with construction trades and specialists to manage projects to completion. ‘Architect’ & ‘Architectural Technologist’ are legally protected job titles, which can only be used by people who are professionally qualified and registered with a governing body which assesses them to ensure minimum standards and ethics., Chris, is the first step at turning this dream into a reality.
Chris takes a holistic approach to design, immersing himself in properly understanding who you are and what you are looking for. By spending time with both you and your site, he ensures that every element of your home is meticulously planned to meet your current and future needs.
Our designs are not only beautiful and functional but also practical and buildable, ensuring that your project exceeds your expectations but not your budget. Whether your project involves a modern masterpiece or a heritage building, we have the expertise and local knowledge to design a home that truly feels like yours.
How does it work?
01.
Discovery
You complete our Discovery Questionnaire and we conduct an Initial Site Appraisal. Together we discuss your vision for the project, either on-site or remotely to get a feel for what you are looking for.
02.
Proposal and fees
We provide you with a Project BriefThis describes the project and the aspects you’d like to include, such as alterations or removal of existing structures, number & type of rooms to be created, budget and timescales. This is a very early document in the whole process. and Fee ProposalFollowing our initial meeting and completion of the Discovery Questionnaire, we will provide you with a record of our discussions and detail your expectations and constraints regarding a project’s space, budget, and time requirements. We will define the services we offer you to achieve your needs, design timescales, and our design stage costs. outlining the expectations for the design phase and any associated costs so you know what to expect and can be confident we’ve understood the assignment and the budget.
03.
Feasibility
We then use various methods to assess the potential development characteristics (and constraints) of the site, a.k.a. a Feasibility StudyAs part of RIBA Stage 1, we examine maps, council policies, planning and historical records, and utility registers, which can define a site’s potential development characteristics and constraints. , and produce a 3D model using what’s called a Measured Survey. What’s in it for you? Peace of mind that anything that goes in our designs can, you know, actually be built.
04.
Concept Design
Here we put pen-to-paper (confession: it’s actually mouse-to-screen) to develop and refine your Concept DesignOnce we’ve determined your budget and space requirements, we can put together simple plans and 3D models to evaluate how the building(s) and site could look. These can be easily tweaked until the layouts and appearance match your wants and needs. This is also known as RIBA Stage 2. in 2D and 3D, including mood boards and material selections. You will finally get to see what your vision looks like in the real world for the first time.
05.
Budget review
Next we conduct a Budget Cost Review to ensure the design remains viable within your budget. We know the fear of runaway costs can be one of your biggest sources of sleepless nights during this process so we work hard to be transparent with budget at every possible opportunity to help you keep a handle on things.
06.
Developed Design
Last but not least, we make our final adjustments to your Concept DesignOnce we’ve determined your budget and space requirements, we can put together simple plans and 3D models to evaluate how the building(s) and site could look. These can be easily tweaked until the layouts and appearance match your wants and needs. This is also known as RIBA Stage 2. to make sure it ticks all the relevant planning and building regulation boxes and hey presto, it’s now a Developed DesignWe take your Concept Design, check & adjust it to meet planning and building regulations, and prepare it for submission to the Local Planning Authority. This is also known RIBA Stage 3.. Off to the Local Planning AuthorityCornwall Council is the Local Planning Authority for the whole of Cornwall, which determines if planning permissions meet national and local laws and principles. If you live outside Cornwall, or on the Isles of Scilly, your Local Planning Authority will be different. it goes to obtain the all important Planning PermissionConfirmation from the Local Planning Authority (council) that the development will meet laws and principles to maintain or enhance the visual, environmental and social aspects of the local area, covering all the aspects of how people will use the building. The Local Planning Authority’s appraisal prior to granting Planning Permission typically takes 8 weeks, and your neighbours are invited to comment, so early engagement with them is valuable. Alongside the drawings, we submit written documents and consultant reports to support the request. and your green light to proceed to the next stage.
Why choose Richards?
We have
Years of experience
After building houses for over 20 years you pick up a trick or two. No guesswork here, just a tried-and-tested approach.
We specialise in
Design and build
One team, seamlessly managing everything. No more juggling contractors; no more ‘lost in translation’, and no more costly handovers.
We are
Local experts
Building in Cornwall comes with its own unique set of challenges. We know exactly how to overcome them because we know the local landscape inside out.
We know
Heritage buildings
Listed BuildingA building (or part of a building) of historic significance, which is nationally registered and protected. Can include old stone gateposts, ancient monuments, and other things you might not expect.? AONBAn area that has been designated for conservation due to significant landscape value (rebranded from AONB to National Landscapes in 2023).? World Heritage Site? We will handle your build with sensitivity whilst helping you navigate any additional regulations.
